Dear Parent/Guardian and Student,
Welcome to AP 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 rules.
This year will be both challenging and rewarding for each of you. We will work extensively on advancing your writing skills; we will write poetry, short stories, college application essays, as well as many other various writing assignments.
In addition to writing we will also read and analyze several pieces of literature including, but not limited to, Lord of the Flies, Hamlet, The Kite Runner, House on Mango Street, Clockwork Orange, The Poisonwood Bible, The Bluest Eye, Beowulf, and Canterbury Tales. 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 AP English IV Students:
Class Material:
*Come to class prepared every day. You should have a folder, notebook, writing utensil, and whatever novel or text book we are currently using.
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.
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. I do not take late homework assignments for any other reason than an absence. 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.
AP Test
Students taking this AP class are required to take the AP Exam in May. The exam costs approximately $80.00 and is to be paid by the parent/student. Exam waivers are available for students who qualify for free/reduced lunch. Check with the Guidance Office for more information regarding this.
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 anytime 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 Rules:
You are expected to follow the LudlowHigh 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 the proper materials 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. This will not be an easy class, but it will be very rewarding in the end when you see what you have accomplished. Yoursenior year 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 or 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 by email at 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
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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 AP English, and am aware of my student’s responsibilities.
Student Name: ______
Student Signature: ______
Parent/Guardian Name: ______
Parent/Guardian Signature: ______
Contact Number: ______
Email Address: ______