Introductory and Year-End Letters to Parents and Students

Introductory and Year-End Letters to Parents and Students

Chrispeels, Boruta, and Daugherty (1988) describe introductory and end-of-year letters that teachers can send to parents and students:

Introductory Letters to Parents: "Introductory letters from teachers to parents sent before the first day of school or at the beginning of the term greatly benefit home-school relations. They start parents off with the image of a teacher who is genuinely interested in the lives of students and families. These letters make it easier for parents to talk to teachers as someone they have been introduced to and know something about.

An introductory letter needs to emphasize the parents' importance to the student's educational program. It should be positive, friendly, and express the teacher's hope to help the student. An introductory letter might contain the following:

Introduction of the teacher.
Course expectations and goals.
Description of classroom procedures.
Reading lists and projects.
Description of other upcoming parent-teacher activities.
Teacher's telephone number at school and office hours.

Another benefit of sending an introductory letter is that it provides a vehicle for preparing parents to expect more communication throughout the year. The format, color, or distinguishing logo that will be used on notes and/or newsletters all year can be used and explained. This is also the ideal time to initiate two-way communication. Letters can include a tear-off portion to be returned to the teacher with information on when parents are available for contact, conferences, or to help in the classroom. The teacher may also want to ask parents to answer a few questions about their child.

If the letter is to be mailed to parents, schools will need to support teachers in this effort by duplicating materials and helping with mailing. In secondary schools with a homeroom system, homeroom teachers could take on the responsibility of contacting their 30 students and introducing themselves as the primary contact person for the parent." (p. 123)

Introductory Letters to Students: "Some teachers send an introductory letter to students to help establish positive feelings in regard to a new teacher and the upcoming school experience. This gives the student the feeling that the teacher cares about him or her as an individual. Letters to students can also positively affect parents' feelings toward the teacher and school. Teachers may want to ask students and parents to complete some simple questions about themselves which help the teacher to become better acquainted with the student." (p. 124)

End-of-the-Year Thank You Letters: "Thank you letters mailed to the homes of all students at the end of the school year can be another effective means of communication. Teachers can express their appreciation for parent and student contributions to the class during the school year. They can offer assistance and resources for parents during the vacation period." (p. 124)

Courtesy of the San Diego County Office of Education.

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