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jambalady
Is it summer yet?
Member since 8/06 7392 total posts
Name:
Holly
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Would you be concerned - teacher-related
DS just started 1st grade.
We did not get an introductory letter the first week.
We got one yesterday. It was extremely generic and didn't speak at all about the curriculum, what she expected for the year, what she needed from us, as parents, or what the structure (classroom, homework) would be like.
It also included this sentence:
“I am excited about the upcoming year and what I have planned for your child. Your child will be learning new skills, gaining information, learning how to work and play with others, developing creativity, having fun and most import developing his or her self-esteem.”
I'm annoyed. Would you be concerned?
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Posted 9/9/14 2:30 PM  |
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GraciesMom
LIF Adult
Member since 7/05 1636 total posts
Name:
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
Thats more than I got from my DDs 2nd and 4th grade teachers. My DS's K teacher did send home an intro. I think most teachers wait until back to school night to go through plans and expectations.
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| Posted 9/9/14 3:30 PM |
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
I would think they would discuss more at open school night.
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| Posted 9/9/14 3:46 PM |
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sapphire
LIF Adolescent
Member since 6/06 568 total posts
Name:
Elizabeth
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
Honestly ? She sounds like she has her priorities straight ! Creativity, self esteem, having fun and working with others !
If you have a "meet the teacher" night they usually go over the layout of the day and the programs they will implement.
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| Posted 9/9/14 4:29 PM |
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jambalady
Is it summer yet?
Member since 8/06 7392 total posts
Name:
Holly
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
maybe I'm spoiled, but when he was in kindergarten, we got an intro letter the first day, where she told us exactly what the curriculum was, when she was assigning homework and when she was expecting it back, a Shutterfly share account to post information, as well as her personal email.
I got something very similar from my daughter's pre-k teacher.
This letter is generic and says nothing about homework expectations/trips/curriculum, etc.
Oh, and I cannot get past the grammer mistake "and most import". That was not me mistyping. That's what was in her letter.
It's "and, most importantly,".
If she is so rushed that she can't proofread her FIRST letter to the parents, how dedicated is she really going to be?
Maybe my bar is set too high, but his old teacher was phenomenal, and my DD's daughter seems great as well.
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| Posted 9/9/14 5:31 PM |
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Tah-wee-ZAH
Kisses
Member since 5/05 15952 total posts
Name:
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
My kids are in 2nd.
Their two first grade and two second grade teachers sent home generic letters and a "test" e-mail during the first few days of school.
Many schools ask teachers to save specifics to Back to School night as an added incentive for parents to attend.
As a secondary education teacher, I do the same. I send home a generic classroom contract and I cover the curriculum, Common Core concerns, Regents, etc. during Back to School night.
Message edited 9/9/2014 6:39:43 PM.
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| Posted 9/9/14 6:38 PM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
Name:
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
Well I have never received a letter for K-2nd. None of my friends have except one and her teacher was horrible. I have had nothing but phenomenal teachers and never received one.  In our district we have back to school night. Our teachers at that point lay out the daily schedule, what they will learn, any important information, etc. The class parents before that sit down with the teacher and make a list of trips, parties, whatever so at back to school night they can do a lottery.
IMO writing a letter anyone can do, it does not make them a good teacher. I know one mom whose teacher wrote a letter as you described, but was not a very good teacher. Every teacher has their own thing. I would hold off before getting upset.
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| Posted 9/9/14 7:07 PM |
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jambalady
Is it summer yet?
Member since 8/06 7392 total posts
Name:
Holly
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
We don't have back to school night or anything like that, so usually this is the teacher's opportunity to set the tone for the year.
And no one thinks that the grammatical error slows sloppiness? DH's Kindergarten teacher always stressed that you should have pride in what you do. This is her first impression on parents. At least proofread your letter.
Maybe I am overreacting, but it's inconsistent with what I have seen.
ETA: There's is a "Tea with the Teachers" that is in mid October, but that's already a month into the school year.
Message edited 9/9/2014 7:23:40 PM.
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| Posted 9/9/14 7:19 PM |
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hmm
Sweet
Member since 1/14 7993 total posts
Name:
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
if you feel so put off why don't you call and speak to her. IMO after you take a breath so that the conversation goes well.
let her know you felt concerned about a letter with little information and its not what you expected. You would feel more comfortable with a laid out plan for your child's school year and waiting til Oct is too long a wait. Ask her all the questions you have.
yes perhaps she should have proof read. Try not to hold it against her. We are all humans.
Message edited 9/9/2014 7:52:35 PM.
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| Posted 9/9/14 7:51 PM |
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jgl
Love my little boys!!!
Member since 8/07 7060 total posts
Name:
g
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
Posted by jambalady
maybe I'm spoiled, but when he was in kindergarten, we got an intro letter the first day, where she told us exactly what the curriculum was, when she was assigning homework and when she was expecting it back, a Shutterfly share account to post information, as well as her personal email.
I got something very similar from my daughter's pre-k teacher.
This letter is generic and says nothing about homework expectations/trips/curriculum, etc.
Oh, and I cannot get past the grammer mistake "and most import". That was not me mistyping. That's what was in her letter.
It's "and, most importantly,".
If she is so rushed that she can't proofread her FIRST letter to the parents, how dedicated is she really going to be?
Maybe my bar is set too high, but his old teacher was phenomenal, and my DD's daughter seems great as well.
I send a general info letter 1st day all the other stuff gets discussed at open school
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| Posted 9/9/14 8:04 PM |
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jambalady
Is it summer yet?
Member since 8/06 7392 total posts
Name:
Holly
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
Posted by hmm
if you feel so put off why don't you call and speak to her. IMO after you take a breath so that the conversation goes well.
let her know you felt concerned about a letter with little information and its not what you expected. You would feel more comfortable with a laid out plan for your child's school year and waiting til Oct is too long a wait. Ask her all the questions you have.
yes perhaps she should have proof read. Try not to hold it against her. We are all humans.
I'm going to just see how the rest of the week goes. It's just hard for me as a working parent to not know what to expect for the school year.
When I get nothing of substance home to give a hint as to her teaching style I just get concerned.
As I said, all my kids previous teachers from pre-school on have been wonderful and overly communicative.
This is the first time where I feel blind to what is going on.
If I don't see anything by the end of the week that gives me an indication of what to expect for the year I will send her a note asking if we can speak.
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| Posted 9/9/14 8:26 PM |
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LSP2005
Bunny kisses are so cute!
Member since 5/05 19458 total posts
Name:
L
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
I truly get why you are concerned, but elementary school is entirely different than preschool. You are paying for preschool. They want to make you happy. I would expect to receive additional information concerning the curriculum at the back to school night event.
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| Posted 9/9/14 9:11 PM |
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MichLiz213
Life is Good!
Member since 7/07 7979 total posts
Name:
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
Posted by jambalady
And no one thinks that the grammatical error slows sloppiness? DH's Kindergarten teacher always stressed that you should have pride in what you do. This is her first impression on parents. At least proofread your letter.
If it was a constant thing, I would be concerned. But it happens. You just wrote "slows sloppiness" instead of "shows sloppiness." It happens to the best of us. Sometimes we proofread on the fly and one gets past us. If she's using their, there, or they're in the wrong context, then that would be concerning.
I would give it time.
Message edited 9/9/2014 9:21:07 PM.
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| Posted 9/9/14 9:19 PM |
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cj7305
=)
Member since 8/05 12296 total posts
Name:
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
I would not be concerned at all. I'm sure she meant "importantly" but it was simply a typo. At times when I am revamping my welcome letter form the previous year, I will make silly mistakes or leave letters off if I cut and paste or something like that. Luckily I usually catch them before it is sent. I would assume she would just explain those policies at Meet The Teacher night. I'm a teacher and I do not send home all of my classroom policies ahead of time. I use that night to explain everything to the parents in person. I do send an intro letter over the summer and something on the first day but I know many who do not. If your questions are not answered at back to school night, then I would call her to discuss your questions further.
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| Posted 9/9/14 9:32 PM |
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jambalady
Is it summer yet?
Member since 8/06 7392 total posts
Name:
Holly
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
Posted by MichLiz213
Posted by jambalady
And no one thinks that the grammatical error slows sloppiness? DH's Kindergarten teacher always stressed that you should have pride in what you do. This is her first impression on parents. At least proofread your letter.
If it was a constant thing, I would be concerned. But it happens. You just wrote "slows sloppiness" instead of "shows sloppiness." It happens to the best of us. Sometimes we proofread on the fly and one gets past us. If she's using their, there, or they're in the wrong context, then that would be concerning.
I would give it time.
I'm not a teacher.
I'm posting one handed on my iPhone on a chat site. I review my emails and letters when I am working.
I get it. It's one letter. It's only a week into school. I should reserve judgement until I get a better idea of who she is.
Nevertheless, I'm not thrilled with the first impression. Listen, I totally hope I'm wrong and she turns out to be fabulous!
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| Posted 9/9/14 9:36 PM |
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Porrruss
Nya nya nya
Member since 5/05 11618 total posts
Name:
Amy
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
I don't give a crap about the teacher putting on a dog and pony show for me..... All I care about is that they keep my child excited about learning. With all the craziness expected for educators, I want her energy focused on my kid. If you are so concerned about the curriculum, I'll bet you can access it through your district's site. If there's one good thing about CCSS, it should be easily found.
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| Posted 9/9/14 9:53 PM |
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Sash
Peace
Member since 6/08 10312 total posts
Name:
fka LIW Smara
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
Posted by Porrruss
I don't give a crap about the teacher putting on a dog and pony show for me..... All I care about is that they keep my child excited about learning. With all the craziness expected for educators, I want her energy focused on my kid. If you are so concerned about the curriculum, I'll bet you can access it through your district's site. If there's one good thing about CCSS, it should be easily found.
I agree.. My sons kindergarten teacher didn't send a note or go cover the curriculum last year and she was freaking awesome! He came home with his hwk and work the first week and pretty much knew what they were doing. Also any questions I had I would just email and always got a response. My son did great and excelled and it was because of his teacher.
This year his teacher sent a letter and it was cute but I'm more concerned with him continuing to learn and be excited for school. Also if I am able to talk and communicate with her is really important to me.
I would give it time. Sounds like you may be jumping the gun.
Message edited 9/9/2014 10:22:04 PM.
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| Posted 9/9/14 10:20 PM |
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JennP
LIF Adult
Member since 10/06 3986 total posts
Name:
Jenn
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
Respectfully, I think you are getting upset way too soon and about something that I believe to be minor in the grand scheme of things.
You should save some of this energy for concern over the following: Does the teacher connect with and build a rapport with the children? Does the teacher provide age appropriate, relevant, and engaging lessons? Does the teacher encourage creativity, collaboration, etc. and all of the other attributes that age is working on? Does the teacher make your DC feel welcomed, important and loved? Etc., etc.
All the important stuff you won't know for a couple of weeks. If you still have concerns then definitely get on the phone or send an email but give the woman a chance to show you what she can do in the classroom.
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| Posted 9/9/14 10:32 PM |
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trinityk221
LIF Zygote
Member since 9/14 12 total posts
Name:
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Would you be concerned - teacher-related
Imo you will look very over the top if you address her letter not being to your liking. I think it'll start the year off on a bad foot.
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| Posted 9/9/14 10:59 PM |
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pharmcat2000
Mom of 2 + 1
Member since 10/05 7395 total posts
Name:
Catherine
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
I think you're reading too much into it. I have never expected an intro letter from DD's teachers, and I truthfully don't even remember if I ever did. When I did go into the classrooms, I was very impressed by how much work the teachers put into setting up their classrooms for the kids to succeed. I put much more stock into that than into a generic letter that is probably used year after year. Make a point of bringing DS into school one morning, and I'm sure you'll be pleased with what the teacher has set up for him. You can also then raise questions you may have regarding the curriculum. And as for "important" vs. "importantly", I would let it go. As a PP stated, I'd be concerned if the wrong "there" or "weather" or "which" is being used. Anybody can make a mistake, even when discussing grammAr. 
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| Posted 9/10/14 2:18 AM |
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
You have the right to feel however you want to feel.
It sounds like the bigger issue probably is it's well into week 2 already and you've had no communication home.
I totally get how that could be concerning to parent.
I'm also a FT working mom so that can add to it even more since you are not able to be as face to face involved.
I suggest reaching out to her and not focusing on the letter but just introduce yourself, and let her know you are involved and maybe any concerns you have for your DC.
Does she have email?
I've been in touch with DS teacher already this way as well as via note in his folder.
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| Posted 9/10/14 5:33 AM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
Name:
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
Ok I guess I can see why the letter is important if you do not have back to school night. As far as the typo. Could be an autocorrect, who knows. I agree with others about being more concerned if they used weather over whether etc.
If you are really concerned you could email your teacher with some questions I guess. But I might wait a week or two and first see if she provides this information as you get going. The start of the year is often getting into the routine, assessments etc. how does your child feel about the teacher?
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| Posted 9/10/14 5:41 AM |
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jambalady
Is it summer yet?
Member since 8/06 7392 total posts
Name:
Holly
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
Posted by MorningCuppaCoffee
You have the right to feel however you want to feel.
It sounds like the bigger issue probably is it's well into week 2 already and you've had no communication home.
I totally get how that could be concerning to parent.
I'm also a FT working mom so that can add to it even more since you are not able to be as face to face involved.
I suggest reaching out to her and not focusing on the letter but just introduce yourself, and let her know you are involved and maybe any concerns you have for your DC.
Does she have email?
I've been in touch with DS teacher already this way as well as via note in his folder.
That's exactly it. I feel lost about what my son (and I, as her partner in helping her with my son's education) should be doing this year.
She did not provide an email (which has always been provided in the past).
I guess I sounded crazy harping on the stupid letter, but as of right now, that's all I have from her.
I'll check the school website to see if her email is posted. If not, like I said, I will wait out the week and send a note to see if we can talk.
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| Posted 9/10/14 6:21 AM |
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jambalady
Is it summer yet?
Member since 8/06 7392 total posts
Name:
Holly
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
Posted by Lillykat
how does your child feel about the teacher?
He's like any kid! It's pulling teeth to get him to talk.
He's spoken about things like library time or art time or lunch, but I haven't heard anything about her yet.
and so far, homework has been "Getting to know you" stuff.
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| Posted 9/10/14 6:23 AM |
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
Posted by jambalady
Posted by MorningCuppaCoffee
You have the right to feel however you want to feel.
It sounds like the bigger issue probably is it's well into week 2 already and you've had no communication home.
I totally get how that could be concerning to parent.
I'm also a FT working mom so that can add to it even more since you are not able to be as face to face involved.
I suggest reaching out to her and not focusing on the letter but just introduce yourself, and let her know you are involved and maybe any concerns you have for your DC.
Does she have email?
I've been in touch with DS teacher already this way as well as via note in his folder.
That's exactly it. I feel lost about what my son (and I, as her partner in helping her with my son's education) should be doing this year.
She did not provide an email (which has always been provided in the past).
I guess I sounded crazy harping on the stupid letter, but as of right now, that's all I have from her.
I'll check the school website to see if her email is posted. If not, like I said, I will wait out the week and send a note to see if we can talk.
While it's not necessary, I think it does make a difference if a teacher goes the extra mile to reach out.
I work in a similar profession and I personally feel it's bad practice to not do this, especially with a new client after their first day in my program.
It's how you establish a good relationship with the family/natural supports.
And I have a lot of clients too ;).
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| Posted 9/10/14 7:41 AM |
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