Fall, 2003

Dear Parents,

I am happy to welcome your child to seventh grade here at Mesa Verde. I am excited to have your child in my class this year. I know he/she will have a very enjoyable and productive year.

Being a teacher of humanities encompasses teaching your child for three periods: social studies (encompassing world history, geography and current events), writing, and reading. Making reading fun is my ultimate goal. I integrate the curriculum to not only enhance learning but to make it more memorable and interesting. What this means is we may be reading a novel that coincides with the time period in history that we are studying or is related to a significant theme. From there we tie in our writing lessons. I also will focus on current events and how they directly link us to the past. At Back to School Night (September 3^rd) I’ll explain further about these thematic units and lay out a curriculum time line for the year.

I have five rules that will be constantly and consistently enforced:

1. Show respect (for all peers, teachers, and any other adults who may be present in the class)

2. Be prepared (bring all books, materials, and homework to class at the assigned time)

3. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself

4. Allow others the right to learn

5. Adhere to the economic and management structure of the classroom

I’ve established an economic structure that allows students to be paid on a weekly basis (play money, not real money, of course), and when class policies are violated, students must pay a fine. Auctions and drawings will take place periodically to reward those who earn and save their tickets. Adhering to this economic structure is only a part of my discipline plan. For severe problems I will follow the school’s discipline, which is outlined in the Mesa Verde Binder Reminder, and contact you immediately.

I believe in contacting parents early if I detect a problem. However, with the number of students I will have, it can take awhile to get to know your child as well as I hope to. So, I am asking you to please take some time to help me get to know your child through your eyes. Please fill out the enclosed form and return it in a sealed envelope (or not—if you want to share it with your child) as soon as possible. My goal for your child is to provide him/her with a solid foundation for 7^th grade and teach the rewards of responsibility while fostering a good self-esteem.

Please stop by any time! And I hope to see you on September 3^rd at Back to School Night. More information regarding this event will be passed out later.

I look forward to meeting you and having a great year!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Elise W. Milling