Parent Communication

Dear Parents,

It is my honor to be teaching your children this year! I have an exciting year planed with many engaging activities in store to advance the reading and writing skills of your children. I encourage all of you to reach out to me with any questions, concerns, or to ask for support. You have all been given my contact information and it is my intention to be prompt and thorough in my responses. As we know, it takes a village and I hope to be a small part of the team that inspires your children during their development. However, I would like to make clear that it is not my expectation that you always reach out to me. I have created a plan to increase communication with all of you. In order to be successful, please send an email to msknowltononline@gmail.com with your current and preferred email. If I do not receive it, don't worry! I'll be using the emails that are on file with the district. At any time, you can get in touch with me to update your preferred contact information. Also, feel free to follow along on the class website to keep updates on what is assigned and when it is due.

Monthly Progress Report

Please expect a progress report from me regarding your student by the end of each month. I will be send a specific and detailed report that will include your students current grade, any outstanding work, information about what your child is doing well academically and socially, any suggestions as to what your child can do to advance their skills, and what is coming up in class to be aware of.

Student of the Week

I will be emailing 1 parent each week to honor a student who is doing particularly well. This will not necessarily be an academic award. It will often be awarded to a student who is working diligently, challenging themselves, showing determination and focus in their work. Additionally, it may be awarded to a student is very helpful, encouraging and an asset to the community of the classroom. I look forward to sharing this positive news with you!

Quarterly College Preparedness Event

Each Quarter, I will be coordinating an event for students and their parents who are interested in exploring college opportunities. If you or your student wants assistance or advice with college essays, applications, scholarship opportunities, or admission processes, this event is for you! Additionally, it will be a great opportunity for your children to line up letters of recommendation from their teachers. It is a community event in which all the students and parents of the school are invited. The school counselors will be present, as will myself and many other of the school's teachers. Parent and student volunteers will also be present to share their knowledge. I highly encourage you to attend if college is something that even remotely interests your family. I will be posting the event dates on the class website as well as sending an email reminder to all of you. As the coordinator of the event, I am happy to answer any questions you have about it.

Extras

School conferences will occur twice per year and I will share information on the class website about it, as well as send an email reminder to all of you. Do not feel that this is your only opportunity to have a face-to-face meeting with me! I am happy to schedule time with you to discuss your children's experience in my classroom. Just reach out to me and we will set it up!