A parent recently shared this article with me. I think you'll find it interesting and informative.  http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/05/opinion/sunday/raising-successful-children.html?_r=1

The main purpose of this page is to publish the regular emails I send to parents making you aware of upcoming deadlines, suggestions for assisting your student and generally keeping you aware of the goings on in class. If you see a post here and did not receive an identical email from me, (Bingham), then either I have a bad email address, your email client is blocking my messages, or I don't have an email address for you at all. In any of those cases, please use the contact form on this site to let me know and give me a good email address.
The second purpose, just as with the student forum, "What works" is for you to engage in a public dialog with other parents and with me about challenges, concerns and solutions to issues with kids managing ther way through this rigorous, college level class. I look forward to hearing from you!

Here is the email sent to all students on 5 August:

Hey Dude!

I hope your summer has been as interesting and restful as mine. (Tell you all about it later) And the last thing I would want is to intrude on your last few days of summer, really! On the other hand, I want for you to have a smooth and stress free start to this school year. WHAP is going to be both the most challenging AND rewarding mission of your academic career so far.

So…I hope you have managed to pick up a copy of Strayer’s Ways of the World and read/outlined chapter 3. And you have a copy of Marks, Origins of the Modern World. Please let me know if you have not obtained a copy of either. If the cost of the Ways of the World is too great a financial burden for your family, that’s okay.  Just have your parent or other family member email me and we’ll figure something out.

If you DO NOT have Ways of the World - by NOW you need to have downloaded, read, and outlined the PDF file on the website. The password is EFFORT.

I’ve heard from some people and there is some stress out there about the readings and the tests in the first weeks of school.  Don’t be afraid of that. That’s your inner drive giving you some healthy anxiety. Turn that stress into focused, positive action, and you will be rewarded by the unmatched confidence and sense of power that comes from accomplishing a challenging (and scary) mission.

And I’m here to help. I’m putting stuff up on the website (BinghamsPlace.com) all the time to keep you informed and ready to succeed in the class. Stop in regularly to see what’s there, how to find things, check the calendar.

Under the “What works” forum, post your questions, worries, pleas for help, whatever. I’m checking and I’ll reply within a day or two. Other students may be nice enough to offer help too. Remember, you retain 90% of what you teach!

If you have more personal questions, email me through the contact form on the website.

I’m nervous and excited about taking on WHAP with you this year! Come in and tear up this course!

Bingham