Artifact #5: Parent Newsletter:

As educators, it is essential that we practice and believe in collaboration with

parents through communication and interactions. In my role as an educational

assistant, I always ensure that I develop connections with parents by maintaining a

daily communication logbook, which will highlight their child’s progress and

weaknesses. This practice will help foster a good working relationship with parents

and teachers with the main focus centering on effective dialogue so t hat both parties

are in agreement about meeting the needs of each child. I have observed teachers

making newsletters and giving them to students to share with their parents so that they

are updated about what is going on in the classroom and with their chi ld’s progress. It

also provides updates to parents about what is happening at school. I realize that

parents appreciate being informed of what is going on in the child’s life. It is a known

fact that my parents liked it when my teachers provided them in sight about my

progress/weaknesses as well as monthly newsletters , which apprised them about what

was going on at school. The ongoing dialogues helped parents to be better able to

assist their children with continued learning at home as well as helping the m to better

understand aspects of their child’s daily interactions at school.

Connections to Standards:

INTASC Standards:

Standard #10: Leadership and Collaboration:

The teacher seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student

learning, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals and

community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession.

10(m) The teacher understands that alignment of family, school, and community spheres of

influence enhances student learning and that discontinuity in these spheres of influence interferes

with learning.

TEAC/CAEP Claims:

Claim 2: Medaille College graduates meet the needs of diverse learners through effective

pedagogy and best teaching practices

NYS Code of Ethics for Educators:

Principle 5: Educators collaborate with parents and community, building trust and

respecting confidentiality:

Educators will partner with parents and other members of the community to enhance school

programs and to promote student learning. They also recognize how cultural and linguistic

heritage, gender, family and community shape experience and learning. Educators respect the

private nature of the special knowledge they have about students and their families and use that

knowledge only in the students' best interests. They advocate for fair opportunity for all children.

The Ontario Ethical Teacher Standards:

Care: The ethical standard of Care includes compassion, acceptance, interest and insight for

developing students' potential. Members express their commitment to students' wellbeing and

learning through positive influence, professional judgment and empathy in practice.