Mrs. Dunham Academic Support

September 2019

Michele Dunham, Grade 8 Special Education Teacher

mdunham@sandwich.k12.ma.us

This course is designed to assist students with managing the academic expectations of the STEM Academy through an individual approach based on each student's IEP. We meet six days in our seven-day schedule. We focus on individual students' learning styles and habits , study / organizational skills and strategies that will assist students in accessing academic information. It is not a study hall. Most classes begin with a teacher-directed review of assignments and timelines, due dates and upcoming assignments. Academic information from students' general ed classes will be pre-taught, clarified, practiced, and/or reviewed depending on students' needs. Academic Support should also be a place where students ask questions about assignments they are struggling with from any of their other classes. Additional instruction, repetition and practice will be provided. Your student should have homework every night - there is no way that all homework is completed in Academic Support.

Students should be doing at least 30 minutes of reading and/or homework 5 nights per week. I will expect students to write all assignments in their agendas and appreciate you randomly checking these agendas to stay informed about upcoming projects, tests and quizzes.. Please monitor and encourage your students to complete work nightly and come in with specific questions when they are confused.

Weekly checks of PowerSchool can also give you specific information about your child's grade in each class, completed/missing homework, and an overview of current performance.

I am very grateful to be working with your children this year and I already see so much talent, ability and kindness. I am excited and hopeful for a wonderful year!

Michele