Classroom Newsletters.
Excellent For Students and Parents!!

Classroom newsletters are a WIN-WIN for both students and parents! Why?

When parents ask their children "How was school today", the typical answer is "good" or "fine".

The purpose of having students creating a newsletter is to inform parents of what their child is doing in school and also let them see the current level (and levels of improvement) at which their child can compose and write a letter.

During the years that I taught in elementary school, I would write an introductory classroom newletter to parents at the beginning of the school year, but from then on, my students would write their own classroom newsletters to their parents on a monthly basis.

At the end of each month I would review with my students all the various activities and accomplishments that they had achieved that past month, with the students contributing their ideas and opinions.

Each student would then choose the items they wanted to include in their own newsletter and write about a page. I didn't check the grammar, punctuation or mark their newsletter.

The students had to have their classroom newsletters signed by their parents and returned to me. I would then have them place it in their miscellaneous folder(in their desk), so that they could refer to it the next month.

It also helped me if and when parents complained about not being informed of their child's activities, assignments, etc. Their signature was right there.

Be sure to read about some of the other teacher letters to parents . It's how I developed an open communication channel with parents.

Here's a sample of the introductory classroom newsletter that I sent out to my students' parents at the start of each school year. Please feel free to use any part or all of it.

Dear Parents/Guardians:

I would like to welcome you and your child to the start of the new school year. We are going to have a very busy and productive year filled with exciting learning activities and school events.

It is my belief that positive interaction between teacher and parent strengthens the feeling of support all children need for success in school. My goal is to create an atmosphere of open communication regarding your child's progress and behavior in both home and school.

Each day they will bring home a notebook marked "Agenda" and will have printed any homework they have, if they need to bring something to school or any comments from me about your child and my initials. It is important that you initial each day after your child has completed their work and shown it to you, even if there are no comments at all.

Parents are the key to making homework a positive experience for their children. I ask that you make homework a top priority at home, providing a quiet environment, a particular time and necessary supplies. Feel free to write to me if you have to address a particular concern. Hopefully this will help you to find out a little more of what is happening in class instead of hearing, "What did you do in school today?", "Nothing", or "How was school today?", "Good". The student agendas are only $5.00. If you have not sent in your money, please do so as soon as possible. It is imperative that they each have their student agenda.

I am confident this procedure will lead to improved communication between us. By working together we will be able to better meet the needs of your child.

With warmest regards,

Honey Krumholz