August 2017
Dear Parents,
My name is Lindy Reed and I will be your child’s Power Reading teacher. I hope to work closely with you in order to help your child have a successful year. My classroom phone number is 832.249.5965. Please leave a message and I’ll return your call at my earliest opportunity. I also maintain a website that can be accessed through the Schindewolf website. My conference period is from 12:57-1:46, but I am usually available before or after school. However, the quickest way to contact me is via email at .
Grading
A passing average is required in English Language Artsand Power Reading in order for promotion. Both of these classes are weighed equally.
Major Grades60%tests, independent reading, or projects;
Test days are Wednesdayand Friday
Daily Grades30%percent correct, completion, or participation
quizzes count as double
Homework10%nine hours of reading homework each nine weeks Additional reading logs can be accessed at my website. See ReadingHomework for additional
information.
Classroom behavior
Proper classroom behavior is expected from all students. Those who consistently misbehave will receive a verbal warning, loss of a privilege, or seating change. Students who chose to continue to misbehave are assigned a classroom penalty assignment, usually sentences. I will do everything in my power to resolve any issue with the student, but if the student’s behavior does not improve, the parent will be notified. At this point, after working with the student and involving the parent, if the inappropriate behavior continues it will result in removal from class and a discipline referral to the principal. I keep behavior documentation on each student and use it to determine conduct grades.
Reading Homework
Reading practice is necessary in order to improve reading skills. Each nine weeks students are assigned nine hours of reading homework, with an hour due each Friday. There is no late penalty for turning in the homework, and may be turned in any time before the end of the quarter. This homework is 10% of the report card grade.
Students select a book (not a magazine) and keep track of the date, title, and minutes read on the Reading Homework Log. It is important that students choose a book that interests them. This practice should be neither too difficult nor too easy. Students may change books or read the same book every night. All students will have the same amount of homework, whether slow readers or fast readers. All reading counts, including all other subjects, make-up work, or assigned reading from another class. Religious books are certainly permitted, as well as any other parent approved book. When the reading is completed or the due date arrives, parents need to sign the reading homework log to verify that their child did the assignment. Remember, the homework is reading done outside of class, not part of the school day. The exception is during Pack Time (study hall), but the teacher must sign to verify it was done. If you see zeroes for the grade and your child is telling you that it was done at school, please contact me.
You may make your own reading log using notebook paper, you may download a copy of one on my website, or you may email a statement verifying your child completed the assignment.
Supplies
The following supplies are needed for class:
1 inch 3-ring binder or folderwide-ruled white notebook paper
highlighterblue or black pen or pencil
pencil bag (optional)
If you are not financially able to purchase supplies for your child, please send me an email or note and I will obtain them for you. Students keep their binders in class.
Other
This will be my twentieth year in Klein, and my twenty-fifth year teaching. I have a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from AbileneChristianUniversity and a Master of Education degree in Reading from the University of Oklahoma. I have three children and understand the demands of being a working parent. Please let me know if there are any extraordinary circumstances your child might be experiencing that could interfere with his/her performance in school. I can certainly be flexible with assignments during this time. The fall Open House will be Thursday, September 14, and I look forward to meeting you.
Sincerely,
Lindy Reed
Please copy and paste the following and send it to me in an email. Include any other email addresses you would like me to use in contacting you. If there is anything you feel would help me with your child’s academic success, please include this information also.
I have read Mrs. Reed’s parent letter and am aware that nine hours of reading homework (540 minutes) are required each quarter.