Welcome to Junior English!
Dear Parent(s) and/ or Guardian(s):
Welcome back to another exciting school year here at Vinton County High School! I hope that you were able to enjoy a fun and relaxing summer. I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself and to tell you about some of the activities that I have planned for the upcoming school year.
This is my ninth year at VCHS, and I am excited by the opportunity to continue serving this community. I graduated from Alexander High School in Albany, Ohio before going on to receive an undergraduate degree in education from Ohio University. I then went on to earn my master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, with an emphasis on technology. I now reside in Athens with my husband (Max), our two very active boys (Owen and Jack), and our two dogs (Lola and Maggie).
English III will focus on the literature of both past and contemporary American authors. The selections that we will read this year include poetry, essays, journals, short stories and novels by authors such as Walt Whitman, Harriet Tubman, Edgar Alan Poe, Mark Twain, Maya Angelou, and many others. Specifically, we will look at the evolution of American Literature, and how our nation’s history directly helped shape the vast array of writing our country shares.
In addition to developing reading and comprehension skills, we will continue to work on refining individual writing skill and style. Students can expect to complete several written essays in addition to a research paper later in the school year. Additionally, each student will be required to keep a binder for this class, which they must have by the second week of school. Students in general classes will not have a great deal of work outside of class. Most readings and assignments will be completed during class instruction, so that I can be available to assist students. However, CP students can expect a good deal more of independent work, including reading and writing assignments, in addition to occasional enrichment activities.
It is my goal to provide your child with a gratifying and meaningful learning experience. In order to achieve this goal, it is essential that we all—teacher, parent/ guardian and student-- work together to ensure your child’s success. I look forward to working with you and your child in the future. I encourage you to contact me should you have any questions, concerns, suggestions, etc. I can be reached through the school office at (740) 596-5258. You can also reach me through the school’s email at .
Sincerely,
Abigail R. Rouse