Parent Contact Vannetta Chapman 1st Floor, English Parents Teachers Students Vannetta Chapman 1st Floor, English

Parent Contact So no one told you life was going to be this way. Your job’s a joke, you’re broke, Your love life’s DOA.

I had this student two years in a row! Last year . . . Ms. Chapman thank you so much for your communication through out the year.  Teacher like yourself is what allows us to keep our kids accountable.  I truly appreciate you.    Hope you have a great summer. Mary Ann Calvio I had this student two years in a row!

I didn’t even have this student this year! Last year . . . We had you picked as “Teacher of the month” a very long time ago!   Thank you for all you do for the students. Terry Lamkin (Sam and Ben’s mom) I didn’t even have this student this year!

Parent of a senior who had already signed up with the national guard! Last year . . . It is OK to send me email.  I like knowing how Kyle is doing in his classes and this is a good way to accomplish that.   Please let me know if he is having or causing any problems. Mark Behrens Parent of a senior who had already signed up with the national guard!

Last year . . . I will handle this issue from here ... Sorry for this type of behavior from my son, but it should not be tolerated from him or any other student.  Behavior problem!

What can you tell about this parent? Last year . . . Mrs. Chapman, Thank you for keeping me noticed about my childs grades. I really appreciate it. Please feel free to email me if you have concerns about Jessica or her grades. Jaime Vielma Margarita Vielma What can you tell about this parent?

Last year . . . Thank you for all this helpful information.  No other teacher has contacted me and I appreciate it that you did because I can keep on top of Brenda's homework and progress.  Ms. Grimaldo Why?

Last year . . . DEAR MS. CHAPMAN, MY WIFE AND I ARE EXTREMELY CONCERNED ABOUT OUR DAUGHTER'S GRADE IN YOUR CLASS. BEFORE ALYZZA FINDS HERSELF IN ONE OF THE CIRCLES OF HELL IN DANTE'S INFERNO, WE HOPE THAT YOU CAN EXPLAIN HER POOR GRADE AND WHAT CAN BE DONE TO CORRECT IT. WE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A BREAKDOWN OF HER GRADE, I.E. TEST SCORES, PAPERS, ETC. IS SHE TALKING TOO MUCH OR TOO LITTLE? IS SHE DISTRACTED BY MEMBERS OF THE OPPOSITE SEX? WE WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH YOU AND CORRECT THIS GRADE BEFORE HER FREEDOMS, ALLOWANCE, AND PRIVILEGES ARE TAKEN FROM HER. THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR HELP.

Last year . . . Hello. This is Hope Garcia, Eddie's sister. Please let me know about Eddie's performance in your class. Thank you very much.                                                                               Hope Garcia Sister!

Last year . . . Good Morning Ms. Chapman,   My name is Jose Rodriguez Kevin’ father, I’m concern about Kevin’s low grade in the last progress report.  I would like to know what is the reason in detail why is so low since last report card. Do I can do something to help him? Would you let me know by e-mail, phone call or if I need to come to your office I will be glad too.  Please let me know. Thank you, have a great day  Jose’ ?

Dad lives in Corpus Christi! Last year . . . Dear Mrs. Chapman, I am Alex Paynes' father. I have resently moved due to some health problems. I know Alex is struggeling in school right now. I was wondering is it is because he is not grasping the material or if the reason is because he is just not applying himself. I would appericate any suggestions you might have. Sincerly,   Donald W. Payne Dad lives in Corpus Christi!

Rate yourself! Seriously. How good a teacher are you? 1-10 1 10 Friends

Did you BOTHER? Friends 3 minutes Did you last year? How did it work? What will you change this year? Friends 3 minutes

WHY BOTHER? Friends Remember . . . Parents include anyone who can influence this child, or who is in charge of the child’s upbringing. This could be grandparents, foster parents, even siblings. Friends

WHY BOTHER? Friends PARENTS - - . . . last names might be different. A parent might live elsewhere, but still want to be involved. There are all sorts of special circumstances, so tread softly. Friends

No time? Friends You make time for your friends! Make time for parents! If you have 3 things to do, and you only have time to do 1 - - contact parents! Friends

How do you establish communication? List what you would do 1st, 2nd, then 3rd. 1 3 Friends

What on this list was the hardest thing to do last year? Decide in advance what to say. Begin and end on a positive note. Use clear, simple language. Meet privately. Give the parent a chance to speak. Suggest ways for improvement. Avoid comparisons. Help parents understand.

Intro letters or brochures Did you send one home last year? How did it work? What will you change this year? Friends 3 minutes

Show me some proof! Open Outlook. Do you have any distribution lists from last year? Do you know how to make then?

What’s the return? 1 5 Friends List 5 things you think you will RECEIVE from this parent contact. 1 5 Friends

Try . . . When you receive the first email back, put it into a folder in my inbox – BY PERIOD. Let’s add some folders to your inbox. I would add one for each period.

Progress Reports 3 minutes Friends Did you send home individual ones for your class? How effective were they? How effective were the school progress reports? Cause you more work? Give you a headache? Friends

Behavior/academic problems What was the most effective way you had for handling this last year? How often did you involve parents? . . . Vice principals? . . . Your therapist?

When would you want a call? List 5 times you’d like to receive a call about YOUR child. 1 5 Friends

Documentation Did you need any of THAT last year?

Other Options My MOST AMUSING parent contact last year was for two seniors TWO WEEKS before they were supposed to graduate!

Older Students? 3 minutes Did you last year? How did it work? What will you change this year? 3 minutes Names are changed to protect students’ privacy.

Whether you use the phone, conferences, progress reports, or emails – or all of the above – be considerate of (consider carefully) the parent.

REMEMBER Friends But there are other reasons. Parents make your job easier. Parents can intervene in ways you cannot. Parents can be your strongest advocate. Friends

PARENT CONTACT Friends All errors, omissions, and distortions of reality are my own.