Ms.

Genise - 6th Grade English/Language Arts

Dear Families,

I would like to take the opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Sarah Genise
and I am honored to be your childs sixth grade teacher. This is my fifth year
teaching but my first year here at Maie Bartlett Heard. I have my bachelors degree
in Elementary Education from Arizona State University and my masters in Special
Education from Grand Canyon University.
I have high expectations for your child and I will do all that I can to help your child
achieve those expectations. I am looking forward to working with you and your
child directly so that as a team, we can help to reach his or her full potential.
Communication: 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 sarah.genise@phxschools.org or
call me at (602) 523-8841. For individual concerns, I will contact you by phone,
send a note home, or email you (if an email address is provided). It is very important
that I have up-to-date contact information.
Homework: I do not assign weekly homework but your child may be asked to
complete unfinished work. Additionally, homework may come home if additional
practice is needed.
Passports: Your child will be given a passport that he or she will carry to all classes
throughout the week. These passports help both teachers and the student to identify
any behaviors that are in need of refinement; these passports must be signed by a
parent or guardian at the end of the week and returned to your childs homeroom
teacher on Monday.
Electronic devices: Electronic devices often interfere with the orderly operation of
the school and may cause a disruption to the learning environment. School rules
prohibit such items as cell phone, IPods, audio/video devices, electronic games or
any other electronic devices. All electronic devices should be powered off and
handed in to the homeroom teacher for the day and returned at dismissal time. The
school is not responsible when these items are lost or stolen
Behavior: To ensure that all students have the opportunity to learn without
disruption, class behavior will be addressed immediately. It is very important that
students follow the guidelines of class procedures and behavior to allow others to
have a successful learning experience. This will include class behavior, specials
behavior, and expectations in line, recess, and the cafeteria. I hope that we can build
a relationship that will help students stay on task, follow school and class rules, and
respect others.
Rules:
1. Respect yourself and others
2. Come prepared to learn
3. Follow directions and ask for help when needed
4. Always try your best
5. Use respectful language and active listening
Recognition
Verbal Praise
Positive notes home or positive phone call
Viking shields
Field Trips
Prizes
Consequences:
Verbal Warning
Reteach and practice
Think Sheet
Detention
Parent Contact
Referral to office
Field Trips
Must have a 90% or better attendance rate
Fewer than 10% tardies
Zero office referrals
Zero after school detentions
Please know that I will always have your childs best interest at heart and am
looking forward to a wonderful and exciting year!

Sincerely,

Ms. Genise

Cut on dotted line and return to homeroom teacher

I have read the classroom welcome letter and discussed it with my

child.
__________________________ ____________
Parents Signature/firma del padre Date/la fecha

__________________________ ____________
Student Signature/firma del estudiante Date/la fecha
 Philosophy of Education

It is my belief that all students, regardless of race, gender, orientation, and socio-
economic status, can achieve their full potential in life if provided with the appropriate
guidance and support. A classroom community fueled by inquiry, problem solving, and
teamwork can only operate if all players are working towards a common goal of self-
empowerment. In order to instill this belief and confidence in my students, I take the time to
know and understand them in order to make their learning and my teaching more relatable
to their lives. I believe in exploring their challenges, strengths, and interests for the purpose
of incorporating as many pieces of their complex lives into their learning as possible. Every
student should have a feeling of safety and comfort in the classroom. I know that it is critical
to provide my students with the type of atmosphere in which they will thrive and I make it
my mission to build a diverse community of learners who celebrate each others differences
and similarities.