For Parents

“Hands-On Approach”

Unlike some subjects, writing cannot be taught at home using a “hands-off” approach. If you as a parent are unfamiliar with the IEW curriculum, I HIGHLY recommend that you attend class with your student.  That way you will know exactly what is expected of your student and why. Also, purchasing the Teaching Writing With Structure and Style workbook  from IEW will give you a huge advantage in understanding the concepts taught in my classes. If a parent has no IEW experience, I do require that they either attend class, purchase the workbook, or buy and view the IEW DVD for parents.

*Most students (especially younger students) will need you to physically sit down with them to offer help and suggestions while they are writing.  As they mature they will need your help less and less, but in the early years parental assistance is essential.  In my own experience, this stage of development in my children took much longer than I anticipated (“Why aren’t they getting it?”). But I was committed to see them blossom into independent writers, and my patience is paying off. Your child will develop independence as well, but it is a process that takes time. Be patient.

Every homework assignment will be accompanied by an assignment checklist.  Please go over each point listed with your child. Mark every requirement as instructed. This will alleviate frustration for both you and your child, and will assure that we are all learning together (and getting a good grade!)

There’s no way around it: To develop a competent writer requires parental dedication. I decided early on that if my kids could write well and knew their math facts, everything else would fall into place! Most public school teachers simply do not have the time necessary to teach writing consistently, and our kids definitely have an advantage in that we can focus on this overlooked discipline. Your child can stand out!

“To develop a competent writer requires parental dedication.”

Grading Policy

Parents are solely responsible for assigning grades for their students. Parents are responsible for making sure students complete the work as assigned. I will grade every assignment turned in to me, but parents have the authority to adjust or veto any score/assignment as needed. I will keep a copy of your student’s graded assignment, but never as a final authority over your children or home school.

Unsure About Class Placement?

Some students don’t fit into typical grade-level placements. If you have a child who you think might belong in a class that is not his or her grade level, please contact me. Regardless of age or grade, I want every student to feel and be successful at writing!

Student Registration Information:

  • For students enrolled in Ocean Grove Charter School, Sky Mountain Charter School, or South Sutter Charter school, you can register for classes online. Please be sure to have all of the class materials by the first day of class, and bring all the materials every week.

    **Parents, please only sign up your child if he or she can sit well-behaved for 60 minutes in a classroom situation. Ongoing class disruptions are not conducive to a learning environment and enrollment may be terminated if problems persist.

    Purchase Orders

    Please have your ES request two separate purchase orders, one for each semester, for a RANGE of dates (September 8-December 15th; January 19 May 14). These will cover all thirty-four weeks of instruction. Online tuition is $295 for Fall, $295 for Spring.

    The charter school does not pay for classes for which there is no purchase order, therefore it is your responsibility to pay for classes taken if there is no purchase order for that class.

    The Fall Semester Purchase Order must be received PRIOR to the start of the semester (September 8). If a Purchase Order is not received prior to the class, the parents are responsible for payment for the class. IEM Charter Schools allowing access to Fall funds early this year, so please request your PO ASAP.

    The Winter/Spring Semester P.O. can be requested at the same time as the Fall semester P.O., or by your ES in November when the second semester funds are available. It must be received by me before classes resume in January.

    By registering for the Fall semester, you are committing to a year-long class. Because I cannot fill seats mid-way through the year, you are responsible for Spring tuition even if your student drops the class.

    Thank You!

  • Welcome! If you’d like to register for a writing class, you can do so by registering online. Please be sure to have all of the class materials by the first day of class, and bring all the materials every week.

    Tuition is due on or before the first day of class to reserve your spot. Class size is limited.

    **Parents, please only sign up your child if he or she can sit well-behaved for 60 minutes in a classroom situation. Ongoing class disruptions are not conducive to a learning environment and enrollment may be terminated if problems persist.

    By registering for the Fall semester, you are committing to a year-long class. Because I cannot fill seats mid-way through the year, you are responsible for Spring tuition even if your student drops the class.

Have Questions about Writing Essentials?

Let’s Talk

Send us a quick note and let’s figure things out together—we’re excited to help you reach your learning goals.