Dear Parents: I have a few pointers that I would like to mention here: First, I realize that, for many of you, this is your first experience with a twenty-first century junior high. If there are any problems or concerns that you have during the year, please do not hesitate to email(preferred) or call. I cannot stress enough the importance of keeping up with classwork and homework, the most important of which is STUDYING. Too many students do not EVEN consider studying as homework, but I tell them that it is the MOST IMPORTANT kind. Many do not understand HOW to study nor realize that reading over notes each night IS studying and easier than waiting for the night BEFORE a test. Sometimes, reading over a chapter again is also a good way to prepare. If your child always comes home saying he/ she has NO homework in ANY subject, you can assume that this cannot be correct. As a conscientious parent, it would be prudent to have your child read over notes or study the information obtained from that day. Lastly, one of the biggest problems with seventh graders seems to be turning work in ON TIME. This is one of the reasons I require a project every nine weeks! Many students say to me, "I didn't have time." or "I had karate practice." We must instill in them that their FIRST JOB is school! Consider, also, that for the first time most of them have SEVEN different classes with SEVEN different teachers who have SEVEN different styles and MANY different requirements in their classes. This could, undoubtedly, add up to quite a lot of work. The best way for students to remember assignments and to stay organized is by using the planner. If your child is having trouble keeping up, I will gladly initial his/ her planner after the assignment is written down from the board. Please let me know if this will assist you in the MOST IMPORTANT JOB that you will ever have - your child. Sincerest regards, Ms. Whitman