There is nothing more important to me as teacher than helping you (the student) grow. You will be searching for, and challenging your inner writer, throughout this school year. Through this process you will not only become a better writer but a better reader as well. I know our school separates the two classes, and while my main focus will be writing, we will also focus on small pieces of literature as well as one larger piece after winter break. Just like it’s important for art students to study art, it’s important for writers to study writing.

I do have a few things I want to share with you about this upcoming school year. The first is that our classroom will be a writing workshop. Writing will be intensive in and outside of our class time and it is imperative that you try your best. The only way to improve upon a skill is to practice, practice, practice! I will be requiring you to have a composition notebook, for this will act as your writer’s journal. If you haven’t purchased one, please do so as soon as possible. We will be using them starting Monday August 26th.

Secondly, you will be expected to do at least 10 minutes of student selected reading (SSR) outside of class everyday. It is your responsibility to choose a book and you should bring it to class everyday. Each Friday you will have a typed, written response due that reflects critical engagement with the text you have read throughout the week. You will receive a detailed handout and example response further outlining my expectations with this assignment.

Lastly, I have a strict policy on due dates. If work is late (late means that I don’t receive the homework when it’s collected) you will be given a study table and will continue to have study table until I receive the work If you are absent, you will have the number of days plus one to make up your work, per South Vienna policy.

I will be in contact with each of you throughout the school year and am here anytime you have a question or concern. I look forward to having you in class, and again please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions!

Sincerely,

Rebecca Chapman
8th Grade Language Arts