Dear Parent/Guardian, 7/10/2009

Your son/daughter has been enrolled in the Support Instruction Program for the 2009 – 2010 school year. The purpose of this program is to support your son/daughter in their core general education classes. The general education classes usually run at a faster pace than the replacement courses offered through the special education department, and some students to need specific accommodations in order to succeed at that level.

The Support Instruction class will provide your son/daughter with extra time to complete tests and assignments for the core general education classes. During mid-term and final examinations, the Support Instruction room will be available to your child during all exam periods for extra time to complete exams.

Many students require access to peer/teacher notes as per their IEP. This can be done through the Support Instruction Program. These arrangements should be made within the first two weeks of school, either with the subject teacher or with the Support Instruction teacher.

Once an agreement form has been signed and returned, students can sign out audio books and audio players to take home. We have most of the novels being read in our English classes available. The students can also borrow flash-drives as needed throughout the school year. This is intended to eliminate situations where students cannot work on projects in Support Instruction because they are only saved on a computer at home. Replacement fees for these items are outlined in the written agreement (Audio Player $200, Audio Book $25, Flashdrive $10) in case any items are lost or damaged. Flashdrives are also sold at the school store if your son or daughter would rather purchase one for their own personal use). Students will not be able to sign out any equipment without a signed agreement.

Students will learn to utilize their planner to record important dates and information at the end of each class. The Support Instruction teacher will check the planners daily to make sure they are being filled out. If students have difficulty with long-term assignments, the Support Instruction teacher can assist them in breaking their assignments down into more manageable tasks. Students will be encouraged to advocate for their own needs.

One of the most important aspects of the Support Instruction Program is communication. Teachers will be asked to update grades on specific dates throughout the school year. These grades will be printed and shared with parents, students, case managers and guidance counselors. Assignments listed as zeros may be listed on these updates, and the students will be encouraged to seek clarification from the subject teachers. If a teacher does not have current information in the computer when grades are printed, they will assume responsibility for contacting parents, students, case managers and guidance counselors if the student’s grade has fallen below 70% or if there are any missing assignments. Parents/guardians will be provided with a schedule for grade updates. Please let me know if you do not receive an update so a second copy can be forwarded. If you have any questions specific to other classes, please contact those teachers directly.

There are many opportunities for academic assistance available to the students. They may use their Support Instruction period to seek extra help from the subject teachers (they must have a pass from the teacher). There are teachers available in the library during all lunch periods to assist the students with their work (they need a pass for this as well). Students can also attend the after school program in room 409 every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 2:40 to 3:30.

In order for the Support Instruction Program to be successful, we need the cooperation of everyone involved. We ask that the students come to class prepared with a plan of action and all of the materials they need to complete their tasks. They will be expected to utilize the entire period and maintain a quiet working environment. Teachers are expected to communicate with the Support Instruction teacher and keep their grades current in the computer. Parents and case managers may be asked to follow up in certain situations. The most important thing to know, is that we are all working together to reach a common goal. We want your child to be a successful, productive citizen, with a solid education to support him/her in whatever path they choose to take after high school. I look forward to working with all of you, and I will do everything I can to help your son/daughter become more independent and successful. Please do not hesitate to e-mail me with any questions/concerns.

Sincerely,

M. Rachel Price

M. Rachel Price