DATE

Dear Class CLASS NAME Parents,

     I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to GRADE and introduce myself to you.  This will be my THIRD year teaching at SCHOOL NAME, and I feel honored to be part of a community so dedicated to academic excellence and student achievement.  More important, however, is how pleased I am to have the opportunity to serve as your child‚s teacher for the 2006-2007 school year.  To me, there is no greater joy˜or more crucial a responsibility˜than furthering a child‚s intellectual and creative development.  As such, I look forward to getting to know your child and establishing a caring classroom environment of trust and learning aimed at helping all my students reach their full academic potential. 

     Because I am fairly new to the school, I would like to share a bit of my background with you.  YOUR OWN BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE

     With the invaluable knowledge that I received from Bank Street College, I work relentlessly to create a child-centered learning environment in which all of my students grow and learn to their full potential.  I enjoy helping students take ownership of their learning and believe that a combination of hands-on, cooperative learning activities, and constant encouragement are pivotal to the success of all students. 

     I look forward to creating a classroom environment that fosters creativity and a love of learning by encouraging questioning, wondering, and collaboration.  Collaboration is important because children can learn as much from each other as they can from me.   It is my hope that your child leaves GRADE with an even greater passion for reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and so much more. 

     In a short time, we will have the opportunity to meet face-to-face and get to know each other.  Until then, however, I remain eager to learn about your child.  Therefore, I invite you to write me a letter about your child telling me some important things that you think I should know.  Please try to include your hopes for your child this year, areas of strength and any areas of concern you may have.  I feel the more I know in advance, the more helpful I can be in facilitating the best learning experience.  You are welcome to drop off the letters in my mailbox in the main office, or send them with your child on the first day of school.  Your input is very important, and I appreciate your candor and insights. 

     Close communication throughout the year is very important to me.  The best way to leave a message for me is via e-mail at EMAIL ADDRESS.  Also, please note that the e-mail system may not be up and running the first few weeks of school.

     I am so excited to be teaching your child, and I look forward to a wonderful year!  It is hard to believe that school will begin in less than a month.  I hope you are enjoying the last few weeks of summer vacation.  I am looking forward to seeing everyone at „Back to School Night,‰ if not before.

     Welcome to GRADE ___!

Warmly,

NAME