September 16, 2010

To: Parents / Guardians
From: Mrs. Sharon Owyang-Lee

For Grades 6 and 7
Re. Social Studies: Students have the option of using their textbooks to work on chapter exams; however, during the testing class period, students are not to re-read the chapter and spend time looking for the answers. They can use the textbook if a detail or two could support an explanation. The contents of the Social Studies exams consist of essay-type of questions assessing the student's overall comprehension of daily lessons, lectures, discussions, and assignments on chapter studies.
For the most part, everyday, there is an assignment for each subject area. Students are provided time during the class period to work on the assignment and are frequently reminded verbally, on the board, and online to COMPLETE the classwork for homework, which is due the next day.
For Grades 6, 7, and 8
Re. French: In order for students to better absorb the foreign language, I have instructed students to re-write their notes taken hurriedly in class. When I collect their French folders, notes and assignments are to be neatly written and well organized according to the dates. Grades earned on these folders will be the equivalent of test grades.
Re. Grade 7 Pre-Algebra: Students are to neatly and completely show each and every step of the work in order to earn full credit. If I receive a binder paper written with only answers, the "m" for missing will be clicked.
A reminder that I do not accept late work unless the student was absent. I am trying to teach students to respect deadlines and manage their work and time! In addition, by now, if students do not write their names on their assignments, the "m" for missing will be clicked and the assignment with no-name will be recycled. Looking for the owners of assignments with no-names is such a waste of precious class time; I would rather spend the time teaching. Again, I am trying to teach students RESPONSIBILITY. "There may be ten-thousand excuses but not one good reason".
Students are reminded frequently on a daily basis to complete and turn in ALL of their assignments. Please help your child by checking his / her homework and grades online. As in the Mission Dolores School handbook states: "The parents are the primary educators". Only by working together can we succeed in helping the students achieve their highest potential.

Dear Parent / Guardian:
Thank you so much for your generosity in donating the school supplies!
Please remind your child to always write his/her full name on all assignments along with the date, title of the lesson, and page numbers. I am unable to credit work without the above necessary and important information. Also, for Social Studies (grades 6 & 7), students are to re-read lessons on a daily basis. For French (grades 6, 7, and 8), students are to neatly re-write notes and assignments and organize these papers into their French folders. I will be collecting these folders every two weeks and grading them according to neat, complete, and well-organized notes with the equivalent of an exam grade. For grade 7, since the students were given the opportunity to borrow books from our school library, I will be expecting a book report by the last day of September.
By the way, is there a parent who is able to become my room-parent this year?
The job description is: planning for fundraisers and field trips. Let me know or/and send me a note with your child.
Again, if you have any comments or questions, please call the school; Rita is very good with immediately sending phone messages to the teachers. As you may already know, direct communication is best; avoid indirect dialogue which may lead to unnecessary gossip and bad feelings. Let's continue to focus on educating our children the best we can.
Mrs. Sharon Owyang-Lee