Letter of Introduction:

I, Janelle Swader, am excited to be teaching your son or daughter this school year.
I graduated from Sonoma State University with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a
concentration in English Education and continued at Sonoma State University to obtain
my teaching credential.
Over the course of the semester we will we be building on our reading, writing,
speaking and listening skills in the context of English Language arts.
I expect students to turn in homework on time, stay on top of their assigned
reading, bring their supplies (ie planner, notebook, book, pen or pencil) to class every
day, respect classmates and ask questions when necessary.
My goal for the curriculum is as follows:
1. Common Core standards-based: The class work and homework will address
the California State Common Core Standards for 9,10 or 11th grade English
depending on the class your child is in this year.
2. I aim for students to excel in:

Communication

Collaboration

Critical Thinking

Creativity

3. Writing: We will meet these writing goals through several different engaging
projects:

Narrative, descriptive, argumentative and expository writing

(blogging, journal writing, and essays)

Ongoing: editing, grammar, vocabulary and spelling practice

Thinking maps, graphic organizers

Culminating projects to show students comprehnsion of material

4. Reading: My goal is that students learn and practice close reading strategies
that will help them through college or the career path they choose.

Reading class selected novels and books your students choose to read
throughout the semester.

Late Work Policy: My policy for late work is that it can be turned in until the last
day of that unit or lesson. All latework will receive 60% credit if it is done well.
Bathroom Policy: Students will be given three passes at the beginning of the
semester, which can be used to leave class no questions asked. The passes can
also be saved for a total of nine extra credit points. (Those are the only extra
credit points offered.) If you lose them you will not get anymore. Ms. Swader
keeps track of passes used and knows when they have been copied etc.

I look forward to great semester with your son or daughter. If you have any questions
regarding your students progress or classroom activities feel free to email:
Swader_janelle@kernhigh.org

Student Expectations:
Students are expected to treat teachers and students with respect. When the bell rings
students are expected to be in their seats and silently reading their novel for the first ten
minutes of class. Students are asked to raise their hand in class and not shout out answers
or questions.

Come to class prepared. By this I mean, bring all the materials you will need
for the class, be ready to learn material. Positively, if students bring all of the
material and are ready to learn they will get the most out of the lesson.
Negatively, if you dont come prepared you may fall behind in assignments or
disrupt the class.
Dont pack up early. Positively, if you dont pack up early you will get to
lunch on time. Negatively, you wont get to lunch on time and if we run out of
time you will have to figure out how to do the homework assignment on your
own time. This is also very disruptive and disrespectful to the teacher.
Be respectful of your peers, the classroom and adults in the room. Positively,
respecting others in the classroom will create a safe environment and a sense
of classroom community. Negatively, if you dont respect others someone may
feel like they are being picked on and this could create a negative classroom
environment.
Raise your hand to speak. Talking out of turn does not give everyone an
opportunity to share. Positively, more people will get a chance to share what
they have to say and be heard. Negatively, some kids will talk out of turn even
if there is a policy that prohibits it.
Make mistakes. It is okay to make mistakes and learn from them. Positively,
we make mistakes, learn from them and dont keep making the same ones.
Negatively, making the same mistake over and over again and we arent
learning from them.
Teacher Expectations:
As the teacher I will respect students and other teachers, be prepared and ready to teach,
be on time and present, consistent, foster a safe and welcoming classroom environment,
guide student learning, meet Common Core Standards, and communicate with students
and faculty.