August 15, 2018

To the Parents/Guardians of a UMS Student:

Welcome to the 2018-2019 school year!  I am anticipating a highly productive and successful year and I look forward to working with your child; through hands – on - activities, lectures, and power point presentations.

Throughout the academic year, I will be covering the 6^th-8^th ESL Reading/Language Arts and 6^th grade Language Arts Reporting categories.  These can be found in detail at the Texas Educational Agency website www.tea.state.tx.us.

Our Reading/Language Arts monthly calendar will keep you informed of daily topics being taught.  You can access our class page by going to ums.uisd.net and clicking on the left hand navigation button class pages, then clicking on the assigned class/teacher.

Each child who is taking 6^th grade Language Arts will be using their 6^th grade textbook, while ESL Reading/Language Arts will be using their Milestones textbook. Each child will also receive their own workbook that they will use during class. However, homework will be assigned from Monday through Thursday.

• Tests: Students will have a minimum of 4 assessments recorded per six weeks aside from the CBA Assessments.
• Retests: Students will have a chance to Retest (if applicable) in order to improve their test grade the following class day after a test has been administered.  As per District Policy, the highest grade that can be achieved on a retest is a 70. 

Afterschool tutorials will be offered from Monday to Thursday from 3:30 pm to 4:00 pm, for students needing extra help. (NOTE: When teacher is on duty, they can visit the MARC program for tutoring.)

Your child will be challenged in my class. I have high expectations for your child, as do all his/her other teachers but I will need your assistance to ensure that your child has a successful academic year.  The following suggestions, if enforced, will have positive effects on your child’s learning.

1. Review your child’s progress report.

2. Make sure your child brings his/her materials every day. (Journal, workbook, paper, pencils, etc.)

3. Set up a quiet area for your child to do his/her assigned homework, review daily notes and study for tests

4. Check my webpage on a weekly basis to keep informed of the math concepts being taught in my classroom.

5. Send your child to after school tutorials, if needed.

6. Make sure your child studies for my tests.

Bathroom Use: Students are not allowed to step out of the classroom during the first 10 minutes and last 10 minutes of each class period.  In addition, only 3 students are allowed to go to the bathroom per period. However, in the case of emergencies, or if I am provided with a doctor’ note, exceptions will be made. 

 Absences/Tardiness: Tardiness and absences will be taken seriously as per school policy.

The following steps will be taken for tardiness:

1. Verbal warning (1^st tardy)

2. Call the parents (2^nd tardy)                                                                 * 4 TARDINESS = 1 UNEXCUSED ABSENCE

3. Report student to Truant Officer (3^rd tardy)

4. Write a referral to Administration (4^th tardy)

U.I.S.D.  Student Code of Conduct will be strictly adhered to.

In addition, United Middle School has implemented a P.B.I.S. (Positive Behavioral Intervention Support) program, to ensure that all students have access to the most effective and accurately implemented instructional, behavioral and intervention practices.

        Should you have any questions or concerns, I can be reached at (956) 473 -7372 or vmpena@uisd.net.  

        My planning period is from 9:00 am to 10:00 am daily.

        Sincerely,

Veronica M. Peña / ESL Language Arts/Reading/6^th grade Language Arts                 

Important:

One of our Campus Initiatives is to keep the students and parents informed about homework or other school events.

I have created an ESL Language Arts,  ESL Reading, and 6^th grade Language Arts  account on REMIND.COM and would like you to join in.  You can agree to receive texts from the teacher and allow you son/daughter to receive them as well.  You and your son/daughter, however, cannot text back.

It is not intended for conversation, but rather to inform.  If at any point you wish to be taken off the list you may contact me and request it.  Follow the instructions on the pages I have given you and add your student to the corresponding class your son/daughter is in.

Thank you.