I am pleased to announce that your child will be involved in a journal writing program in my class this year. The students will write in their journals almost every day about specified topics that often pertain to our regular studies. The topics they are assigned will be designed to improve their understanding of our subject matter and at the same time their writing skills, while also providing creative challenges.

The students will be required to turn in some, but not all, of their journal entries. For the entries they are required to turn in, there will be a Required Topic Cover Sheet which outlines the assignment and specific skill areas to be assessed. Many of the entries which are not turned in help the students prepare for required assignments; a student's failure to keep up with all of the journal entries will be reflected in the papers which are turned in. Although I will not collect every journal entry, I will check frequently to see that students are maintaining their journals.

Your child will need a special folder in which to keep all journal entries and all papers associated with the journal activities. I will provide these and ask that the students to bring in a quarter to defray expenses. This folder must be in class every day.

The students will be allowed to bring home the folders periodically so you can see how they are doing. Your interest and encouragement are the greatest motivators for your child.

To start the journal program, your child has determined some goals which are indicated on the attached sheet. Please read these goals, add your comments or suggestions, sign the form, and have your child return it to me. After I add my comments, the goals sheet will be placed in your child's journal folder.

I look forward to working with you and your child this year, and I hope that you will contact me if you have any questions or comments.

Sincerely,

Laura J. Dowling