I care a great deal about your child, but I have to be concerned with all the children in the classroom. All my energies can't be focused on a single child.

I'll believe half of what your child tells me happens at home if you'll believe 50 percent of what he says happens at school.

There always will be someone in the world who is smarter, more athletic, more musical, more... than your child. Let her be a child; let her skills and talents emerge naturally. Don't put so much pressure on your child that she learns to hate to learn.

Most children watch too much TV. Limit TV viewing and encourage physical activity, reading, and imaginative thinking.

I am here to ensure that your child can succeed; your support and encouragement are necessary for me to succeed in that effort.

 Manners are important. As much as I treat all students equally, the child who remembers to say, "Thank you," "Please," "Excuse me," and "May I help you?" is thought of more fondly.

Please make sure you read my homework policy, book report guidelines, weekly newsletter, and any other communications I send home during the year.

You are your child's first teacher. You have more of an impact on his values, behavior, expectations, work ethic, and actions than any other person in the world. If you feel education is important, your child will pick up on that and feel that doing his best and getting an education are important as well. You matter. You make the difference!

Education does not stop at the end of the school day or the start of summer. Your child needs you to provide enrichment and fun activities at home to keep the education going. Read to your child, even if she can read herself.

Teach your child respect for others by treating him and other family members with respect. Expose him to people who are different. Be a contributing member of your community.

If I am doing something right, please let me know.  

Make sure your child wears comfortable clothing. Tight, frilly, or uncomfortable clothes hinder her ability to concentrate and do her best. Clothing styles that are popular in stores do not necessarily belong in school. Be aware that the clothes you think she is wearing to school are not necessarily the clothes she shows up in.

Children are not perfect. I don't expect your child to be perfect in my class and you shouldn't expect him to be perfect at home.  

Trust our judgment. We do this for a living and the vast majority of us know what we're doing.