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Heather Calliham

TWS 10: Communication and Collaboration

A. Family Communication
In order to maintain an effective communication plan with the parents of my students, I will
begin by sending home an introductory letter introducing myself. This letter will provide parents
and guardians with my contact information including my email, cell phone number, and schedule
for if they would like to meet. Attached with the letter will be a student interest sheet that I
would like for the parent and the child to fill out and return. This sheet will give me feedback on
the childs specific interests and needs so I can modify and accommodate my planning
accordingly to ensure their needs are met. Another way I will effectively communicate is by
sending home a daily behavior sheet that must be signed and returned each day along with any
homework assignments. This behavior sheet will give guardians knowledge of their childs
behavior for the noted school day as well as any other comments or concerns addressed. By
having the parents sign these behavior sheets, I will know they are aware of their childs daily
behavior. The comments section of the behavior sheet can be utilized by both the parents and me
if needed. Once a month I will send home a class newsletter. This newsletter will contain
important news and information involving the classroom and the school. Items included in this
newsletter will consist of important dates to remember, any upcoming school or class events,
student birthdays for the noted month, what the class is learning/studying at the time, and any
other necessary items that need to be addressed for the month. This newsletter can be kept at
home and used for the parents convenience. I will also communicate with parents via email,
phone calls, or conferences whenever necessary.

B. Communication/Collaboration with Colleagues

I will effectively communicate with my colleagues via email, phone calls, or face to face visits.
The communication will involve discussing plans for the students, upcoming events, or any
activities we wish to do with our classes. I will also meet with my grade team at least once a
week to further discuss upcoming plans in detail. Emails will be utilized more frequently with
colleagues, administrators, and community members as they are the preferred means of
communication. Communication with these individuals will involve discussing plans for the
class, student progress or concerns, any field trips or events we wish to attend, along with any
other important discussions.

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Heather Calliham

Dear Parent/Guardian,
My name is Heather Calliham and I am a senior at Lander University majoring in
Early Childhood Education. In December of 2015, I will graduate with my bachelors
degree and hopefully shortly after, begin my journey as an educator.
Over the next few months I will be working closely with Mrs. Koone along with the
students in the class. I am here to expand my knowledge in education and practice my teaching
skills for when I become a student teacher. During my time here, I plan to grow as a prospective
teacher and learn new things that I will carry with me throughout my teaching career. I look
forward to learning and growing with your child over these next few months, and I hope he/she
takes away as much from this experience as I plan to.
If you have any questions or concerns about my visits, I will be at the school all day on
Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can also reach me through Mrs. Koone or by my school email,
heather.calliham@lander.edu.
With great excitement,
Miss Calliham

*Attached to the letter, I have provided a video consent form that I need you to sign and
return. This ensures that all students are allowed to be videoed when I teach my lessons.
If the consent form isnt returned in time, or you wish to not have your child videoed,
he/she will still be a part of the lesson, just not in the video. Thanks in advance!

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Heather Calliham

Additional Information:

Student Behavior Sheet

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Heather Calliham

Behavior Indicator

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday
*No Homework

Parent Signature

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