Godwin Heights High School

“Reaching Great Heights”

Alexa Stewart
Social Studies Teacher
15 – 36th Street
Wyoming, MI 49548
Phone (616) 252-2050
Email: stewart@schools.org
Dear parents, caregivers, and students,

I am Ms. Stewart and I will be your child’s U.S. History teacher this semester. Before the school year begins, I wanted to take the
opportunity to introduce myself and provide information regarding our class, which I will need input from you for.

A little about myself: While I am certified to teach various social studies subjects as well as health education, I have a true
passion for U.S. History because the heritage of this country is so fascinating. I am very eager and excited to be getting into the
classroom because I love teaching. This field combines all of my favorite skills; to engage and make connections with young
people, create new and imaginative ways to teach content, and to hopefully impact my students with positive and optimistic
expectations for themselves no matter the circumstances they have going on currently or after they leave my classroom.

Throughout our class, your child will be learning many complex and intriguing aspects of Social Studies. In order to insure
student success, they will be exposed to many different instructional practices from powerpoint lectures to student
presentations to viewing many different video clips and movies. Most of the video clips will be used to help reinforce the
concepts being taught during the eras we are studying. Here is a small list of the type of videos to be viewed The Amistad, which
will depict the harsh realities of the slave trade and slavery itself, another movie is Schindler’s List, Saving Private Ryan, Band of
Brothers, several films on the Holocaust, We were Soldiers, Malcolm X, Ali, Dear America: Letters Home from Vietnam, plus other
selected films many of which will be show more current issues. These films have been viewed by many high school students
throughout the country and has proved to be a valuable tool in teaching about the human aspect of history.

A few of the films we will be watching are rated “R,” often because they do contain some scenes, which may be considered
unsuitable. I would prefer to have your written permission for your child to watch these films. If you do not want them to see
these films, I understand. Your child will be provided with an alternate film or reading assignment if you deny them permission
to watch these films.

(Print Student’s Name) __________________________ _____________________________________

_______ Yes, has my permission to watch these movies for those time periods of study.
_______ No, does not have my permission to watch these movies and needs the alternate assignment.

Parent/Guardian signature ______________________________________ Date ____________________

I may need to get in touch with you during the school year. To help me with this, please include the following contact
information and have your child return this letter to me by September 3rd, 2019.

Parent/Guardian Name: _______________________________________________________

(Home or Cell) Phone #________________________________________________________

Email Address:_______________________________________________________________

Thank you for your time and I look forward to the upcoming school year!

Sincerely,

Alexa Stewart