NAME:
Mrs. Morelli
SCHOOL:
Hammarskjold Middle School
CLASS:
6th grade Social Studies
SCHOOL PHONE:
732-613-6890 ext. 4448
Dear Parents,
My name is Donna Morelli and I will be your child’s Social Studies
teacher this year. I’d like to take this opportunity to tell you a few
things about myself, both personally and professionally.
I have been teaching in the East Brunswick School District for the
past 18 years. I spent my first year teaching Kindergarten at Chittick and
Irwin Schools and then 7 years teaching ILA at Irwin School. For
the past 10 years I have been taking 6th grade students on a journey to
ancient lands in my Social Studies classes. I am married and have two
terrific adult children. I have lived through the middle school experience
twice as a parent and I’m pleased to inform you that I survived!
When I first began teaching over 24 years ago I used a typewriter to
transfer my thoughts onto purple and white “ditto” paper and used a hand
crank mimeograph machine to make multiple copies. A few years later I was
able to type my letters and then use a Xerox machine to make copies. Ten
years ago I had an Apple IIc computer in my classroom and I thought that was
the ultimate tool for written communication. Today I am sitting at a PC that
cannot only print out my letter, but it also gives me the option to copy it
and e-mail to many people simultaneously and post it on my website and
display it on the Smart Board. In just two decades communication tools have
changed dramatically. Imagine the changes that have occurred in the last
9,000 years. Your children and I will be on this journey of discovery
together as we explore the messages of ancient times.
It is important to come to class prepared with a positive attitude
and the necessary supplies. Class preparation includes: an agenda binder, a
S.S. binder with the unit packet, daily homework, a folder, pens, pencils and
a highlighter. I encourage students to be problem solvers - not excuse makers.
Your child’s grade in Social Studies includes the following: 50%
is based on tests and projects, 30% is based on quizzes and class work, 10%
is based on homework completion, and 10% is based on coming to class
prepared, following established procedures, and participation . Students are
expected to record the homework in their agenda daily. Assignments are
posted on this website daily. Your child's homework grade is reduced each
day an assignment is turned in late.
Please do not hesitate to contact me via email
(dmorelli@ebnet.org) or leave a voice message in my school mailbox ext.4448
at any point throughout the school year. Another resource to keep up to date
with what is going on in our classroom is this web page:
www.teacherweb.com/NJ/Hammarskjoldmiddleschool/dmorelli.
My mission is to empower my students with self-esteem and a lifelong love of
learning. I have high expectations for your child and I promise to do all
that I can to help your child succeed. I believe that all students deserve
respect, understanding, and compassion and it is my goal to foster these
attributes in our classroom.
I look forward to meeting all of you at Back-to School Night - Monday,
September 19 @ 7pm. I believe that the parent-teacher-student partnership is
invaluable. If you have any questions feel free to call me at the school or
drop me a note.
Your involvement and support are encouraged and appreciated.
