Putting it All Together...

Each day I ask my students to write the "Essential Question" into their planner. This question is one that will be answered by the end of the lesson or unit. It's important because it helps us to understand what our focus is and what we are working to discover.

Check your child's planner to find out what the "Essential Question" is for the day or week. Use it to start a discussion about what we are doing in class.

You Are Your Child's Hero

Moms and Dads,

I just want to let you know that your kids really admire you. My "Do Now" question on Friday asked students to write a paragraph about a person they want to emulate. I was prepared to read many responses about actors, singers, athletes... Yet to my surprise most of these paragraphs are about YOU - a mom or a dad or both working hard, making good choices, and staying strong through tough times. Wow.

Go Tiger Parents!!

I Practice What I Preach

Readers,

I teach reading and writing just as I am a reader and a writer. I love to spend any free moment I have reading or writing. (My students were quite surprised to learn recently that I never watch television!)

I have had one piece published in my favorite magazine, Brain Child: The Magazine for Thinking Mothers. I was very proud to be included in that publication. I write poetry and am currently working on a short story.

I plan to share my experiences as I model the writing process for my students. I hope to show them how reading a writing offer an escape, a solace, and a ticket to new opportunity.

No Grade Is Final

Did you know...

no grade is final in my class?

That means that a student may revise any assignment in order to receive a better grade. This offer is open to students through the marking period. Why? The assignments I give are meant to teach my students and help them develop their skills. Simply writing a poor grade on a paper isn't doing much to teach my students. In fact, I see it as letting them off the hook. I want to encourage my students to strive for the best. If they don't reach it the first time, I am open to letting them try again.

My students will keep track of each grade they receive so that they will have ownership over their own academic performance. They will always be aware of their status in my class.

Let me know if you have any questions about this policy. I'm looking forward to facilitating student success!