Welcome to my web site!

This site was designed to assist my seventh grade Language Arts students in their research, writing, and other class projects.  Below is a copy of the letter I send home at the beginning of the year.  It includes a description of the class, expectations, rules, and consequences.

Dear Students and Parents,

Welcome to the 2001-2002 school year!  I am excited about this upcoming year, and look forward to getting to know each of you more as we learn together. 

As most of you are already aware, Language Arts classes are governed by a grading policy we refer to as Exit Criteria.  Due to the very specific guidelines and nature of Exit Criteria our Language Arts class will be largely focusing on writing skills, as well as reading comprehension.  We will read a variety of short stories, novels, newspaper articles, and poetry throughout the year.  However, students will also be held responsible for reading a number of texts on their own.  Parents will be able to participate in this by monitoring the reading their child does outside of class (as this is required by state standards).

My own goals and desires for students are that through the process of writing they will be challenged and improve their individual skills.  Fortunately, writing allows for teachers and students to focus on process over outcome.  It is important to me that my students learn the process of writing so that they may function as competent people in our world.  Due to the nature of Exit Criteria, however, there is a need for students to produce writing at a certain level.  It is my promise to students that I will offer extra help to those students who want or need it. 

In order to cover all the material required of Language Arts classes certain classroom rules must be established.  I have one rule by which my classroom is governed:  the Rule of RESPECT.  This rule includes the following:

1. Students will come to class prepared (pencils sharpened beforehand, have homework, binders, paper, and all other supplies with them), and be in their seats before the tardy bell rings.
2. Both teachers and students will be respectful of each other in conversation (this means when one person is talking and sharing their ideas with the class, others will be listening, not talking).
3. When a student would like to share a comment with the class he/she must raise their hand and wait to be called on.
4. Students will remain seated and on task at all times.

I strictly adhere to these rules.  If they, or any of our team rules are broken, I will follow through with the discipline procedures established by our school.  Parents and students should refer to the student planner given to each student. In the front there is a list of school behavior guidelines and discipline. 

Most of the assignments students will be doing will be kept in a paper folder with fasteners.  These will be checked weekly and turned in for a final grade at the end of the unit.  I recommend that each student purchase 3-5 of these folders.  In addition, they will need to bring the following supplies to class on a regular basis:

1.      Pens (blue or black ink only – assignments written in gel pens will not be accepted) and pencils.

2.      A three-ring binder in which there are dividers for every subject including Language Arts

3.      Colored pencils or crayons

4.      An ample supply of notebook paper.

If you ever have any questions about an assignment, your child’s progress or behavior please feel free to call the office and leave a message for me.  I return calls during my prep period on Tuesdays (12:30-1:20) and Thursdays (1:20-2:20) and before school when requested (7-7:20). 

Attached to this letter you will find a rough course outline for the year.  Please keep both this letter and the outline for your records.  I request that you sign the bottom portion of the outline and return it with your child tomorrow.  I am looking forward to partnering with you to give your child the best education possible.  Also, please feel free to let me know of your questions and concerns as we work together in helping your child become the best person he/she can be. 

 Sincerely,

Mrs. Wass

This page was last updated on 11/02/01.