Parents with grade six students...question

[mickey65]

I will be teaching grade six this year and would like to send a note to each student to welcome them.....ect. Some of my non- teacher friends say this is too silly and baby like for kids in grade six. So, I am asking the experts...YOU! How would your son or daughter feel about getting a welcome note from the teacher? This will aslo be my first year at this school, so the kids don't know me at all right now.

Thanks for any input!

 

[Wishydoo]

I think that's a nice touch. I know my kids would appreciate it at any grade level, and so would I.

 

[J&D]

I teach 7th grade, and I think it is a good idea. If you have over 100 students like I do, then it may be expensive and time consuming to send out so many letters.

Have a great school year!

 

[damo]

When my daughter was entering grade six, a new principal was coming to the school and she sent a hand written note to every child in the school of 500 kids, saying that she was looking forward to working with them. It made an excellent impression on both students and families. I think it is a great idea.

 

[RitaZ.]

My DS will be starting 6th grade next week and I happen to think that your idea is great! I think the kids would also appreciate it, especially if it's their first year in middle school.

It may seem insignificant to some people, but to me it says that you really care. It's amazing what "little gestures" say about a person.

Have a great year!

 

[janette]

I asked my 6th grader and she says she would have liked a letter. Here the 6th graders are in middle school and have different teachers for all subjects but do have a "home room" teacher.

Good luck

 

[mickey65]

Thanks for the replies! I think I will go ahead and do it

 

[paras4ri]

Hi Valerie!

My DS is also in 6th grade this year and he said he'd like to get a note from his new teacher. I also think it's a great idea!!!

 

[Scratch42]

What are you going to write in the note?
Where are you going to leave it?
What type of paper?
What kind of writing instrument?


Her expert opinion, yes as long as it is left on the desk, written on funky paper using a metallic gel pen!

You had to ask!

Scratch

 

[Beauty]

John-Cole is in 6th grade this year and he has two teachers. One of them did give them each a Welcome to my Class Note. It just kind of outlined what she expected of them, what kind of work they could expect. It also said for each 6 weeks that they could go without getting in any major trouble she would bring them a surprise! John-Cole really liked it.

 

[Michelle]

My DD just started fifth grade and got a letter like this from her teacher. It was great; it outlined what they would learn this year and what her classroom behavior expectations were...all written in a very upbeat and positive way. Definitely a good idea!

 

[Kteacher]

My youngest is entering 6th grade in Sept. Her teacher sent out notes saying how much he was looking forward to this year. he also included a list of supplies she would need. She really liked this because it made her feel ready for 6th grade once she had everything on the list Have a great first day of school!

 

[Pooh93]

I think it sounds like a great idea! What a caring teacher you are! Have a great year!

 

[PandyPaws]

DS just started middle school/6th grade...with 6 teachers, and came home the first day with 6 such welcome letters They basically had a welcome, outlined what would be covered in the class, what is expected of the students (rules and responsibilities), a supply list and, covered the importence of parent-involvement in homework. I appreciated each and every one of those letters

 

[mickey65]

Thanks for the continued replies! I am getting sooooooo nervous with the start of the year coming! It is not my first year teaching, but it is a new school and a new grade! I am happy for the positive responses about the letters. I was worried about starting off on the wrong foot. As anxious as I am, I can't wait to start!



Janet, you DD had me laughing with her reply! I will be sure to use the right kind of paper and gel pen (is there a specific colour I need to use
)

 

[Gette88]

DD is starting 7th grade and she would like that. We have had teachers over the years send a note and I think it makes the kids a little less nervous, especially about meeting a new teacher. We also have had teachers call (last yr. included) the 1st week of school to introduce themselves to the parents and I really liked that. Back to school night is not for a few weeks after school starts and I guess the teacher didn't want to wait.

 

[piratesmate]

DD is 12 & entering 7th. She loves to get mail of any kind! She also appreciates getting the personal contact from her teachers.

I would think that getting a note from a new "unknown" teacher would remove some of those fears that crop up at this time of year.

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

I think it's still a nice thought for that age group. DD will be in 7th grade this year, her second year in the middle school. If your class is not yet participatin in a rotating schedule , where the students will change teachers for various subjects, I would send the note. It will leave a friendly impression of you with the kids and their parents. Maybe it will make them feel less intimidated about the first day of school.