Why+Was+My+Student+Assigned+So+Much+Work?

Nov. 19, 2009

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I am sorry that I feel the need to write this letter of explanation to each of you. But I feel that it is important that you understand what has happened in our Pre-Algebra class. On Wednesday, November 18, there was a substitute in our class. Previously, on Monday and Tuesday in class, I informed students that there was going to be a substitute and what I expected from them. I let them know that the class would be rewarded for good behavior and that there would be consequences for poor behavior. I also mentioned that both rewards and consequences would be determined by the entire class's behavior and that one student could ruin it for the entire class.

Imagine my surprise then today when I returned to find the substitute's report of 5th period. //"This class was terrible and extremely talkative,"// he wrote. //"They were very rude and disrespectful. I'm sorry to be so mean, but in six years of teaching and substituting, this class was in the top three worst I've ever looked after.  I handed out an additional assignment because of talking.  I assumed that since I was a new sub that the class hadn't had before, they were bad.  Three of the guys acted as if they had turrets syndrome.  I then assigned an additional assignment. Guess they didn't get the hint.  To sum it up, this class was rude, disrespectful, and they did not listen at all."//

As a teacher, I expect to hear that my classes are a little chatty when a substitute is present. After all, they are teenagers. But when I receive such a poor report and then have it confirmed by other teachers, I feel that some extreme consequences need to be enforced. Below is what I have implemented. I would appreciate your help in making sure that everything is turned in.

Students must:
 * Write a 200-word letter of apology to Mr. Wilson, the substitute, about the class's rude and disrespectful behavior.
 * Write a 200-word letter of apology to Dr. Stensrud, the principal, about being a poor representative of Indian Hills Middle School.
 * Write a 200-word letter of apology to Mrs. Call for disappointing her with her expectations of the class and the amount of trust she has given them.
 * Write a 200-word letter of apology to Mom & Dad explaining what happened in class and why each student has a lower citizenship than desired.

In addition, there was no review given before the Chapter One test which students took today. Students will not being to use the Hall Pass until January. And all learning activities will be postponed until January.

I regret that I must take these extreme measures, but I feel that it is important that a student learns to be respectful and polite. If you would like to discuss what has occurred further, please email me to set up an appointment.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Call