Dear Families, My name is Mike Drummond and I am from Seattle University. I will be doing my teaching internship at Denny Middle School during winter term with Mr. Botley in your child’s math class. Although I am new to teaching, I have vast experience working with young people. I have raised two children of my own, and I have been involved in coaching and mentoring young people most of my adult life. I have coached boys and girls of all ages and have always felt a strong connection to my players. So, after 28 years in business, I have decided to make a career change and focus on something I love, working with children as a teacher. I have specifically chosen to teach middle school because I feel it is the time period when we lose many of our children. They are changing physically and mentally, and they are starting on their quest for personal identity. In searching for themselves they often get lost and need an adult, often times someone other than a parent, to guide them back to a less risky pathway. I hope to be the type of teacher and mentor that can help students find their way. One of the excellent programs at Denny is “Encore” reading. Every student in the school, at the beginning of fifth period, reads silently for twenty minutes. Even though I am a math teacher, I created a literacy unit plan as part of my graduation requirement at Seattle University and will be implementing it during encore. Each student will pick one of five books I have selected and form book groups with four other students. The books are age appropriate, from a variety of cultural perspectives, and all have the theme of searching for personal identity. My hope is that through reading, discussing, and writing about the book, the students will gain perspective and insight into their own search for identity. I have secured extra copies of the books and would like to invite you into your child’s book group. You would simply read the book and discuss it with your child at home whenever it is convenient. Although you are welcome in the classroom, you would not be required to attend any sessions at school. The culminating project will be an oral group presentation by each book group highlighting the book’s theme, main ideas, characters, and supporting details. You are invited to attend the presentation on your child’s book as well. I have created a webpage about the book group project that contains information about the books, discussion questions, and writing prompts to help the reader read for deeper understanding and meaning. I will send hard copies of the discussion questions and writing prompts home with the students as well. You can contact via e-mail at drummon3@seattleu.edu or call me at (206) 390-7202 if you have any questions about the book group or any other concerns you might have about your child. I am excited about teaching at Denny, and I look forward to working with you in the education of your child. Sincerely, Mike Drummond |