Chapter 7
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Welcome to the new school year!
I am so happy to have your child as a student in my second-grade class, and I look forward to spending the next ten months learning with them.
But you know your child best! As a parent, your perception of your child is a valuable resource.
The more I know and understand about my students, the more effective I can be as a teacher.
I would love it if you would participate in this “parent homework assignment!” Sometime this week, please write me a letter, introducing me to your child.
You might want to include a biography, strengths, weaknesses, special abilities, past school experiences.
You might also like to tell me about your expectations for this school year.
Include any information that you’d like me to keep in mind while teaching your child.
Thank you in advance for your time and attention to this matter! I’m excited to read your letters and will respond to any concerns and issues at Back to School Night next week. All letters will be treasured and kept confidential.
Due date: This Friday!
Respectfully,
Miss Stiles
P.S. This “assignment” can be sent back with your child as a letter or emailed to me at estiles@
TO: estiles@
FROM: directoralexvega@
SUBJECT: Ryder Tully-Vega
Dear Miss Stiles,
Ryder is hilarious and brilliant and creative and perfect.
He’s the light of my life and a healthy influence on his mother.
He has been since the day he was born.
It is my hope that school won’t ruin everything that is special about him.
Thanks for your attention to this matter,
Alex Vega
TO: Alex Vega
FROM: Emilia Stiles
SUBJECT: Ryder Tully-Vega
Dear Mr. Vega,
Thanks so much for your prompt response to my letter. I agree that Ryder is a very special boy, and it warms my heart to see that you are so supportive of him. I’ll certainly try my best not to ruin anything that is special about him or any of my students.
I would really appreciate it if you could elaborate a bit, though.
Please feel free to share any concerns about him with me, as regards his education.
Sometimes parents like to share anecdotes about their children. Whatever might come to mind. Hobbies, favorite after school activities. Any significant life changes that you would like me to know about?
I can see from his past report cards and records that he is an excellent scholar.
The “parent homework” is meant as a fun opportunity for parents and guardians to provide some insight into anything that might not be reflected in the students’ paperwork.
Best,
Miss Stiles
TO: Emilia Stiles
FROM: Alex Vega
SUBJECT: Ryder Tully-Vega
Ryder has had nothing but good things to say about you today, Miss Stiles.
I hope he continues to have a positive experience in your class.
As far as I can tell, I have completed your fun assignment.
I have nothing further to add to my earlier email and would rather spend this time with my son.
If there is anything you would like to ask me, please do so in a direct manner.
Thanks,
Alex Vega
TO: Alex Vega
FROM: Emilia Stiles
SUBJECT: meeting re. Ryder Tully-Vega
Dear Mr. Vega,
I hope this email finds you well.
Sorry you weren’t able to attend Back to School Night last week.
I tried calling you yesterday, but I didn’t leave messages.
I’m writing to inform you that your son, Ryder Tully-Vega, is an extremely bright boy.
The quality of his schoolwork and homework are excellent.
However, he has been exhibiting a certain amount of mildly disruptive behavior in class since day one.
While being very friendly and upbeat, his excessive talking takes my time and attention away from other students and also takes my students’ attention away from the lessons. I would love to nip this in the bud before it becomes a larger issue.
I would like to meet with you as soon as possible so we can work together to help Ryder overcome this problem.
Please let me know when you are available for a Parent-Teacher conference. You are welcome to stop by my classroom after school. Ryder can be present, and I would encourage his involvement in this discussion.
Sincerely,
Miss Stiles