September 2, 2014
Mr. Valentin – English 11 Regents
Walter Panas High School
Email:
To 11thgrade parents and legal guardians,
I have been anticipating this time with the juniors for quite a while, and I am excited to meet my new students, as well as all of you.While this is my first year at Walter Panas High School, I would like you to know that I am a seasoned and experienced English teacher from Rockland County.This year, students will apply the fundamentals of the common core curriculum, which have been established since the beginning of their high school career. I can guarantee students will see development of reading, writing, vocabulary, and grammar skills. I am excited to be at Walter Panas High School and through meeting various faculty, administration, students, and parents, I am looking forward to a productive and rewarding year.
In my various studies I majored in English, education and theater. Furthermore, during my undergraduate I lived in England where I studied at Oxford University. I recently graduated from SUNY New Paltz with a second Masters that focused on English, Ecocriticism and Shakespearean studies. I have always enjoyed reading and writing, and I hope to extend my studies to my students. As an educator, my hope is that students will develop an appreciation for literature, writing and thinking critically.
Today students were given their course syllabus, as well as other handouts thatdetail what we will be covering for the year. The syllabus covers grading procedures, classroom rules, homework policy and the importance of participation. Students will receive assessments regularly in order to ensure they have read and understood the assigned tasks. Students will also be assessed in different outlets to ensure each student can excel in his or her own unique way. Traditional tests, as well as vocabulary quizzes, will be given frequently, and students will write essays and learn new skills that will develop their writing.
I am looking forward to getting to know all of my students and all of you. I will do my best to ensure that this will be a productive and fun school year.
Sincerely,
Daniel Valentin, MS, MA
Signature of parent/legal guardian: ______