Letter to the new teacher?

[Anonymous]

I was advised to write a brief letter to my daughter's kindergarten teacher sharing a little bit about her personality, interests, etc. to help the teacher get to know her. Do people actually do this? Would this be helpful? I'll do it if it's actually a good idea but it seems kind of to me.

[Anonymous]

Who advised you?

Teachers generally request one if they want it. No request means not interested, probably.

[Anonymous]

If the teacher asked for it, do it. If your well-meaning aunt or friend who lives several states away advised it, don't do it.

I will be sending an email to each new teacher one of my daughters has, through elementary school. It will say basically, "Hello. Please be advised that Molly is adopted. Her older sister who you may have seen around school (Emily) is not. I just wanted to let you know in case you had any "family tree" type assignments coming. Molly is fully aware of her adoption. As of yet, she has never chosen to tell anyone about it. Thank you."

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't do that unless there are some truly extenuating circumstances. Give your child the opportunity to show her teachers who she rather than having you define her before they even meet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If the teacher asked for it, do it. If your well-meaning aunt or friend who lives several states away advised it, don't do it.

I will be sending an email to each new teacher one of my daughters has, through elementary school. It will say basically, "Hello. Please be advised that Molly is adopted. Her older sister who you may have seen around school (Emily) is not. I just wanted to let you know in case you had any "family tree" type assignments coming. Molly is fully aware of her adoption. As of yet, she has never chosen to tell anyone about it. Thank you."

This is a legit reason to reach out to a teacher.

Little factoids about your child’s likes and dislikes aren’t necessary. Teachers know how to get to know their students. And tiny humans are notoriously fickle as any parents who has ever stocked up on a toy, food, or article of clothing can attest. Tell the teacher in late August that Larla’s best friend is GeighGeigh and Larla is likely to say “GeighGeigh who?” on the first day of school.

[Anonymous]

Advised at the K info session for the school district we lived in last winter. (We’ve moved since.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Advised at the K info session for the school district we lived in last winter. (We’ve moved since.)

Then do it! The school has little info about your kid. It’s fine.

[Anonymous]

If the school asks you to do it, do it!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Advised at the K info session for the school district we lived in last winter. (We’ve moved since.)

Also an instance where this is acceptable.

To recap...

Acceptable:
Kiddo has special need.
School/teacher asked.

Ill-advised:
You think the teacher needs to see how wonderful and unique your child is advance.

[Anonymous]

Our ES has al "all about me" from they have us fill out. Same kind of thing, to get info about the kids so they can put together somewhat appropriate classrooms. With kindergarten they are flying blind. No idea which kids went to preschool and get circle time and centers vs which never had any. Which kids are behavior problems, which kids can already read vs those that can't count to 10 or know their letters. It gives the school *some* information so that hopefully the classrooms are somewhat balanced.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Advised at the K info session for the school district we lived in last winter. (We’ve moved since.)

Also an instance where this is acceptable.

To recap...

Acceptable:
Kiddo has special need.
School/teacher asked.

Ill-advised:
You think the teacher needs to see how wonderful and unique your child is advance.

+1

former teacher

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If the teacher asked for it, do it. If your well-meaning aunt or friend who lives several states away advised it, don't do it.

I will be sending an email to each new teacher one of my daughters has, through elementary school. It will say basically, "Hello. Please be advised that Molly is adopted. Her older sister who you may have seen around school (Emily) is not. I just wanted to let you know in case you had any "family tree" type assignments coming. Molly is fully aware of her adoption. As of yet, she has never chosen to tell anyone about it. Thank you."

This is a legit reason to reach out to a teacher.

Little factoids about your child’s likes and dislikes aren’t necessary. Teachers know how to get to know their students. And tiny humans are notoriously fickle as any parents who has ever stocked up on a toy, food, or article of clothing can attest. Tell the teacher in late August that Larla’s best friend is GeighGeigh and Larla is likely to say “GeighGeigh who?” on the first day of school.

PP, you (and I) spend too much time on DCUM!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Advised at the K info session for the school district we lived in last winter. (We’ve moved since.)

Also an instance where this is acceptable.

To recap...

Acceptable:
Kiddo has special need.
School/teacher asked.

Ill-advised:
You think the teacher needs to see how wonderful and unique your child is advance.

And be aware of what a wonderful parent you are.

If I received an email/note without requesting it, and with general interest items, I would be bracing myself for one of "those parents."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If the teacher asked for it, do it. If your well-meaning aunt or friend who lives several states away advised it, don't do it.

I will be sending an email to each new teacher one of my daughters has, through elementary school. It will say basically, "Hello. Please be advised that Molly is adopted. Her older sister who you may have seen around school (Emily) is not. I just wanted to let you know in case you had any "family tree" type assignments coming. Molly is fully aware of her adoption. As of yet, she has never chosen to tell anyone about it. Thank you."

This is a legit reason to reach out to a teacher.

Little factoids about your child’s likes and dislikes aren’t necessary. Teachers know how to get to know their students. And tiny humans are notoriously fickle as any parents who has ever stocked up on a toy, food, or article of clothing can attest. Tell the teacher in late August that Larla’s best friend is GeighGeigh and Larla is likely to say “GeighGeigh who?” on the first day of school.

PP, you (and I) spend too much time on DCUM!

Too true.

[Anonymous]

I'll be sending a letter to the new teacher for my rising 5th grader. He was released from his IEP in June; therefore, his new teacher will not be required to read his file. He still has ADHD/very slow processing speed/low working memory. I will encourage the new teacher to read his file, so that he/she is aware of his challenges, but will keep challenging him to the fullest extent possible based upon his past academic performance. Yes, the teacher may eventually figure this out but why not lift the burden up front?

When my kids were new to the area, I also let the teachers know. I made them aware of whether or not they were adjusting to the move or not. Under normal circumstances I wouldn't introduce my kids unless the teacher asked.