What do you think about this newsletter for my HS math students?

[dogmama13]

Hey all! I teach math, remotely, in the US, to high school students 9-12th grades. I love my job, the students have been so kind, BUT I AM REALLY STRUGGLING WITH ENGAGEMENT RATES. It's really hard chasing students online and getting them to login to do their work. I could barely do it as a public school teacher--- its 10000x more challenging online! I have my good kids, who do everything and then some, but the majority of my students are the tougher ones who are online because they couldn't stay in the public school setting. They are sweet students, and I want to help them succeed.

So I came up with this idea of sharing a weekly newsletter with them that hopefully motivates them to at least read it and feel like I am trying to do my best to help them??? I am also including a short video each week that motivates them or provides a warm message.

I know a lot of these students are lonely and had no friends before going online.

Any thoughts/opinions on my strategy to increase engagement? What do you think about the newsletter itself?

PS: Students are not required to attend any sort of live, face to face session, with teachers at this school, so I hardly get to see most of my students. I feel like sending a video each week will get them to build a relationship with me and hopefully motivate them to engage in my online classroom more.

I'd hate it. It doesn't contain any useful information (about what is planned, studied, tested), nor something interesting for those who do work - but takes some time to skim through it to be sure it really isn't there. So it would be yet another message which requires my attention and overwhelms me, but I wouldn't feel comfortable ignoring it just in case something relevant was there.

However - I'm not your student. I loved maths and didn't like any trimmings distracting from that.

Do you know why is the engagement low? Do they find it difficult? Not know what is expected? Can't be bothered? Overwhelmed?
This seems oriented on building your presence - which might be a good match for your school.

Fingers crossed!

Well I’m not sure exactly what age you are targeting? Age 14/15? One year before gcse. It’s a bit patronising.

I do like your enthusiasm however I don’t think it will be “cool enough” for older children.

Potentially Sen children. I can see you care but I don’t think you hit the spot with children….. try to be on their level.

I asked my 14 coming 15 year old kid who is gcse now and next year - one glacé he didn’t read it - said it’s been made with AI and walked off ….. in one second.

I did think the poster looked a bit young but maybe I don’t know 🤪 I can see you care for the children so that’s really lovely 🥰