New students and parents:
I usually start the "back-to-school" letter with, "I can't believe it's already time for school to start" except this summer was LONG... so my sentiment is "I'm so glad school is starting!"
This blog is where lesson plans are posted as well as stories about class happenings. The archive is available via the links on the right if you want to see what we did in 06-07. I take a lot of pictures so those will be posted here, too. Unfortunately, Blogger is not capable of Word document storage, so I cannot post worksheets or anything like that here...YET.
As far as supplies, the only thing students need for my class beyond the usual pen/paper/folder combination is KLEENEX. I have everything else, from dry erase markers to construction paper to glue sticks to crayons. Don't get the wrong idea: we aren't crying all period every day, it just seems that we go through a lot of Kleenex in my room for some reason.
As far as my class expectations and rules: I have too many rules to list here. I am sure that when my kids from last year read this, they will compile a list in the comments section, which may or may not end up being edited (HA). Ask your student about my class and they will tell you that there is a right way and wrong way to throw trash in the basket, anyone who comes to my door is like the wind, and stapling papers together is just not a good idea. Among other things. I have extremely high standards for behavior and academic success; any student I've taught will back me on that.Grades are a very serious matter with me: having been a senior class sponsor, I know that sometimes a ten-thousandth of a point separates valedictorian and salutatorian. I do not arbitrarily give grades, as their gravity and meaning can have all kinds of effects years down the road. After I explain the grading procedure and my philosophies to my classes, I will post that info here so parents can read it, too.
A little about me: I'm starting my TENTH YEAR, I can hardly believe that, as a Spanish teacher. Before coming to Allen, I taught grades 8-12 for six years in Celeste -- a 1A school east of the metroplex. My route to Lowery was via Pat Hardage (English department) . He recruited me, and working here for the last 3 years has been incredible beyond measure. In addition to teaching Spanish, I've also taught Speech, Music History, and a really antiquated form of business math called Record Keeping. I've coached UIL speaking events, been a senior class sponsor and an honor society sponsor. At LFC I am the captain of the faculty spelling team. Last year's team was Pat Hardage, Nancy Hodson and me; we won the bee in April.
I've been married for 13 years to Phillip. He owns a construction company and builds houses. We met in marching band in college. We collect records; we have over 4000 of them. I am a HUGE Steely Dan fan, and my posts are always signed with some piece of a lyric from one of their songs. Hence, "The Wolverine".
Something new this year for me is my role as Advanced Academics Coordinator at LFC. This is why I teach three classes and not six. My job as AAC entails a lot of things, including administration of the PSAT to EVERY FRESHMAN (wow!) in October, running the Pre-AP support center, and working to align LFC advanced academics with AHS advanced academics. I am really excited about this new challenge-- I know I will learn a lot in the next ten months.
One of the great things about learning a language is that there are so many WAYS to learn it. Writing, reading, listening, speaking, singing, moving around, coloring, crafting... DOING. No time to be bored; we're too busy! I hope my class is a great experience for my students this year.
07-08 will be amazing! Trust me.
