January 4th, 2016

Dear Parents/Guardians,
Hi, my name is Ms. Bickford. I want to take this opportunity to introduce
myself and to let you know that I am pleased and excited to have your child in my
English 10 class. I am providing the following information to you so you will know
what my expectations are and how your child can be successful in my class. Please
take the time to discuss the information here with your child. Although I am going
over this information in class, discussing it with you child will be a meaningful way
to increase understanding. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to
contact me.
I believe that if we all work together, your child will be successful.
The purpose of this class is to teach reading and writing skills that will
advance your childs understanding of writing, reading, and communicating. This
class will focus heavily on using different types of writing, reading, and presenting of
information. By practicing these skills, your child can become a better thinker,
communicator, and more successful student all around. By the end of this year,
your child will be able to:
Understand the structure of different types of stories
Read non-fiction articles to determine meaning and understand important
information
Write both fictional and non-fictional short pieces clearly and understandably
Ask important questions about items they read
Find answers to important questions in writing and in real life

Classroom Rules
Students are expected to follow all general Union High School rules including the
SOAR expectations including being Sage, On time, Accountable, and Respectful. In
addition to these school rules, students in my class must:
Approach each learning goal with a positive attitude.
Take responsibility for your learning
o Ask questions early and often.
o See me before or after school or during lunch.
Follow all teacher given directions, the first time they are given.
Stay on task during class time (this helps cut down on homework
assignments).
Participate in in-class work

Grading
Below is the information your student has been given about grades. Parents and
students always have access to their Synergy accounts online in order for them to
check grades in real time. Additionally, I will post grades in the classroom twice per
month.
1.

50 percent of your grade comes from large written assignments.

January 4th, 2016

a. Letter to the Teacher
b. Memoir of an event in your life
c. Interview of an influential person
d. Multi-Genre Project.
2. 25 percent of your grade comes from daily participation and in-class writings
3. 15 percent of your grade will come from small group work assignments.
4. 10 percent of your grade will come from your group project.

Contact Information
Students know that they can always ask questions during class time, before or after
school, and during my lunch period. If you would like to contact me, please do. I
love hearing from parents. Also, you are always welcome to stop by the class to
observe what your child experiences. Whenever you have questions or concerns,
please visit me before school (7AM-7:35AM), A-Lunch (10:50AM-11:20AM), or after
school 2:35PM-4PM). Also, you may call me during these times at 616-555-1234.
Otherwise, you may email me anytime at bickforr@mail.gvsu.edu.

Thank you for your time. Please cut off the form below, sign it, and have your child
sign that you have discussed this information. Have your child return the slip below
for class credit.

Sincerely,

Ms. Bickford

We have discussed this information about how to be successful in Ms. Bickfords

English 10 class.

Parent Signature:
______________________________________________________________________

Student Signature:
_____________________________________________________________________

Date:
________________________________________________________________________________

January 4th, 2016

Points for returning this form to Ms. Bickford:

5 Points if returned by
Wednesday, January 8th
2016

3 Points if returned by
Thursday, January 9th,
2016

1 Point if returned by
Friday, January 10th, 2016
Or by any later date.