Context 

This newsletter was created in my CI 3750 Integrating Technology class at Appalachian State University.  It was an original creation that was given to the students and parents of my internship class to let them know a little about me.

Impact

When I am teaching, newsletters will be a helpful tool in keeping open communication with parents and students.  I can address issues in the classroom, let others know what we are doing and learning, what to expect for upcoming units, etc.  I can also send a newsletter out before the school year begins to introduce myself to the students and parents, as well as let them know anything they will need for the school year. In addition, this could be a great way to communicate the need for parent volunteers and supplies.  I could also use this to showcase student accomplishments and work in the classroom.  If I were to teach older students, I can teach the students how to do newsletters as a means of communication in studying Language Arts, Social Studies, etc.

Alignment

• NETS-T V-C:  Using a newsletter will help me increase productivity because I can communicate multiple ideas to parents and students in one document.  This would be an easier method than making phone calls to parents about what we are doing in class, sending letters home periodically, etc.   Since this newsletter is posted on the web, parents could check it there and this would save the time of me copying it for the whole class.  I could also include homework assignments for the week or month so parents are aware of the students' assignments and time is not spent in checking student planners for parent and teacher notes/signatures. 

• NETS-T V-D:  As previously stated, I could use a newsletter to communicate and collaborate with the parents about homework assignments, projects, etc.  Having parents aware of student assignments nurtures student learning because they know what the student should be doing at home.  I could also use a newsletter to communicate to the community any projects we may need help with in a class or supplies we need.  This fosters student learning because the community is more involved with the schools.  Having a newsletter on a web page allows for parental access to what my class will be doing at any time the parent needs to know, not just when I am available for a conference. In meeting this standard, I have also met NCDPI Standard 16, Indicator 3 that requires communication between parents, teachers, and community.

  Standard 16
  Indicator 3: This standard was met in creating a newsletter that would introduce myself to the parents of the students in my class. This letter was created so that parents would know who I was and feel comfortable with their child being in my presence. In so doing this newsletter, I demonstrated my ability to communicate with guardians to build a partnership.