January 27, 2009
Dear Parent/Guardian,
I am looking forward to a great semester with your child in English I. The
curriculum is an exciting one—-we will study literature from all genres and
from all over the world. In addition, we will focus on grammar, writing, and
editing skills, all in preparation for an important End of Course Test given
as your child’s final exam. Please note that if your child does not score a
level 3 or higher he/she will not graduate. Students are also required to
complete specific assignments for their county mandated writing portfolio.
Failure to complete these assignments on time can adversely affect a
student's ability to complete this course successfully!
Since we have so many goals to meet by the end of our time together, it is
crucial that your child be in class. Students who miss in-class instruction
and discussion are at a tremendous disadvantage and are less likely to
perform well. With this in mind, please make sure that your child is in
class each day, and if unable to be here, makes up work promptly. Department
policy dictates that students will have one week to make up any missed work
after an excused absence. After that, any tests, quizzes, or missed
assignments that have not been made up will be recorded as zeroes. I
will “officially” be available after school on Tuesdays from 3:40-4:40,
though I am here almost every day until at least 4:30. If I am not here,
other teachers in the small learning community will be available. There
should be no reason for a student failing to make up missed work. Laney
provides transportation for any student who stays for tutoring so that way
there should be no child who falls behind in his/her studies.
As you know, the first year of high school can often be a confusing and
overwhelming time. It is my job to make this important transition as smooth
as possible for your child. Of course, he/she needs your help, as well.
Though our ultimate goal is to foster independence, students still need the
same support you gave them during middle school. I ask that we work together
to make this the best semester yet for your child. Please encourage
organization and motivation for school topics at home. Keep tabs on your
child’s progress. I will send out progress reports several times during the
semester, and I ask that they be signed by you and returned. If you have not
received a progress report from me by the midpoint of the semester please
call me!!
Please feel free to contact me at any time throughout the semester. You may
call me at Laney (910) 350-2089 ext 305 or you may email me at
sheacox@nhcs.net. Also please feel free to check out my website
http://teacherweb.com/NC/LaneyHighSchool/Heacox/hf4.stm as well as the small
learning community’s website http://teacherweb.com/NC/LaneyHighSchool/
Navigators/ap1.stm. Please remember, communication is the key to success!
Sincerely,
Susan Hitt
