August 2007

Dear Parents and Guardians,

You may be surprised to be receiving a letter from “the fifth-grade teacher,” so let me explain my purpose. I have always been a supporter of home-school communication. One of the best ways to get in touch with me is though e-mail. If you have an e-mail address and you don’t mind sharing it with me, I would appreciate it as a means of communication. The instructions on how to email me are on the Staff Webpage if you have any questions, comments, or concerns. It is my hope that these notes will be the basis of a year’s worth of dialogue between us. We’ll discuss your child, what’s happening in class, ways you can support his/her learning at home, and ways I can extend what you do at home in school.

My hope for this kind of ongoing dialogue leads me to my first request: Would you take a few minutes to jot down some thoughts about your son/daughter? I’d like your message to be positive. What shouldn’t I wait to find out about him/her? What are his/her greatest strengths, proudest achievements, favorite years in school? What will I notice about them right away? What are the things you like or admire most about them? Is there anything else that I should know about your child that will help him/her succeed? Why am I asking you to do this? Well, I answer with another question: When a parent and a teacher communicate regularly about a child, does the child have a happier, more successful school year? On the surface it’s a simple question that many people would answer with a quick “yes,” but I think it deserves more deliberate consideration. Last year I asked families to write these kinds of letters, and the results were wonderful! I’m getting a head start on a home-school relationship, which is why you’re getting this letter early! Please write as much or as little as you’d like. I’m just looking for that kernel of knowledge you can share with me to help start fifth grade on a confident note.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter, and thanks in advance for responding to it. There’s no rush to turn in the writing, it is simply made to help me get to know your child better. Please feel free to share concerns, questions, or advice with me.

Again, I look forward to meeting you this fall and discussing the curriculum expectations during Back-To-School Night.

Sincerely,

Ms. Johanna Masotti

(413)789-1400 X448

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