The key to excellent teaching is organization, organization, organization!  This database allows me to stay organized as I have all the information concerning my students in one place.  I can access it very quickly as the computer usually stays on during the day.  Once I enter the initial information within the database, maintenance is quick and efficient. I could use this database for a variety of purposes such as emergency information, addresses, phone numbers, etc.  In addition, to keeping this database on my hard drive I keep a copy on a disk as a backup in case of those unexpected computer failures.  I often print out an updated copy of this database as well in case of power outages or computer failures.

I included grades and comments as well in this database.  The database fields allow me to create
individualized letters to send home with each student.  These letters will keep the parents informed about their child's progress throughout the year.  I can also use these letters as a way to inform the parent whether or not I need to conference with them concerning their child.  The computer generates the letters and can even print the envelopes as well.  I like the concept of mail merge because it frees my time as well as keeps me organized.

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