Dear Parents or Guardians,

My name is Stephen Short and I am your child’s U.S. History teacher at Ellison High
School. I am a graduate from Texas A & M University Central Texas where I received a
Bachelor’s of Arts degree in History. I am a certified Social Studies middle and high school
teacher. My first year in teaching will be an amazing year and I am excited to be your child’s
teacher.
I would like to share with you a few of my classroom expectations of all students and I
would greatly appreciate your support. First, my homework policy is to only give homework
Monday through Thursday. I believe that students, like adults, need weekends to decompress
and rejuvenate. I will give homework due dates when the homework is assigned and the date
will be on the assignment sheet for the students to take home. The homework will also be posted
on my website with the due date for reference. All homework is due at the beginning of the class
period it is due, failure to turn in assignments on time will result in lunch detention with me, and
the student will have an opportunity to complete the assignment during this time. Second, I
expect all students to respect the opinions and group sharing of other students. The respect given
to other students in this way by actively listening will promote group discussion and ensure the
safe, supportive classroom I am attempting to promote. Lastly, the expectation that all directions
are followed immediately upon hearing them cannot be overstated. The reason for this particular
rule is so we can utilize every minute of the class period in a productive manner. I do not want
to waste your child’s time during my class with unproductive time. Your support in all these
expectations of my classroom is greatly appreciated.
I do have a conference period Monday through Thursday from 12:45 PM through 1:40
PM and I am willing to schedule conferences after school hours. To schedule a conference with
me please email me at Stephen.short@kisd.org and state two dates and time you are requesting
so I can do the best to meet your availability. For home access to the class homework
assignments, due dates, and extra research opportunities visit our class webpage at
www.awesomehistory.org .

Sincerely,
Stephen Short
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I have read the class policies discussed them with my child.

Parent/Guardian Signature ____________________________________

Student Signature __________________________________________________