Open House September 14, 2017

Welcome to Open House! I am your child’s ELA teacher this year. This is my 11th year teaching and my 5th year at Doerre.  SHSU undergrad graduate- Eat ‘Em Up Kats! UT-Arlington M.Ed graduate- Go Mav’s!

Classroom Procedures Students should be sure to bring their ELA binder, novel, and any other needed materials to class each day. All assignments are to be turned into the designated class period’s turn in tray on the counter. They need to make sure they write their names on their paper and place them in the correct tray to avoid any turn in troubles!  Restroom/water needs are to be taken care of in between classes. Since they are with me for two periods, I give students the “break” in between blocks. If there is an emergency students have been asked to speak with me privately. We do so much in class and students need to be here for every minute!

Our Day Everyday begins with a warm-up which will be collected each Friday for a daily grade. Students also have independent reading time, and are required to keep up with a reading log in class as well as answer questions about their reading and write thought shots. If there has been homework assigned, it is due upon entering on the date given- not the end of class. 

Absence Information Absences- if students are absent from class for any reason, it is their responsibility to find out what was missed. I advised them to first speak with their table mates, then come to me for any handouts/assignments. ***If students are absent they will be given as many days to turn in the assignment as they were gone. Example- someone who is out for two days will have two days to complete the assignment(s).

Grading Information Grading Scale Major- 60% Daily- 40% Major test days: Wednesday Friday Late Work Policy Major: One day late- 10 points Two days late-20 points Three days late- 30 points Daily: Same as major, but assignments will be accepted up to 10 days past original due date with a 50% reduction in grade after day 3.

Grades Grades are put into Skyward You can set up an account and access your student’s grades at any time Check with the front office about setting up your account because I don’t know how! 

PreAP/GT Vocabulary Students will be given a list of 20 vocabulary words every two weeks. They were given a vocab assignment sheet they will need to keep in their binder which explains everything.

Retake Policy Any major grade scoring lower than a 80 is eligible for a retake or corrections. The student may earn enough points to bring that failing grade up to an 80, but not higher than an 80. An additional assignment or activity may be required for the student to complete before a retake may be given.

Library Day Every other Wednesday, our next visit is Sept. 20 You may write a note for your student to visit the library before school Students may be allowed to visit the library during class as time permits

Contact Information Additional information such as weekly vocabulary words, major assignments, due dates, homework, etc. may be found on my website: http://classroom.kleinisd.net/webs/kally1 If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me. My conference time is third period, and the easiest way is through email. My email address is: kally1@kleinisd.net

Book Orders Every month or two, I will offer books orders and send home the forms with your students. All orders will need to be placed online. There is a tab on my webpage that explains how to do it. YAY online shopping! Class code- NKXV6 Book orders due September 29.

Reader’s Workshop

*Reader’s Workshop is a teaching model where children improve their reading by spending time actually reading. *Strategy lessons are taught explicitly in class through whole or small group lessons. *Students are then given the time to apply the lesson to text that is on their reading and interest level. *Teachers spend time talking with students about what, and how they are reading.

What are the benefits of using Reader’s Workshop? Students select their own reading material. Students read at their own pace. Students learn to talk to one another about what they’ve read. Students not only learn how to read, but also learn the value of reading to learn.

How can parents help? *Be a reading role model at home. Let your student see you reading so they will value the importance of reading. *Ask your student about the book they are reading. *Remind them to bring their book to school and to class. *Read to your student…even sixth graders like to be read to! Some books offer great opportunities for family discussions.

Research shows that when children spend more time reading, they become better readers. With a little guidance and encouragement from a teacher who loves to read, students can learn to select appropriate books and discover the joy in reading and become life long learners.

I apologize for not being able to meet you at Open House, but I look forward to a great year! If you have any questions please email me! Thank you so much for your understanding and support!