Chelsea Schmieding

TWS 10: Communication and Collaboration (LO 4.1) (APS 10) TWS Standard: The teacher communicates and collaborates effectively with parents and colleagues. A) Family Communication: Communication is an extremely important aspect in not only life, but in the educational world. Upon receiving my class roster, I will send out postcards to my future students welcoming them to the upcoming year. This postcard will simply welcome them to my class and hopefully get them excited about the approaching year. During the first few days of school, I will send a letter home to the parents/guardians. In this letter, I will introduce myself as well as state my philosophy, and explain set expectations for myself and my students. This letter will also inform them of my contact information. (See Attachment #1). I will also send out a weekly classroom newsletter. This informative newsletter will include what we will be studying for the week as well as any upcoming events. Any other school information will be added as well. This will be sent home every Monday with their signed papers. I will send a folder home weekly for signed papers, important forms and letters, as well as the class newsletter. (See Attachment #2). In my parent letter sent out at the beginning of the year, my contact information will be included. I will provide them my email address and they can call the front office to reach me as well. Parents are welcome to stop by any time to meet with me, observe classroom instruction, and to volunteer. Parents who wish to volunteer within the school must abide by district policy and any background checks necessary may be given. I will rely on email and personal notes home when any extra communication is needed. Copies of both emails and notes home will be kept for personal records. Any of these communication methods will be used for academic and/or behavioral expectations or issues. Other forms of communication will be used in my classroom as well. I will have a class Edmodo account for my students and parents to interact using the ever-changing technology. Edmodo is a website that is similar to Facebook. It is a safe place where only approved members can comment, post, and have access to. I will post updates within the class as well as any

Chelsea Schmieding

information on upcoming events or activities. I will also provide the option to use Remind 101 to communicate with parents. This is a safe, convenient way to send txt messages out to parents from a given number. My personal mobile number will not be provided and I can send quick reminders through Remind 101. Parent-teacher communication is vital in reaching the optimum success of each student throughout the year. Each of these communication methods can allow for relationships in and outside of the classroom and school to achieve success for the students. B) Communication/Collaboration with Colleagues: Communication and collaboration with colleagues is also very important. Grade level meetings will be held biweekly to discuss and plan upcoming lessons. This will allow me the opportunity to provide diverse and effective lessons for my students. I will also collaborate with members of the community that I know personally to see if they would come in and speak to my students or volunteer with class and school events. (See Attachment #3). I will rely on email to communicate with the faculty and staff in the school for any issue or assistance needed. I will also take advantage of faculty meetings to discuss anything with my colleagues and administration. This will allow the opportunity to create positive professional relationships so that working together will come with ease.

Chelsea Schmieding

Attachment #1

February 4, 2014
Hello Families, My name is Chelsea Schmieding. I am from Saluda, South Carolina and I am currently an Elementary Education student at Lander University. I enjoy being outside, going to the beach, and running. I also enjoy spending time with my friends and family. At Lander, I am a member of several organizations: South Carolina Teaching Fellows, Alpha Chi Honor Society, and Blue Key Honor Society. I am also a student worker in the Student Affairs Office on campus. I will begin my teaching career after graduation in December. Since beginning my college career at Lander, I have had the opportunity to work with several different age groups. I have worked in classrooms ranging from first to fourth grade. I will be working with Mrs. Wright in her classroom every Tuesday and Thursday this spring. I cannot wait to get to know each of your children! Please feel free to contact me or Mrs. Wright at any time if there is a question or concern you would like to discuss. Thank you again for the opportunity to get to know and work with your children! Sincerely,

Chelsea Schmieding chelsea.schmieding@lander.edu wrightm@gwd50.org

Chelsea Schmieding

Attachment #3

Dear Senator Nicholson, I am a third grade teacher at Woodfields Elementary School here in the Greenwood 50 school district. As a part of the 3rd grade curriculum standards, the students are learning about South Carolina History. I was wondering if your schedule allowed time for you to come speak to the third graders about how important it is to be a responsible citizen within their school and community in the next few weeks. Thank you for your time and cooperation. Sincerely, Chelsea Schmieding, 3rd Grade Teacher