Shelly K. Unsicker
Central Junior High School
shellyunsicker@mooreschools.com
August 24, 2009
Dear Parents/Guardians,
I am writing to ask your help as a partner in your child’s education. I will only have a
short time with your child in her/his academic journey and I want to make a contribution
that lasts a life time.
My teaching must begin with making your child feel at home in our classroom. My goal
is for all students to come together as a learning community made up of unique
individuals, each with his or her own learning style, interests, history, and dreams.
Would you help me be a more effective teacher by taking a quiet moment to write me
about your child? This could take the form of a letter, an email, a list, or a poem. I
would like to know everything you think is vital and necessary information. What is
your child like? What are things you as a parent know that would be important for me to
know? What are your child’s interests? I want to know how your child thinks and plays.
How do you see your child as a learner and a person? And of course, I want you to take
time to “brag” about the ways in which you are proud of your child.
I understand that other 8th grade teachers may be asking for something similar.. If that is
the case, please feel free to write one letter and make a copy.
Thank you in advance for helping me to be a better teacher for your child.
Respectfully,
Shelly K. Unsicker
P.S. I promise not to grade your letters! I’m not looking for grammar, spelling, or
writing skills. I really just want help in getting to know your child. Unless you ask me
not to, I will eventually return the letters to your child for his/her portfolio.