August 12, 2015
Students of Mr. Mahoney
C/O Carroll County High School
1706 Highland
Carrollton, KY 41008
Dear Students:
Welcome to my English class. As many of you may well know, I am from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, otherwise known as “the middle of nowhere” or “the end of the earth”. Although I have spent the majority of my life as a musician and building contractor, I have been teaching here at Carroll County for the last nine years. This past year I taught the English 11, AP12, and AP 11, courses here at CCHS.
I have enjoyed many things about teaching these courses, but having been a high school student who faced many challenges, I am going to enjoy working with all the juniors this year.
Overall, the thing I enjoy the most about teaching is the fact that we as teachers can see our influence upon students as they change and grow in a positive way. It is widely known that you need not be an “A” or “B” student to be recognized and respected in my classes. Some of my favorite activities within these courses are the student projects which help develop critical thinking, such as our documentary film project, or our “Reinventing the American Dream” project.
Perhaps my least favorite thing to teach has been grammar, because my studies of linguistics have maintained that grammar is best taught holistically, through proper speaking, frequent reading and habitual writing.
When I am not teaching, I enjoy writing songs and playing music professionally under the pseudonym Jimmy Mundane. I also enjoy being outside whenever possible. My outdoor interests include Tai Chi Chuan, Systema, kayaking, hunting, fishing, bicycling and motorcycling. These skills have proven useful in the classroom, because it helps show students that there are many ways to enjoy life.
It is now my 52nd year on earth. I recently pursued a fitness goal to arrive at the beginning of school weighing 200 pounds or less. Although I got stronger and lost 18 pounds, I did not reach my weight goal. I plan to get below 200 pounds by homecoming. My new one-year goal is to have 60% of our juniors reach “proficient or better” status on the On-Demand Writing Test. My five-year goal is to have achieved another level of education, possibly working toward a PhD.
If I had to choose an image or symbol for myself, I would be a river because I am ever-changing and different every day. As the English Department Chair, this year I would like to increase the challenges offered in my classes. This would include making better use technology, and finding more things that students like to read and write about. I look forward to another exciting year at CCHS.
Many Thanks,
Mr. Mahoney
Date
Address
Salutation: (Dear etc.)
Experiences:
1) Where are you from? What Schools have you attended? Can you tell us about your family?
2) Last English course completed and kinds of writing/reading performed.
3) Good/Bad experiences in previous courses: At least two examples supporting your argument.
Skills/Interests:
4) Interests and accomplishments inside or outside of school which may show that you are an interesting and interested person. (Sport, hobby, job, family etc.) Two items minimum.
Goals:5) One year goal, Five year goal. (Do not use graduation as one of these goals. It is obvious already that you want to graduate.) “In five years I would like to be”.
Suggestions:6) Positive things we could do to make to course more practical and interesting. Things that will help you reach your goals and ambitions: Two items minimum.
Closing Salutation: (Many Thanks, Best Regards, Etc…)
Your Name
Signature