Dear Partners in Education,
I am honored to be your leader in mathematics instruction this year! I have carefully worded this salutation and leading sentence because of my belief in its implications. We are partners. I understand that many of you are unable to assist in the actual instruction of this course, but there are ways that you can help make the study of mathematics a successful experience.
The most important way to help is to stay in contact with me. You may write to me through e-mail at . It may be difficult to reach me by phone at school, but if you leave a message, I will return your calls (546-8516 ext 2221). My planning period is from 9:50-11:20 which would be a good time to schedule conferences. Please don’t ever feel that a matter is too insignificant to discuss with me. I firmly believe that when teachers and parents communicate, all students reach higher levels in learning.
Another way to assist is to monitor homework. Home work assignments will be posted weekly on the board in my class room and on the calendar section of my web site. Homework is an essential part of learning mathematics. The study of mathematics requires an intense analysis of text, notes, and examples and then the ability to apply and practice this knowledge in homework problems. If the student consistently has difficulty completing homework, then we have a problem in learning that must be immediately addressed. Again, please contact me.
A final way to contribute is to keep a good “math attitude” and encourage the study of mathematics in your home. All people have different mathematical strengths. Some of us are stronger qualitatively, while others feel more comfortable with quantitative mathematics. Our personal experiences, based on our strengths and weaknesses in these areas, tend to shape our outlook on the subject. Regardless of our experiences, a weakness does not mean can’t. It just means work harder.
If difficulties do occur, help is available. Extended day sessions with me are scheduled for Wednesdays from 3:00 to 4:00. I may also be available on other days upon request.
In closing, I want you to know that my goals for this course are to prompt the students beyond their existing knowledge of mathematics and to foster confidence in their ability to learn mathematics. Achieving these goals will require a push from all of us past certain boundaries of comfort. True learning happens this way!
I look forward to working with you and the students this year, and please stay in touch.
Sincerely,
Jean S. Pieterse
Student’s Name______
I have received and read the letter sent home by
Mrs. Pieterse.
Parent’s signature______
Date______