2012-2013 School Year Mrs. Thomas's class

Special Education classes - - 

1.  We are working on the individualized goals and objectives in our IEPs.  This means that we spend half of each period working to improve our skills in math, reading, writing, organization, etc.  (depending on which areas are covered in the individual IEPs).  We are required to provide this individualized instruction in order to improve student performance in these areas.

2.  We also work on transition activities that will help us to prepare for life after high school.  If you are interested in receiving information about Youth Transition Program services, please let me know.  

3.  As part of our work on organizational skills, we spend part of each period working on the homework for our other classes.  This gives us the chance to have extra help to know how to do the homework.  Please understand that you should expect your children to bring home homework most nights.  There is no way that they can complete all of their homework in the time allotted in their general education classes and their learning objectives classes.

4.  This year you will be able to access progress reports on-line. 

5.  Let me know if I can help you with anything.  My number is 503-861-3317 ext. 19.  My e-mail is thomasj@whsd.k12.or.us.

6.  There is no homework assigned from my classes.  We have work and lessons that address various goals and objectives, but they should all be done in class.  Your child will get full points for bringing his or her materials to class, working on our class work, and working on homework from other classes.  Students will receive zeros if they refuse to do the work in class.  Students will receive letter grades based on these criteria rather than on how well they do on each assignment.  Remember that our class is designed for working on areas of weakness and not for seeing how well you already know your material.  

Encourage your children to work hard to get their assignments done and turned in.  As we finish out the school year, it is important to keep up with the work in their classes.