ITL 606: Parent/Student Welcome Letter

Dear Parents and Students,

In this class, I take a Humanist approach to learning.  Your student is not an empty vessel for me to fill with information.  You have a human, who I see as a whole person, needing often more than just literary information.  It is within this approach that I want students to engage in student-centered learning, participate in the governance of the class, and feel like they can participate in all aspects of the course learning framework.  It is with this approach in the classroom that I can tailor my efforts to students based on needs, in particular if they have an IEP or 504 Plan that requires differentiation. In my classroom, students come from all fabrics and require respect in order to learn.  It is with this approach that I will foster a learning environment that is accepting and cordial for all students and educators.

• ASK! - Questions are encouraged - but will only be addressed by raised hands - shouting out and talking over students is not encouraged.  Asking questions and joining in the conversation - is!
• Students should not pack up to leave their period until I am done teaching.  I would never hold them over as punishment, or make them late for a following class.  However, they should not close books or pack up until they are affirmed to do so.
• Bring Learning Materials - In High School, students should be equipped with an organizational folder, college ruled notebook paper, and pencils and pens.  These items should be brought with them to class. While I will have some supplemental materials, I cannot provide them for everyone. If you are interested in donating items for our class - please email me!
• My classroom will have textbooks and supplemental books that students will be able to check out and use in the classroom.  These materials should stay in the class for other students to borrow as well.
• Restroom - Students are encouraged to use facilities at appropriate times during passing periods.  While I have a pass for students, only one student can leave class at a time. Please encourage your student to manage their bathroom habits responsibly.
• Students will have ample time to talk to one another in class.  It is essential that they do so at a reasonable noise level and do not interrupt any lecture or lesson. Students should speak to each other using respectful language.
• Students may have a bottle of water in the classroom - but cannot eat or drink sugary drinks.  It is important to keep our classroom free of litter and vermin who lurk, waiting for an opportune dirty classroom.
• My desk is off limits to students.  Students are not permitted to sit at my desk or touch items on the desk without permission.  In turn, I will respect their belongings as well.
• During quiet periods and test taking, please limit interpersonal conversation and discussion with me.  Sometimes I will need to proctor exams. I am available to discuss grades and issues before and after school, and also with appointments as needed.
• Come to SCHOOL! But not if you are sick - Student health is important - if your student will be absent, they can typically be caught up through our Google Classroom platform, and also by emailing me to find out what they missed.  If your student is ill, please consider carefully whether they should be sent to school, it’s not a good look for a student to be so sick they are passing out in class.
• Students are expected to complete assignments by assigned due dates.  Extensions are only given for documented medical/family reasons. All due dates are generous in consideration to the timeline required to complete the assignment.  Students who turn in late work will see a letter grade deduction.
• In a classroom, we are full of different people and personalities.  Everyone is worthy of respect. It’s okay to disagree with respect. Students who are intolerant, are harassing others, or otherwise teasing, will go through the progressive discipline.