It would be much easier for me to not write this letter, however I feel I must speak out and address you before taking this semester's final exam. Per our conversation on Friday afternoon (during class), I feel very strongly against you allowing a fellow classmate of mine to write the upcoming final exam. Though the possible impact on my grade is not the only issue at hand, this test is a significant (25%) part of my final grade for your class (this year) and could potentially skew my average to no longer show my hard-work throughout this school-year. With letting this peer write the test, though he himself is exempt, inevitably comes with the temptation of his to share the format and contents with his fellow "front row" (as you call it) friends, rendering the test results unfair. I find it very inappropriate for a peer of mine to be allowed to have a significant input on this important examination.
The other issue at hand is your apparent policy (or lack thereof) regarding final-exam exemptions which you have just publicized to me and my fellow classmates. Just to reiterate, at the end of class Friday, my understanding is that you decided to exempt two (of the four total) upperclassmen (whom were doing very well in our class) from this upcoming final exam. While I think the fact that you have decided to be considerate and exempt some is great, I have a great concern and problem with you not giving a clear policy. You say the policy is for any upperclassman who is doing well, however this does not go in line with the other classes. Though maybe not a school-wide policy, I feel it is wrong for you to (1) not give a clear outline of your exemption perquisites and (2) only consider exempting a minority of the class, in this case, upperclassmen.
While this school year comes to a close, my freshman year at LBJ has been an exciting and busy time, especially in Japanese class. Though solemn and not-preferred, Mr. Bojzcuk had to leave for his own personal reasons, leaving all classes without a qualified Japanese substitute. I have come to realize that you were qualified to teach us, and am glad you were able to step in and teach me some very interesting and great things about the Japanese language and diverse culture. I am sure it has been hard for you too to adjust to this setting and I thank you for the great work you have put forth for all of us. I hope to see the Japanese program at LBJ come back in full swing next year, and would be excited to see you as our teacher as well, however with some aspects of class revised.
Thank you for taking the time to read my letter.