Welcome 8/12/09

Bartlett High School

Eleventh Grade English Room E-9

Mrs. Michelle Hrabak

OVERVIEW: We will build skills in writing, research, logic, informational text, literature and language through a variety of methods as prescribed by the Tennessee State Standards which can be accessed online at www.tennessee.gov/education/curriculum.shtml. We will read several pieces of American Literature throughout the year studying the author, timeframe, language type, vocabulary, audience and purpose of each piece. We will broaden our vocabulary by studying various words that are found throughout our readings and in preparation for the ACT test. We will be writing different genres including an expository essay, persuasive essays and a research paper.

BOOKS: You will be issued one literature book and one language textbook. These books will be used in class. I will post which book you will need in class on the board and my website ahead of time. We will read two novels this year. It will be your responsbility to acquire a copy of each of these novels either from a bookstore or library for the time period we will be reading the novels.

MATERIALS:

1. A three-ring binder with dividers brought to class daily.
2. A sharpened pencil or extra lead brought to class daily.
3. A black or blue pen brought to class daily.
4. Loose leaf paper brought to class daily.
5. A book to read in class.
6. A small notebook or agenda planner to record homework assignments.

SUGGESTED CLASS DONATIONS:

Extra copies of items listed above

Hand sanitizer

Tissues

Paper towels

Colored printer paper

PROCEDURES: Students will begin bell work as soon as the bell signifying the start of class rings. This will mainly consist of a writing prompt or an exercise practicing grammar. This will be taken as a daily grade. Occasionally I will give you time to study before a test.

In accordance with Shelby County Schools Policy and Bartlett High School, I expect students to arrive to class on time and with necessary materials. Normal procedures from the handbook will be followed especially regarding cell phones, dress code, food and drinks in class and sleeping in class.

COMMUNICATION: The best method to reach me is via email at mhrabak@scsk12.org. I highly suggest parents and students use Power School to follow your student’s grades. I also will have a website at http://hrabakrefuge.blogspot.com/ that will have weekly lesson plans on it.

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:

1. Come to class prepared with homework and needed materials and be on time.
2. Follow the directions the first time and give your best effort.
3. Treat others the way you would like to be treated.
4. Each student can expect an environment conducive to learning, and student disruptions to that learning environment will be addressed appropriately.

SUGGESTIONS: If your student comes home and says he/she has no homework in English, I would like to suggest that they spend at least 15 minutes going over vocabulary words, reviewing grammar, re-reading any notes given in class or reading any book. It is always a good exercise to discuss with your student what he/she has just read and encourage summary and comprehension skills. Another suggestion is to turn on your closed captioning option on your TV. You will be surprised how much your student will read while watching TV!

The web page listed is a site where you and your student can see what assignments are due. If your student has had to miss school for any reason, he/she can still complete homework assignments at home, most of the time. It will be subject to change due to unannounced changes in our schedule. At the bottom of the web page there are several websites listed for interesting facts about the English language and some sites have quizzes your student can take for practice.

PERSONAL NOTE: I am expecting another exciting year of teaching students! I love getting to know my students and learning about their personalities and helping them grow academically and personally. This will be a successful year for everyone!

Sincerely,

Michelle M. Hrabak

Please return this part of the page signed and dated.

I have read and understand the classroom guidelines.

Parent’s signature_________________________________ Date___________________

Student’s signature_________________________________Date___________________

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