Sample 1: Get to Know Your Teacher Letter

Welcome to World History!

I'm so excited to start out another year here at North Houston Early College. My name is
Anna Kerr and I will be your childs tenth grade history teacher this year. To have a place
of growing knowledge and acceptance is what I want for my classroom. I would hope that
we will be able to work towards a successful year together.
I was born and raised in LaGrange, Georgia and attended the University of Georgia where
I graduated with a degree in elementary education grades kindergarten through 6th. I
moved to Houston over 5 years ago to begin teaching Pre K. I love the baby learners but
was ready to take on a challenge. So, 3 years ago I decided to switch to high school and I
have never looked back.
I have been at North Houston for 2 years and cannot encourage you more to feel
comfortable with the education that your child will receive at this school. By making the
effort to have your child enrolled in our magnet program you have set them up for a
bright future.
Teaching has always been a passion for me. I have a love for learning and I would hope
that my students would also learn to love learning as much as I do. By making my
classroom a safe, fun and disciplined place for my students, I would hope that they will
enjoy coming to my classroom and learning something new everyday. I feel that all
children are different and require specific attention and affection for them to flourish. I
will strive to be that for each of my students; an educator who loves each child that
walks in her door and gives each of them not only an education, but a passion to learn.
This year will definitely be a fun year, but as in every school year, things can and will
come up. I believe that a successful year starts with an open communication line
between parents and teachers. Please feel free to call (469-555-3555 ext. 53571) or
email (akerr1@houstonisd.org) me anytime you have any concerns. My conference time
is from 11:40-12:30 on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Also, with any emails sent,
please allow me till the end of the day to respond.
Looking forward to diving into world cultures and opening your child's mind to the
opportunities that await. Thank you for partnering in this with me.
Sincerely,
Anna Kerr

Sample 2: Parent Guide"

Parents Guide to Student Success
This guide provides an overview of what your child will learn by the end of this class. This
guide is based on the Core standards outline by the Houston Independent School district.
If your child is meeting the expectations outlined in these standards he or she will be
well prepared for the next level.
Why Are Academic Standards Important?
The academics standards are important because they prepare students for success in
college and in the workforce. These standards are state tested and are required in order
for the students to be promoted. The standards also provide students with purpose
driven goals that help them develop critical thinking skills that will prepare him or her for
college and career success.
Below are the standards your child will be working on this year:
ELA.9.1B Analyze textual context (within a sentence and in larger sections of text) to distinguish
between the denotative and connotative meanings of words.
Reading
ELA.9.Fig19B Make complex inferences about text and use textual evidence to support
understanding
ELA.9.2A Analyze how the genre of texts with similar themes shapes meaning.
ELA.9.2C Relate (compare/contrast) the figurative language of a literary work to its historical and
cultural setting.
ELA.9.5A Analyze and discuss the purpose of non-linear plot development (e.g., flashbacks,
foreshadowing, sub-plots, parallel plot structures) and compare it to linear plot development..
ELA.9.5C Analyze the way in which a work of fiction is shaped by the narrators point-of-view.
Writing
ELA.9.13A Plan a first draft by selecting the correct genre for conveying the intended meaning to
multiple audiences, determining appropriate topics through a range of strategies (e.g., discussion,
background reading, personal interests, interviews), and developing a thesis or controlling idea.
ELA.9.17C Use a variety of correctly structured sentences (e.g., compound, complex, compoundcomplex).Vocabulary
ELA.9.1B Analyze textual context (within a sentence and in larger sections of text) to distinguish
between the denotative and connotative meanings of words.
Help your Child learn at Home: Provide your child with a safe, calm, environment
where he or she can complete given assignments. This helps student have the classroom
culture at home, where you can be the teacher. This will also keep you updated on what
your kid is learning, pushing you as a parent to support them.
Talking to your Childs Teacher: Communication is imperative for the success of a
student. Keeping in constant communication with your childs teacher holds the student
accountable and provides opportunity for you to remain an important part of your childs
education.

Sample 3: Back to School Night Letter

You're Invited!
What: Our Annual Back to School Night
When: Thursday, September 24, 2015
7:00pm
Why:
We need you to partner with us in your child's
education!
Come join the PTSA
Learn about extra-curricular activities
Technology workshops for parents
Meet your child's teachers
Purchase Fall fundraiser tickets
Senior Parents- learn about the college
application and scholarship process
Pick up textbooks

Sample 4: This Month in _____________ Letter

Our Class Newsletter

_________________________________________________________________________________________
Issue: Fall 2015
James Madison High School
Teacher: Ms. Johnson
__________________________________________________________________________________________

In this Issue:
Welcome to the 1st issue of our monthly class newsletter. Here you can read
updates on whats going on in our classroom so that you can always know
what your child is doing!
Essential Question: What are the pros & cons of digital life?
A month at a Glance:
This month we will be focusing on technology, communication and
media! Because students are engaging in the Ilit programwhich is
a virtual reading programthey will be able to discover how
technology effects their lives. This month students will be able to
read virtual texts that focus on communication, media, and social
media. Students will be able to discuss, make connections with the
text, and become critical thinkers as they journey through the
program (believe me they are super excited about using the iPad to
read).
Important Info:

Sign & return the student/parent survey

Fill out & return lunch application/enrollment forms

Composition notebooks are REQUIRED

Do you want to get involved? Stop by the parent center to become a
volunteer or speak to me directly!
Mark Your Calendar:

Open House 9/16

Early Dismissal 9/22

No school 9/23

Power-Up Night **bring your $25.00 laptop deposit 9/25

A note from the Teacher:
Hello Parents, Each month I will be sending home a newsletter just to give
updates on what is going on in our classroom. If you have any questions or
concerns, please contact me directly and I will get back to you within 24
hours.

Phone: (720) 840-1339

Email: vjohns@houstonisd.org.

Sample 5: Survey
PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE AND SURVEY
(Please return this survey with the syllabus to the next class)
Thank you for taking the time to complete this brief survey for my class. The more
information I have, the better we can work together to help your student do well in my
class.
Student Name:
____________________________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Relationship to student:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
What is the best language for me to use for communication (please circle all
applicable):
English
Other: ________________________

Spanish

To help me contact you:

Home Phone: ____________________ Work Phone:____________________ Cell Phone:
________________
Email:_____________________________________________ Best time to contact
you:__________________
What is the best method and time to contact you about your student?
Method:
[ ] Email
[ ] Home
[ ] Work
[ ] Cell
What are your goals for your student?
What are your expectations of me as a teacher?
How often do you want to be contacted about your students progress?
Is there anything else I should know that would be helpful in making me a
better teacher for your student?

Student Signature: _________________________________________ Date: _______________

Parent Signature: __________________________________________ Date: _______________
Additional Parent Signature: ____________________________ Date: _______________

Sample 6: PTSO Letter

NorthHoustonSchoolPTSOMembership

YouareinvitedtojointheNorthHoustonSchoolPTSO(ParentTeacherStudent Organization)!

HerearesomeexamplesofwhatyourPTSOaccomplishedduringthelastschoolyear:

$10,000technologygrantfornewcomputersinthecomputerlab
$9,000forpresentationcarts
$1,500forAPPrepBooks
$6,800fornewbooksintheschoollibrary
4SchoolDancesplannedandchaperoned
YourPTSOneedsyouruniquetalents,whetheritsvolunteeringafewhoursamonthorafewhoursayear,
servingontheboard,orattendingmeetings.Comejoinus!

Forquestions,pleasecontacttheNorthHoustonSchoolPTSOpresidentJaneSmithat
email@emailaddress.com.

NorthHoustonSchoolPTSOMembership
Oneadult$15
Twoadults$25
MakecheckspayabletoNorthHoustonSchoolPTSO.
PleaseplacethiscompletedformwithpaymentinthePTSOmailbox.Thanks!
Parent'sname:
___________________________________________________________________________________
Parent'sname:
___________________________________________________________________________________
Mailingaddress:
_________________________________________________________________________________
Phonenumber:
__________________________________________________________________________________
Emailaddress:
___________________________________________________________________________________
Child'sname:_________________________________________________________Grade:__________
Child'sname:_________________________________________________________Grade:__________

Child'sname:_________________________________________________________Grade:__________

Sample 7: Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences (Sign

up)
Dear Parents,
Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences will be held on Thursday, April 16th, from
11:00am-6:15pm. Please sign up for three time slots and I will do my best to
accommodate your preferred time. A confirmation of your time slot will be sent home
Thursday, April 2nd.
Time

Parent/Student

Spanish
translator
needed?

Time

11:00

3:45

11:15

4:00

11:30

4:15

11:45

4:30

12:00

4:45

12:15

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

5:00

12:30

5:15

12:45

5:30

1:00

5:45

1:15

6:00

1:30

6:15

1:45
2:00
2:15
2:30

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Parent/Student

xxxxxxxxxxx

2:45
3:00
Lunch Break

Dear Parents,
With Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences approaching (Thursday, April 16), please
fill out the Parent Conference Preparation Form below and bring it with you to the
conference to help guide the parent-led portion of the conference.
Thank you,
Ms. Johansen
Parent Conference Preparation Form
Student Name:_________________________
Parent/Guardian Name:_____________________
Areas of strength regarding students academics:
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Areas of concern/growth regarding students academics:
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Areas of strength regarding students behavior:
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Areas of concern/growth regarding students behavior:
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________

Sample 8: Parent-Teacher-Student Conference Guide

Parent-Teacher-Student Conference
Structure:
Academic Performance Review: 3-5 minutes
Attitude and Effort Review: 3-5 minutes
Grades: 3-5 minutes
Parent Concerns Form: 3-5 minutes

For a productive Parent-Teacher

Conference, think of the acronym:
BE HEARD
B est intentions assumed
E mphasis on students learning
H ome-school collaboration
E xamples and evidence should be used
A ctively listen
R espect among all who care about the student
D edication to follow-up

Sample 9: The Giving Tree

The Giving Tree is a way for Prieto staff members to select scholars
for whom a gift will be purchased and given on the Friday before
winter break.

Step 1: Each homeroom teacher will select 2 scholars in their classroom to

whom gifts will be given by a secret staff member. Please select families
that you feel would benefit from an extra gift this holiday season.
Step 2: Take a leaf to be placed on The Giving Tree in the staff room by the
mailboxes. Please include: name, age, approximate shoe and clothing size,
and, if possible, suggested items!!!
Step 3: Turn in completed sheets to Ms. Richard's mailbox by December 8.
Step 4: Leaves with randomly selected numbers attached will be placed on
The Giving Tree in the staff room next to the mailboxes.
Step 5: Staff members who choose to participate can grab as many leaves
as they would like and purchase 1-3 items for each scholar.
Step 6: Staff members wrap gifts and place scholar # on a sticky note
placed on top of the gift.

Step 7: Families to whom gifts are given will be called by Ms. Richard and
invited to come to the school for a special holiday surprise!

Sample 10: Invitation to Open House

James Madison High School Presents:

We invite You to this Education Extravaganza as our

welcome to the 2015-2016 school year.

Meet the Administration & Teachers

Tour the Campus
Learn about our Academic Programs
See our new Spirit Shirts & Uniforms
Become a member of the Madison Family

When: Friday, September 25, 2015

6:00-8:00pm in the Auditorium

Sample 11: Summer Success Parent Guide

9th Grade English Parents Guide
2015-2016 School Year

COURSE DESCRIPTION
In this course, students will learn to read, write, and think critically through the lens of
English literature and language, as well as to prepare for future courses and for the
STAAR test. We have a large amount of information to cover, and we will work hard to
ensure we all learn this information for successful achievement. Below are some
examples of topics that will be covered during this course:
Literary analysis across genres
Annotation & writing strategies
Authors purpose
Tools of revising and editing
Literary terms
Expository essay
SUMMER READING LIST
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Alexie, Sherman
Talented Arnold Spirit leaves the reservation school to go to an academically superior
one located many miles away. How he copes with this change, both at school and on the
reservation, is realistic, thought-provoking, and laugh-out-loud funny.
Deadline
Crutcher
Chris Eighteen-year-old Ben Wolf has been given less than a year to live, but he chooses
not to tell anyone so his senior year will be as normal as possible. This surprisingly
humorous story tracks that final year as Ben goes out for football, finds romance, and
realizes that his secret has a serious impact on others.
Incoming freshman are REQUIRED to complete the reading of these books in order to
submit the Summer Reading Project due October 1, 2015.
SUPPLIES NEEDED
Each student taking this course will need to have their own:
1.
$25.00 for the Laptop computer (REQUIRED by September 8th)
2.
1inch 3-ring binder (I only need 1 section)
3.
Paper
4.
Pen/Pencil (blue or black ink only)
GRADING POLICY
Grades for this course will follow the grade breakdown standard for Madison High School,
and are as follows:
Warm up:
10%
Classwork:
25%
Homework:
10%
Quizzes
10%
Tests
25%

Projects/Assignments:
Total:

20%
100%

GRADE COMPONENT DESCRIPTION

1. Warm Up: At the beginning of each class period you will be expected to complete a
warm-up assignment within the first 7 minutes of the class period, which will be done
individually.
1. Classwork and Homework: This includes all work we do in the class, as well as a
participation grade for each week of class. This includes homework as well, which will be
worked on outside of class and done independently.
2. Tests and Quizzes: We will have mastery test and quiz assessments throughout each
6-week unit over small portions of learned material. Tests will be announced at least 72
hours before they will occur in class.
3. Projects/Assignments: Depending on our unit of study, we will have different
projects due. These projects will be worked on both inside and outside of class, and will
be graded based on an announced rubric.
GRADING SCALE:
A-Excellent.90-100
B- Good..80-89
C-Fair..75-79
D-Passing70-74
F-Failing...0-69
DISCIPLINE POLICY
In keeping with our class values, all students will be held and expected to maintain high
expectations for behavior in class. For those students who choose to not uphold these
expectations or disrupt our class environment, the result will be any of the following
consequences:

Verbal warning

Parent phone call

Seat change

Parent-teacher conference

Written warning

Office referral

Teacher-student conference

Behavioral reflection essay

REWARDS
Students who choose to exhibit positive behavior, academic achievement, and positive
contributions to our ship will be rewarded. Students can expect positive praise, positive
phone calls or notes home, as well as other potential rewards throughout the year
depending on the activity. As a class students will be rewarded for exceeding
expectations as a whole.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES POLICY
As per school policy, students are not permitted to bring IPODS, MP3 Players or other
electronic devices, markers, radios, cameras, cards, or dominoes to school. If they are
brought to school, they will be confiscated. If these items are confiscated they will not be
returned until the end of the school year. The cell phone policy is in the process of being
changed, but confiscation for serious infractions may still occur. If cell phones are
confiscated, a 15.00 cash payment, made by the parent, is required. Payments are made
ONLY to the Business Manager in the main office. Monday through Friday, between the

hours of 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Parents are given 32 days to retrieve a confiscated
phone after which it will be sent to Property Management for disposal.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Our class will follow the district attendance policy, the details of which can be found in
HISDs Student Code of Conduct, determining if an absence is excused or not. If a
student misses more than 3 days consecutively, then I will be contacting the parents of
that student.
Tardiness is NOT acceptable in this class. We have a great deal of material to cover and
cannot waste time going back over things from the beginning of class. As per school
policy, students who are not seated in the classroom by the sound of the bell will be
subject to being counted as tardy and will report to the tardy station immediately before
entering the classroom.
ACADEMIC POLICIES

Make-up Work: Students who miss class for any reason can look in the absent
binders for details on what was missed and the assignments worked on in class that
day. Students will be required to make up all work within one week of the original date
due. Assignments will be turned in to their class tray.

Late Work: Students must turn in work when it is due. Depending on the
assignment, late work will be accepted, but it may be subject to grade deductions.

Academic Dishonesty: Plagiarism of any kind will not be tolerated in this

class. Students caught plagiarizing work will receive an automatic zero on the
assignment. This includes academic dishonesty such as cheating on tests or quizzes.
**All students need to have materials for class starting on Wednesday, September 2nd
for A days and Thursday, September 3rd for B days. The above action items should guide
students and parents through a successful start to the school year
Through following these simple expectations, we will succeed in our conquest to be the
absolute best 9th grade class at Madison High School!

Sample 12: Parent Contact Log

Date

Student
Name

Method
of
Contact

Class
Perio
d

Parent
Contacted

Reasons for
Contacting

Discussion
topics/ Future
Action Items

9/23/
15

Damien P

Phone
Call

7th

Anita P
(mother)

Absences from
class

9/23/
15

Aniah M

Email

5th

Melody
M(mother)

Celebration of
growth

9/25/
15

Treveon
Jones

Email/
Parent
Connect

5th

Peter Jones
Father

Disruptive
behavior
Attendance
Incomplete
Assignments.

She mentioned
that Damien has
been sick and we
set up a time for
him to stay after
school to meet
with me and
recover missed
material
Aniah has turned
in all work on
time for the last
two weeks and I
wanted celebrate
because mom
has been part of
the turn around
Treveon has been
late for 3 class
periods.
His assignments
are left
incomplete or
not turned in at
all. He has been
warned, moved
his seat, and
parental contact.
His father
explained that he
would talk to him
and to contact
him if Treveon
continued.

Parent/Family Contact Log

Person Contacted/Date: _________________________________________________________________
Phone, Email, or In-Person?: _____________________________________________________________
Received Response (Yes or No)?: __________________________________________________________
Reason Contacted: _____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Parent/Family Comments: _______________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Sample 13: Volunteer Letter

Get Involved!
Dear Parent or Guardian:
Studies show that parental involvement in a child's education is one of the most
important factors in raising student self-esteem and academic achievement. Moreover,
most experts agree that parental involvement should go beyond attendance at teacher
conferences and open house. We realize, however, that each of our families is unique
with its own priorities, needs, talents, and time constraints -- and so we try to provide as
many different kinds of opportunities for parental involvement as possible. Please review
the volunteer opportunities suggested below, and check any you are interested in -- or
tell us what you would like to do. Then return the form to school.

Speak at career day.

Organize a college fair.
Share curriculum related pictures and souvenirs from a personal or family trip.
Direct a play.
Teach students to play chess.
Arrange for curriculum related speakers, exhibits, demonstrations.
Share a talent, interest, or hobby.
Tutor individuals or small groups of students.
Mentor a student interested in your profession.
Coach a sport.
Publish a school or classroom newsletter.
Set up and help maintain a school or classroom Web site.
Manage a classroom project.
Chaperone a field trip.
Organize or participate in a special event.
Lead a scout troop.
Translate notices, letters, and forms into another language.
Provide another parent with transportation to a conference or school event.
Baby-sit for other parents on conference days.
Organize a school fundraiser.
Offer to donate books, art materials, musical instruments, games.... the list is endless.
Bring in refreshments.
Correct papers.
Join a school committee.
Other ________________________________________________________________________

Name: __________________________________________________________________

Phone: ________________ When can you be reached at this number? _______________

2003 by Education World. Education World grants users permission to reproduce this page for
educational purposes.

Sample 14: Student Reflection and Goals Sheet

Name: _________________________________________________
(Insert Class Title) Reflection and Goals
Things I do well in (insert class):

Things I need to improve on in (insert class):

Actions I am going to take to become a better (Mathematician/Poet/Journalist/Scientist):

What I want to do after high school:

What I want to be when I grow up:

How doing well in (insert class here) would help me to reach my goals:

Sample 15: Thanksgiving Luncheon Invitation

Marion P. Thomas Charter High School of Culinary
and Performing Arts

To the Thanksgiving
Luncheon
Come celebrate the holiday with us!
What: A celebration of what we are most thankful for - our parents
and our scholars!
When: Sunday, November 22, 2015
1:00pm-4:00pm
Where: Marion P. Thomas Charter High School
125 Sussex Avenue
Newark, NJ 07032
Cost: It's on us!
Please RSVP no later than November 16th to Ms. Williams.
Scholar Name:__________________________
Yes! We can come!
Unfortunately we can't make it.
Guests: _______________
Any dietary needs: _______________________________________

Sample 16: Community Service Invitation to Parents

Dear Parents/Guardians:
This year has been really wonderful in the Community Service
class. We have accomplished so much and helped many
individuals in the Newark community. The scholars have
brainstormed ideas for service that we have completed over the
past few months. They find locations or programs that need our
help and set the entire process up alone. They are passionate
about providing these services and bettering the Newark
community. It is amazing to see the sparks in their eyes as they
work on projects.
I am writing to you today to invite you to join in on your
scholar's efforts - especially during this time of year. As you all
know, the winters are frigid and depressing, especially for those
who are without a home or shelter. Your scholars have elected to
create bags of supplies to be handed out to individuals who are
living on the streets. We could use all of the help that we could
get in purchasing supplies, creating the bags, and passing them
out. I think it would mean a lot to the scholars to see their
parents/guardians lending a helping hand and helping them with
this project. If you are interested in helping in any way, please
send this quick questionnaire to school with your scholar.
Again, it has been such a pleasure working with your scholars,
and I look forward to working with each of you as well.
Thank you,
Ms. Ethel McGinn
__________________________________________________________________
I am interested in helping in the following ways:
Purchasing Supplies
Putting Bags Together
Handing Bags Out
Name: ______________________________ Phone/Email: ____________
Scholar's Name:___________________________

Sample 17: Invitation to 100th Day

Celebration

Our Scholars Are 100 Days Smarter!

Come celebrate with us on February 20, 2015!

We have officially reached 100 days of

school, so we want to celebrate all
that our scholars have accomplished.
You will:

Tour the School

See Samples of Scholar Work
Talk with Teachers
Enjoy Refreshments
Celebrate With Your Scholar

*Please RSVP to Ms. Williams by February 8th.

Sample 18: Invitation to Coffee with

Teachers

Come join us for coffee with your

scholar's teachers!
Saturday, March 19, 2015
8:00am-11:00am
Marion P. Thomas Charter High School of Culinary and Performing Arts
Caf
Chat with your scholar's teachers over a cup of coffee and some baked
goods!