Dear Students and Families,

Welcome to a new school year! My name is Mr. Cooley and I am truly excited to have your child in my classroom. I know the beginning of a school year can bring a mix of excitement, nerves, and plenty of questions. I hope this letter gives you a better idea of who I am as a teacher and what you and your child can expect from me this year.

One thing you should know about me is that I take the responsibility of being your child’s teacher seriously. I have spent the last several years working with elementary students in different roles, and those experiences have taught me that no two students walk into a classroom needing exactly the same thing.  My job is to get to know the student sitting in front of me and help them grow from where they are.

I want our classroom to be somewhere your child is happy to walk into each morning. We will work hard and have high expectations, but we will also laugh, ask questions, celebrate progress, and make plenty of mistakes. I never want a student to be afraid of getting something wrong. Sometimes the best learning happens after the first try doesn't work.


HOMEWORK POLICY

I believe that students spend a large part of their day working and learning at school, so I do not plan to assign regular homework unless it is necessary. I want students to have time after school for family, activities, and rest.

If a student has unfinished classwork, they may be asked to take it home, complete it, and return it to receive credit for the assignment. I am also happy to provide additional practice or learning activities at a parent’s request if you feel your child would benefit from some extra support or practice at home.

My goal is for homework to be purposeful, not simply something students are given because it is expected.

 

MY EXPECTATIONS 

I have high expectations for my students, but I don't expect perfection. I expect students to be respectful, responsible, ready to learn, safe, and willing to grow. There will be good days and difficult days. There will be great choices and choices we have to learn from. My goal is to help students understand their choices, take responsibility for them, and know that tomorrow is another opportunity to do better.

More than anything, I want this to be a partnership. You are trusting me with someone incredibly important to you, and I don't take that lightly. I am looking forward to learning who your child is, watching them grow, and sharing their successes with you throughout the year.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of your child’s year. I’m excited to get started.

​

MR. COOLEY