181 Rittenhouse Road
Royersford, PA 19468
September 10, 2010
Dear Students,
Welcome to Sophomore English class and to the start of another new beginning! During the course of the next several months, you and I will each experience all of the facets of the Language Arts Curriculum: Speaking, reading, writing, thinking, listening, performing, and viewing. Getting to know one another during the first few days of this course is essential. We are all a little bit older and wiser than we were last June, and each of us has new goals in sight. I would like to use this letter to share some information about myself, my teaching style, and the exciting year that awaits us as begin our journey as the first students and teachers at Pope John Paul II High School.
I am the second oldest in a family of five siblings. I have been married for thirty-six years to my high school sweetheart, and we are the proud parents of two grown children, one daughter and one son. I am also a mother-in-law as my son has been married for two years to a wonderful young woman from Germany. Family is very important to me, and I love to host barbecues and family holiday parties at my house. I graduated from Archbishop Prendergast High School, Cabrini College, and I received my Masters Degree from Villanova University. I also received my Certification as a Paralegal from Villanova University. I am a passionate reader, and I belong to a book club that meets monthly to discuss our books. I especially like to read mysteries and non-fiction books. I spend a good part of my summer in Ocean City, New Jersey; I love to read on the beach! I also spend a good part of my time bicycle riding at the shore.
This is my seventeenth year of teaching in the Archdiocese. I spent the last three years teaching English at Little Flower High School in Philadelphia. Before that, I spent many years teaching seventh and eighth grade at Holy Cross School in Springfield, Delaware County. Many members of my final eighth grade class are now entering their senior year at Cardinal O’Hara High School. I have discovered over the years that my students possess a multitude of talents, and I have learned many lessons from my former students, and I am looking forward to what I will learn from you this year.
Literature, writing, and the art of discussion offer wonderful windows to the world, and I am excited to share these treasures with you. I am eager to learn along with you as I help you to succeed this year. We will read and write extensively in this course – in class and out. We will also have interesting discussions as a whole class and in small groups. Creativity and knowledge are highly respected and encouraged in our classroom. We are building relationships here just as much as we are building knowledge. I want every student to feel free and comfortable to share ideas and questions. It is important that you set aside a time of each day dedicated to the completion of work for this course. Please know that I will be available to assist you when you need it. You can reach me every evening after 7 P.M. by sending me a message at my gmail account. I will get back to you as soon as possible. I will also make myself available before and after to school to assist you when needed. Let’s work together to keep our classroom a positive, energized, and productive environment.
You and I will learn to grow significantly through our work in English class this year, and I know we will have a good time in the process. I look forward to the challenges and enjoyment that lie ahead, and I hope you do, as well.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Sullivan
Attach this paper to the top of the letter you write to Mrs. Sullivan.
Name______
Date______
Getting To Know You…
Hello and welcome to English class. A friendly letter is an excellent way for you to communicate any thoughts and information you’d like me to know as we get the year under way. Please tell me about yourself—your interests, ambitions, family, favorite foods, least favorite experiences—you get the picture. Remember that this letter is not intended as an invasion of your privacy; write only what you freely wish to share.
Please include your feelings about the subject of English. Use details so I may understand what you wish to tell me. Use authors’ names, describe assignments, name memorable characters… Consider these questions as you write: What experiences have you enjoyed in previous English classes? In what areas would you like to make improvements? What are your goals for this year? Which works have you enjoyed reading? Did you complete your summer reading assignment? What can you suggest we do in English class this semester to help you achieve success? I want to include everyone’s interests in my plans for the year. Please include one paragraph that tells me who you are and another paragraph that tells me who you are NOT.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me. I hope you will write extensively, and that you will review your letter before you sign it to ensure that it is of top quality. I look forward to reading your letter and beginning our time together. T
*********ASSESSMENT LIST FOR FRIENDLY LETTER*********
Directions: Mark a check on the left side if you included the component in your friendly letter. Attach this paper behind your letter. I will add up points on the right side when I see the component and then tally your grade. Please do not turn in work with cross-outs or a rip in the paper; I will not accept it if you do. Thank you.
Student check Teacher tally
_____ Greeting, Closing: 25 points _____
_____ At Least One Full Page: 25 points _____
_____ At Least Three Personal Details: 25 points _____
_____ At Least Three English Class Thoughts: 25 points _____
Did you remember to follow all the directions? (Circle one) YES NO