November 16, 2011
Dear Parent/Guardian:
If it hasn’t happened yet, I encourage you to
discuss the first mark period report card with your child. Rather than
focusing on the numbers, try asking your son or daughter something about the
courses instead. What do you like about
them? What’s difficult, which is your
favorite? Where do you have a learning
strength or, area of interest? What are some really interesting or unexpected
things you’ve learned thus far? You will probably learn a lot about your son or
daughter as a learner, since your questions will be ones of interest rather
than judgment about his or her performance.
On the other hand, we really do want all of our students to
perform at their academic best! So, how
to motivate your child toward personal success, if you don’t believe he or she
is there yet? That is the essential
question we grapple with here as well and there are no easy answers. The good
news is that we have three years here at the middle level, to prepare students
for successful high school careers and beyond. Tried and true methods include a regular
homework expectation, helping to instill organizational and study skills,
regular and supportive communication between home and school, and expectation
levels that are realistic and attainable.
I encourage you to call Mrs. Hains or Mrs. Obrizok if you would like
some tips on utilizing these strategies at home. To foster good home-school communication, a
parent-teacher conference is essential. If
you were unable to schedule one for this week, call Mrs. Hains to set something
up with the grade level team in the coming days or weeks.
Don’t hesitate to call with any questions or suggestions.
Together, we really do make a difference!
On behalf of everyone here at MMS, I
wish you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving and holiday season.
Warm regards,
Phyllis A. Amori, Ed. D.