Dear Parents/Guardians and Students, August 22, 2012

WELCOME to a great year at Bruner Middle School. I hope all students had a restful and relaxing summer break. I would like to make sure that my expectations are clear so that we can have a year full of learning. My name is Mrs. Brewer and I will be your child’s 8th grade Language Artsteacher. I look forward to getting to know your children; and partnering with you to enhance their academic success. This is my second year at Bruner; and I feel very fortunate to be a part of the Spartan team! Additionally, I volunteer as Co-Sponsor of the Beta Club and oversee the W.E.B program here at Bruner. If you have not already done so, I encourage you to visit our school’s website The website contains lots of information about Bruner. Also, this year I have a Teacher Webpage that provides useful details about the events of my classroom (i.e., lessons, test dates, projects, etc.). Please be patient with my webpage as it is a work-in-progress:

**If you are available, please attend Bruner MiddleSchool’s Open House on Tuesday, August 28th at 5:00pm.**

As one of your child’s teachers, I will work very hard to maintain a positive and productive classroom atmosphere that is encourages learning. It is my belief that your child’s education should be enlightening, challenging, and rewarding. Anytime throughout the year feel free to contact me via email to discuss your student’s academic progress:

Please ensure that your child brings the following supplies to class:

1. Loose-leaf paper2. Pencils

3. Hand-held pencil sharpener4. 1-inch 3 ring binder

Optional classroom supplies: hand sanitizer, Kleenex, disinfectant wipes, paper towels (anything would be greatly appreciated)

My homework policy: I will typically only assign homework on an as-needed basis. However, on the occasions when homework is given; students are expected to turn it in the following school day.

Students will be expected to become familiar with the Bruner Middle School Code of Conduct. I will hold students accountable for following the code of conduct at all times.

Spelling and Vocabulary: Each week students will receive a vocabulary list, which includes definitions of each of the 15 assigned words. This will usually be handed out on Monday. Throughout the week, students will practice different skills using their assigned vocabulary words. Skills include: analogies, synonyms, antonyms, depicting the word, etc. On Friday students will be quizzed based on that week’s vocabulary quiz. Formats of the quizzes will differ from week to week, but will be announced prior to the quiz. Vocabulary terms may be related to that week’s unit of study, or they may be 8th grade level vocabulary terms that do not necessarily relate to the current unit of study.

Read to Succeed: Each nine week grading period, students will be assigned a project to enhance their reading proficiency. These will be completed outside of school hours on the students’ own time. They will have approximately one—two months to finish. This grade will be worth 60%. Read to succeed projects and requirements will be announced at a later date. In addition to the Read to Succeed project, Students will need a free reading book with them at all times throughout the school year. Reading books of interest have proven to increase test scores as students gain fluency, increase vocabulary, read new experiences, etc.

My class rules:

  1. No food, candy, gum, or drinks (water isokay)
  2. Be RESPECTFUL and RESPONSIBLE3. Do your own work

4. Raise your hand when you want to ask a question or get out of your seat

5. Be on Time AND Stay on task

If a student repeatedly violates class rules, then I will contact you via phone, email, or written note. After the third rule violation, a student will receive an office referral.

Policy for make-up work: If a student is absent, he/she will have 5 days to turn in the missed work. It is your child’s responsibility to obtain the make-up work from me. I will be happy to inform your student of what he/she missed. If an absence is unexcused, the student will not get an opportunity to make up any missed work.

Grading Policy: Point values are based on a 60:40 ratio. 60% of students’ final grades are tests and projects. The other 40% is a combination of homework, classwork, and quizzes. You can view your child’s grades online through the Parent Portal.

Please sign and return the following page to acknowledge your receipt and understanding of the items discussed throughout this letter. Also, please have your child read and sign the letter as well. Feel free to leave your phone number and/or email address at the bottom of this page in case I need to contact you. Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to work hard for a successful year at Bruner Middle School!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Brewer

______

Parent Signature Date Student Signature Date

Contact Information:

Parent/Guardian Name______

Phone______

Email______