1. Mrs. Sheridan’s 8 th Grade English J.L. Simpson Middle School 2015-2016

2. Background information This is my 5 th year teaching 8 th grade English at J.L. Simpson Middle School and I am proud to be part of this learning community. I live in Leesburg with my husband, three children (all of whom attended Simpson Middle School), and two Labs. I graduated from Boston College, Suffolk University School of Law, and Shenandoah University I am an AVID-certified teacher, the Simpson Literacy Coach, a member of LCPS Middle School Book Club, and part of the Loudoun Creates team

3. This is my twenty-eighth year teaching, and my second year here at J.L. Simpson Middle School. In Frederick County, VA, I taught at the elementary level, English at the middle school level, and I was the Reading Specialist. It has been a pleasure to join the learning community here at Simpson. I live in Winchester with my husband, two children (both of whom are in college), Smokey, and MooMoo. I graduated from West Virginia University with a degree in education K-8 and special education, and earned a Masters in Reading at Shippensburg University. Background information

4. Reading For Pleasure I read A LOT of books! Reading has been a passion for years and I make an effort to read Young Adult literature on a regular basis. It is important to me that I can converse with each of my students about the books they are reading. My reading goal for them is that all students find a style of books that keeps their attention causing them to lose themselves within the pages of the story.

5. Writing, writing, and more writing… The ability to communicate effectively is an essential life skill. The students in this class will be writing every single day. There will be wide variety of writing assignments. Students will learn how to organize their thoughts using a variety of prewriting strategies. My writing goal is that all students develop confidence and clarity in their writing abilities so that writing is no longer a source of stress or anxiety.

6. Reading and Writing Workshops Notice and Note Reading Close Reading Marking the Text Genius Hour One to the World Information about OTTW Loudoun Creates Information about the Loudoun Creates intiative

7. WHERE TO FIND INFORMATION: I will update my Web Page on a regular basis until Phoenix is available Mrs. Sheridan's Simpson Web Page Once we have all adjusted to using the Phoenix gradebook, I will include all of the information relating to handouts and assignment due dates on the Phoenix website Phoenix will continue to use three important symbols: T = assignment was turned in on time, but it has not yet been graded Z = student did not turn in the assignment on the due date and will receive a zero until it is turned in for grading. X = student is completely excused from this assignment and it will not impact his or her grade in any way