1. Pre-AP English @ RHS Everything you need to know to be successful! Rachel Pullen rachel.pullen@rockallisd.org Pullen’s Website Email is the most efficient method of communication with me! Tutorials Wednesdays 3:50 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 8:40 a.m. Other times available by appointment

2. Who’s my English Teacher? Mrs. Rachel Pullen Currently teaching English II and Pre-AP English I 9 years teaching English Resident of Rockwall for 9 years. Just moved back to Highland Park Married to Michael Pullen Benjamin is a 1 st grader at Hyer Bradley is a crazy 2 year old

3. How’s Your Child’s Thinking? I won’t tell you WHAT to think, but I work hard to teach you HOW to think! but I work hard to teach you HOW to think!

4. An Important Note: Keep in mind that this is a time of transition. The first six weeks are the most difficult! Give your very best every day! You will make mistakes. It’s okay. Just learn from them. It might be tough at first, but soon it’ll be a piece of cake!

5. What Books Will We Read? Selections from the Purple Lit Book Link to online book is on my webpage literary concepts and archetypes poetry, short stories, non-fiction pieces poetry, short stories, non-fiction pieces To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee The Odyssey by Homer Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare Anthem by Ayn Rand 1984 by George Orwell Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston Outside Reading novel – 2 per semester

6. What’s Going on in Class? Class calendars for every term Check the daily “love note” Remind 101 – via email or text Skyward Messages Class Web Page You and your parents can email Pullen directly

7. At least one teacher will be available before and after school every day (except Friday afternoons ). You may go to any Pre-AP English I teacher for help with an assignment. Tutorials

8. Organization Keep an assignment journal or calendar – it can be electronic, but make sure you use it. Time management and setting priorities are the most difficult but most essential skills you will learn. You should bring your backpack every day. Clean it out often, but don’t throw stuff away! Have paper and pen/pencil every class period, and be ready to use it!

9. Grades Even if you have always made good grades, high school sets a different standard – good grades may manifest in lower averages. You don’t have to make an “A” to be a good student. Grades are not always a reflection of your ability, but they are often a reflection of your work ethic.

10. Late Work vs. Make-up Work Turn in assignments when they are due. That’s the only way to pass the class! Late work is work that was assigned while you were in class. Late assignments cannot receive a grade above 50 and MUST be turned in within 24 hours of the original due date. Make-up work is work that was assigned while you were absent. It is your responsibility to get the assignments!

11. The ZERO Impact Daily grades are worth 30% of your class average; Major grades are worth 70%. You will have 2-3 major grades and 6-8 dailies per six weeks.

12. Study! I say this every day… Plan ahead and don’t procrastinate. Every class will have major grades due within days of each other. Don’t delay! The pace will likely be much faster than you’re used to. Class Notes / Cornell Notes Flash cards You should actually read the book! Annotate novels with a purpose Use every minute on campus!

13. Thank You for sharing your freshman year with me. Please communicate with me when you have questions or concerns.