July 29, 2014

Dearest Scholars,

Greetings to each of you; doesn’t the title of “Senior” have a nice ring to it? How pleased I am to have the joy of teaching British Literature. Since summer is now officially over, for all practical purposes, I hope your summer was accelerated, compacted, refreshing, and renewing for your body, as well as for your spirit! We have a brand new year and a brand new opportunity to achieve great things. This is your last year of high school, which will flash by before you know it. (Yes, I know, that some of you are saying, “Praise the Lord!”) This year we are venturing beyond America; we are on the way to the British Isles. I do love teaching British Literature, which is a chronological study of English Lit. from the Anglo-Saxon period through the Modern period. Since we are in the 21st Century now, we must realize our global world. We will relate the multi-cultural literature to the lives and times of the people. This course is probably my favorite subject to teach. (Of course, I say that about all of my subjects). YOU WILL BE SUCCESSFUL IN Brit. Lit. THIS YEAR! I shall do my very best to make you true Anglophiles.

The following procedures will help you know what is expected of you. Adherence to these procedures will make life easier on all of us!

1. I will be in my seat when the bell rings.

2. I will have my materials with me—agenda, textbook, paper, pen (not

pencil). I will also cover my book.

3. I will make up work which I’ve missed because of excused absences within

the same number of days which I’ve been out of school. I will check out

Mrs. C’s web site for missed work, or I will come in to see Mrs. C. before

or after school to FIND OUT WHAT I’VE MISSED.

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  1. I will have completed my homework before I get to class. I will place my assignment in the folder as I walk into the classroom. I will have my supplies ready as the bell rings. I will NEVER ask the teacher “to wait while I find a pen or paper.”
  1. The grading scale for this class is as follows: 20% daily work,

20%Quizzes/Written Responses, 45% major evaluations (tests, essays, projects, book reviews, research paper), and 15% final exam.

  1. I will keep a portfolio in a single notebook. The sections will be labeled as follows: Appetizers, Vocabulary, Class notes, Rough Drafts, and Published Works. I will carry this notebook at all times and am responsible to turn it in WITHOUT prior notice.

( Be aware of current events in Great Britain, gleaned from the newspapers, radio talk shows, and TV news shows. Look for newspaper and magazine articles about Great Britain and her people. Keep your eyes on the media, frequently focusing upon Will and Kate’s new prince! I wish I could transport us to London right now!

7. I will remember that breaking class or school rules has consequences.

1. Warning 2. Detention (for student conference) 3. Parent-teacher

Communication 4. Administrative referral. (Flagrant behavior may

change order of consequences).

Each morning this year, think of the day as an “invitation to living,” not merely a way to pass time. Be curious; be inquisitive. After all, the only time you have is the “eternal now.” Be sure you are living in this moment!

As you walk into this room each day, ask yourself, “What am I learning today that will be worth remembering for a lifetime?”

Love and Kisses,

Connie Cannon

770-464-1698