Dear Seventh Grade Families,

 

I would like to take the opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Joddi Mills and I am honored to be your child’s seventh grade teacher. This is my fourth year of teaching at Madison Academy and I am so excited to be here. I have previously taught third grade, eighth grade, and sixth grade at Madison Academy.

 

I am looking forward to working with you and your child in reaching his or her full potential. We will have many wonderful experiences and opportunities to learn and grow in the days ahead.

 

I believe that communication is the key to a great parent-teacher relationship. I encourage you to contact me if you have any questions or concerns at any time. You can send me a note, email me at jmills@madison-academy.org or call me at (810) 655-2949.  I will also do my part by sending out updates and information to you as well. For individual concerns, I will contact you by phone, send a note home, or email you (if an email address is provided).

 

Please feel free to participate in your child’s academics as much as you are able. Helping hands are always needed. Whether it is reading a story to the class, helping with field trips or class parties, or any other participation will enrich our classroom experiences.

 

I am looking forward to a wonderful and exciting year with you and your child!

 

Sincerely,

 

Joddi Mills

 

Some important information to start off the year:

 

***Homework will require some parental involvement at this level. Your cooperation is essential in developing a positive homework habit. First and foremost, you can encourage your child by showing interest and demonstrating helpful attitudes toward homework.

Some additional suggestions for homework:

• Provide a noise-free, well-lit place to work

• Establish a regular "homework time" in the home and have a special place free from excessive noise.

• Help your child organize adequate time to complete activities neatly and carefully.

• Encourage your child to ask for help when he/she doesn't understand something or is frustrated. Teachers, like parents, can help only if they know there is a need.

• Decide if it becomes too frustrating of a task to stop and take a break. Any work done under duress or frustration is not a positive or healthy learning experience.

 

***Toys and personal valuables should not be brought to school. If they are, they are at school at the child’s risk. All personal belongings should be clearly labeled with your child’s name.

 

***Attendance is very important. What we do in class involves active participation, it is very important that your child attends each day. However, I do realize that sickness, family emergencies, and doctor’s appointments do occur. Whenever possible, your child’s schoolwork will be saved for him/her to complete upon their return to school.

 

The grade scale is as follows:

 

92.5% - 100%            A                                72.5% - 76.4%           C
89.5% - 92.4%           A-                               69.5% - 72.4%           C-
86.5% - 89.4%           B+                              66.5% - 69.4%           D+
82.5% - 86.4%           B                                62.5% - 66.4%           D
79.5% - 82.4%           B-                               59.5% - 62.4%           D-
76.5% - 79.4%           C+                              Less than 59.5%        F

 

No exceptions will be taken in account for the grade scale.

 

That is it for now! Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns as the school year gets started.

 

Joddi Mills