This is an email I sent out to the parents before I began my unit:

Hi Parents!

This week we have started the Middle Ages. Mrs. Annas has turned over the reins to me, her student teacher, for the unit. The test for this unit will be on November 23, which is the day before Thanksgiving break. I realize some students may be leaving early for the holiday, if that is the case please ask your students to let me know so we can make other arrangements for test-taking.

This week we have discussed feudalism (and even simulated it) and the manorial system. Friday the students will have a quick quiz on the information from this week, so you may want to remind them. Next week we will take a look at individual countries and also the growing problems of the church. For much of the week they will work with small groups to complete a poster on one specific country in the Middle Ages.

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. This should be a fun unit and I am so excited to be working with such a great group of of students. You can email me at kvh4@duke.edu, or reply to Mrs. Annas and she will pass any comments along.

Thanks,

Kate Harris

Here are two I received back—a reminder that parents do appreciate it when you keep in touch:

Dear Kate,

Thanks for the update!  It's amazing how much information exists out there.  If I ask ******* about her classes, very few particulars are given.  I wish you all the best during your student teaching experience!

If you notice any problems that we should be aware of, please feel free to email me.  We appreciate the feedback!

Ms. Harris,

   I'm ************'s mom, thanks for the update.  It's always helpful

to receive these type of emails. Please feel free to let me know any

concerns regarding ***************.

   Thanks again.