Welcome Letter from Mr. Hodge

Dear MEC Parents, Guardians and Students:

Hello, my name is Neil Hodge and I am a Special Education teacher at the Monee Education Center. I want to take the time to welcome you to our school community! I look forward to an educational school year and am excited to help your children grow both as students and as young adults.

In order to achieve this goal I ask that my students follow all classroom rules and procedures, adhere to our dress code and most importantly that they come to school every day prepared to learn.

A little bit of background knowledge on me. I am originally from Rhode Island and am a huge Boston Sports fan. My wife is originally from Illinois and moved me here in 2009. We now have two children, Jack and Abby. I have educational experience both in Rhode Island and with Chicago Public Schools. I have an undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina and a Master's in Education from Johnson and Wales University in Providence, RI.

This year, the faculty and staff at the Monee Education Center want to stress three main topics: Respect, Accountability and Success. We feel that if we as a school community respect ourselves, our peers and our property, are accountable for our actions and our school work, we will have a successful school year.

Communication is one of the most important aspects of effective education, because of this I will be in frequent contact you. I also want you to feel comfortable contacting me with any questions or concerns that may arise.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and I look forward to speaking to you.

Sincerely,

Neil E. Hodge

708-367-2660

HodgeN@cm201u.org