Dear parents/guardians/caretakers,

Welcome to the 2016-2017 school year! My name is Mr. Hennessy, and I will
be teaching your student(s) government this year. I am very excited to get started
and to get to know each of my students personally. In order to get a head start on
that, I have given them this survey for you to complete, as well as a list of my rules
and expectations. By completing this survey, you will help me to improve my
teaching throughout the year by helping build an effective relationship between
home and school, and by informing me of some of the goals and expectations you
and your student(s) have for the year. You know your child best, and I hope to use
you as a resource to improve my teaching. I look forward to hearing back from you!
Sincerely,
Mr. Billy Hennessy

Mr. Hennessys Caretaker Introduction Survey

1. What is the preferred title that you and any other caretaker would like to be
addressed by?
2. Are there any questions/concerns regarding the classroom rules?
3. Are there any particular strengths or areas of improvement that I should know
about for your child?
4. Would you be willing to meet with me in a few weeks for a conference to discuss
your childs progress thus far?
5. Are there any instructional practices/activities your child enjoys in particular?
6. Are there any instructional practices/activities that your child doesnt enjoy in
particular?
7. Does your child have internet access?
8. What are some goals you or your child have for this course?
9. Is there anything else that I need to know to make this a productive and positive
year for you and your child?
10. Is there a preferred method of contact to get in touch with you? If so, what is it?
(If email or phone #, please list that information.)
After all of the surveys are returned, I will analyze the results and break down
the data. If numerous caretakers have questions about the rules, I will clarify them
prior to the first conferences. If I receive the same feedback from multiple
caretakers, then I will work on incorporating that feedback into my instruction. I will

look at what strategies students do and dont respond well to, and work on getting
each helpful strategy integrated into the lesson at least once.

Positive Phone Calls

Script:
Hello (insert preferred title), this is Mr. Hennessy, (insert student name)s
government teacher. I just wanted to call regarding (student)s excellent job of
(insert positive comment) in class. (Student) has made class a more positive
learning environment because of it, and I appreciate the hard work that (student) is
putting in every day. I dont want to take up too much of your time, but I just
wanted to touch base with you and give you an update on how (student) is doing.
Have a pleasant rest of your day, and I will speak to you soon!
Roster:
Martin Shubert Always on time for class and prepared
Marvin Robinson Contributes in meaningful ways during class discussion
Julia Kaplan Always completes her homework and shows great initiative
Miguel Phillips Keeps his group on task during work time
Robert Sipple Stays on task
Vicki Roland Assists struggling classmates
Everette Gerardi Respects others at all times
Sharon Keith Always willing to assist the teacher and other students
Jose Morrell Puts forth excellent effort in projects
Frances Jensen Perseveres through difficult tasks

Thomas Hughes Always asks clarification questions when necessary, allows for
other students to better understand the material as well
Nicole Austin Always participates fully in learning
Dixie Burbage Encouraging to classmates
Cesar Lange A natural leader who keeps the group on task
Norma Knight Excels with the material and in effort

Misbehavior Email
Dear Parent/Guardian/Caretaker,
I am contacting you regarding an incident that occurred in class the other day
regarding (insert student name). (Student) disrupted class on two separate
occasions by talking to their neighbor. As per my policy, I am emailing you since
the behavior was corrected twice during the same day. I think that the best method
of helping (student) learn to avoid talking during instruction would be to move
his/her/their seat for now, with a clear explanation for why they are being moved.
Part of the problem may be that he/she/they are sitting next to their good friend
(other student), which seems to be serving as a distraction. I would be happy to sit
down with you and (student) to discuss this issue further and form a plan of action
collaboratively, so let me know if that is an option that you would like to consider.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and have a great day,
Mr. Billy Hennessy