Dear Parent/Guardian and Student,
Welcome to Sophomore Honors English class! My name is Ms. Christy Miller
and I will be your teacher this school year. I am very excited to have each and every one
of you in class. I would like to share with you my academic expectations and classroom
procedures.
This year will be both challenging and rewarding for each of you. We will work
on advancing your writing skills by using various techniques of writing. To help build
your writing skills we will be working heavily with grammar and vocabulary throughout
the school year. It is necessary to build these skills so that you are prepared for your
future years here at LHS.
In addition to writing we will also read and analyze several pieces of literature
including Night, Things Fall Apart, All But My Life, Antigone, and various poems, short
stories, and essays all found in their Springboard textbook. You will be required to read
several works of literature; some as a class and some independently. Along with reading,
each student will be expected to participate in all class discussions and activities. This
class is meant to be challenging and all students need to know that they need to come to
class ready to work.
The following policies will be in effect for Honors English II Students:
Class Material:
* Writing Notebook
* One two pocket folder
* Pen or Pencil (whichever you prefer)
Grading Policy:
All grades will be based on a points system. Homework, written assignments,
group and individual projects, and tests will all be given individual point values. The
total points earned will be divided by the total points possible to get your grade in my
class. There will be extra credit opportunities available to all students throughout the
school year, these are at my discretion.
Honors III Recommendations:
I am in charge of recommending all students for Honors English III next school
year. In order to receive my full recommendation you must maintain an A/B average all
year and score high enough on the MAP assessment given throughout the school year. In
addition to those two things each student must also have minimal to no late homework
assignments and have minimal to no behavior problems. Honors classes are a privilege
here at Ludlow High School and should be taken seriously. If I do not think that you will
not be able to make it in Honors English III, you will not be recommended.
Homework and Make-Up Policy:
You should expect to have homework fairly often during this school year. If you
miss a class due to an excused absence, you will be able to make-up any missed school
work, in a timely manner. It will be YOUR responsibility to find out what you missed
and get the appropriate documents from class that day. All make-up tests will be given
after school in my classroom.
You may be allowed to make up work from an unexcused absence at my
discretion. Once a unit of study has been completed you will not be allowed to make up
any work from that unit.
State Assessments:
I will be preparing your student for three state assessments this school year. The
PLAN test (which is a pre-ACT), the EOCA (end of course assessment) for English II,
and the On-Demand Writing test. In addition to that the students will also take three
rounds of MAPS testing. This will be a challenging, yet rewarding, year for your student
if they put in the extra work and effort in class and on the Kentucky state assessments.
Hall Passes:
I expect you to use the four minutes in between classes to use the restroom. You
will be able to leave my classroom, at my discretion.
Cell Phones:
Students should not at any time have their cell phones out in class. If I catch
your student with their cell phone out in class I will take it, give it to the office, and it will
be returned to them on Friday of that week.
Classroom Procedures:
You are expected to follow the Ludlow High School student code of conduct at all
times in my classroom as well as on school property. In addition to the school code of
conduct I expect you to adhere to my personal classroom expectations:
1) Respect yourself and others. If you expect to be treated with respect in my
classroom you much also show respect in my classroom. I will not tolerate any
disrespect to myself, other students, or school property.
2) Bring all appropriate materials to class. You should always have your
notebook, folder, and pen/pencil with you in class. I will let you know ahead of time all
additional materials that need to be brought with you. You should be sitting in your seats
ready for class to begin when the bell rings.
3) Remain in seats until class is dismissed. There is plenty of time to get to
your next class. There is no need to stand at the door waiting for the bell to ring.
4) Conduct yourselves in an appropriate manner. You know the proper ways
in which you should behave in school. This includes using appropriate language. You
know what you can and can’t say in school. Think before you speak!
I am looking forward to having a very productive and challenging year with you.
You need to come to class with a positive attitude and ready to work. High School can
be very stressful for students; I want you to know that I am here to help you through this
year in any way that I can. I have an open door policy for my students as well as their
parents/guardians. I encourage you to contact me anytime during the school year if you
have any questions or concerns about your student’s progress in my class. I can be
contacted via email at christy.miller@ludlow.kyschools.us or you can be connected to my
voicemail by calling the main High School office at (859) 261-8211.
Sincerely,
Christy Miller
LHS English Teacher
________________________________________________________________________
After you have read and discussed this letter with your son/daughter, please return this
portion of the page to me by Friday, August 23, 2013. This signed paper will be the first
grade of the quarter. Also, the information I have requested will make it easier for me to
contact you about your child’s progress in my class.
I have read the expectations and class rules for Honors English II, and am aware of the
student’s responsibilities.
Student Name: ___________________________________
Student Signature: ________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name: ____________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature: _________________________
Contact Number: _________________________________
Email Address: ___________________________________
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