Room 105-Mrs. Hummer

Dear Parents and Guardians,

My name is Melissa Hummer, and I am excited to be your child’s teacher this school year. I have been teaching special education since 1992 and have 34 years of experience in education. I have spent 18 years with Chicago Public Schools and this is my 7th year at Minnie Miñoso Academy.

After 3 decades in special education, I believe in seeing the person, not the label. I draw on each student's unique strengths and interests to support their individual learning needs. Through the Unique Learning System modified curriculum and personalized IEP instruction, we focus on academics, communication, independence, and life skills while celebrating every milestone.

I value the partnership between home and school and through open communication, we can work together to support your child’s growth, build confidence and independence, and celebrate their success.

I look forward to getting to know your child and your family,  and making this a year filled with fun and positive learning experiences. 

Please feel free to contact me anytime at [email protected].

Warmly,

Melissa Hummer

Chicago Public Schools provides helpful information for parents, guardians, and students to better understand and navigate the special education process. The link below will connect you to resources about:

• Know Your Rights

• Special Education Glossary

• Community Resources

• …and more.

Like any new routine, it takes practice and consistency before your child begins to respond with less effort and more ease. Stick with it—you’ll start to see positive results over time.

This short video shows you how easy it is to use a First-Then board.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KJjctBVJOM

The link below provides free printable visuals to help create predictable daily schedules at home, supporting routines and transitions throughout the day.

Free Printable Visual Schedules and Daily Routine

If you’d like support in setting up a home system or tailoring it to your child’s needs, please reach out—I’d be happy to help!

• Use routines and schedules: Visual schedules and advance warnings help children know what’s coming next.
• Offer movement and sensory breaks: Jumping, swinging, or using fidget toys can help your child self-regulate.
• Use sensory tools: Weighted blankets, stress balls, chewable jewelry, or noise-canceling headphones can make a big difference.
• Pay attention to clothing: Soft fabrics and tag-free clothes can reduce discomfort.
• Teach calming strategies: Deep breathing or short mindfulness exercises can help your child stay calm.
• You can learn more and explore tools to support your child by visiting:

Student grades are based on a 10-point scale while taking into consideration the level of prompting and student independence. Because students are working with a modified curriculum, performance is measured through classroom participation, level of support needed, and overall independence. Instruction and review are provided in whole-group, small-group, and one-to-one settings.

Grading Scale:

• A (9–10 points)

• B (8 points)

• C (7 points)

• D (6 points)

Prompting Rubric:

• 10 points – 0–1 prompts

• 9 points – 2–3 prompts

• 8 points – 3–4 prompts

• 7 points – 5 or more prompts