August 17, 2009

Sample Letter to Drama Students' Parents

An introductory letter for the beginning of the semester

Dear Parents,

Welcome to school name wonderful world of Drama. As we start a brand new semester, I would like to let you know what is happening in Drama 1. As we have no textbook in this class, all assignments are to be put in a notebook that will be graded several times during the semester. It will include a grade sheet (which should be kept up to date so students will always know how they are doing in this class), the packet we’re working on, critiques, critique format, and all daily work along with paper and pen. This notebook must be in class every day and can be considered part of the daily grade. All the items mentions below are included in their Drama 1 Course Management and Content that is also in their notebooks.

Margaret F. Johnson

ATTENDANCE Absences, as well as tardies, will be handled according to school policy. Makeup on work missed during absences is the sole responsibility of the student. Students must make every effort to be here. As this class is group oriented with mostly IN-CLASS ACTIVITIES, when they are absent group work and discussion is missed which will be very difficult to make up. If students are going to miss class due to a SCHOOL ACTIVITY (science, music, athletic, or other trip), they MUST turn in assignments BEFORE they leave, receive assignments for next day and come the following day, ready for class, assignments done. This rule is also in effect if students are absent from school for just a portion of the day, including the period that Drama 1 meets. I am here every day after school as well as lunch on Thursday for anyone who needs to check grades, assignments or for help. Absences can also affect other students’ grades. Everyone in this class depends on each other. Continued absences can affect their grade.

MID-QUARTER PROGRESS REPORT At mid-quarter time you will be notified on your child’s progress in class with a mid-quarter report. This report is to be taken home, signed by you, and returned to me for credit.

DAILY WORK 46% Students do not and will not be excused from class to go to their locker for pen, paper, notebook, etc. They are expected to bring to class what is required with them at all times. A variety of subjects will be covered this semester which include: acting, choral reading, class plays, improvisation, pantomime, and technical theatre.

90% of the daily work in this class is oral, performed in front of the class.

PLAY CRITIQUE 15% Each student must see three plays for the semester -- one performance of a play outside of school plus seeing two school plays is required. A specific written critique form will be handed out and discussed in detail before students have to write. This written review is due the Monday after the last performance of the play. If this should cause a financial hardship, have your child see me.

TESTS AND QUIZZES 6% There will be two written tests covering Technical Theatre during the semester worth 110 points. Several quizzes will be given during the semester over information I feel is important. It is generally over material handed out for overnight reading.

FINAL PERFORMANCE 33% This presentation includes almost everything that has been covered in the semester: choral reading, mime, improv, plays, etc. It will be performed the last week of the semester in the evening for the public, free of charge.

TWO FINAL NOTES

· All work is due WHEN it is called for, usually at the beginning of the class period.

· The majority of each student’s grade is determined by the IMAGINATIVE AND CREATIVE way in which the student’s work is done.

Topic Tags: first semester, school year, theater books, theater class, theater classroom, theater texts, theatre books, theatre class, theatre classroom, theatre texts

by Margaret F. Johnson

↑top

link to this