This document is a welcome letter from an 8th grade English teacher. It introduces expectations for the upcoming school year, including greater responsibilities for students to participate daily, engage in reading and writing, and keep organized notes in a composition notebook. It outlines behavioral expectations for students to be prepared, willing to participate, and respectful. It asks parents to encourage their children to complete assignments and act responsibly, and to contact the teacher with any questions or concerns, emphasizing that learning is a group effort between students, parents and teachers.

1. 15 August 2011
Parents & Students:
Welcome to the 2011-2012 school year at Ramay Junior High School, and welcome to 8th-grade
English Language Arts! The eighth grade is exciting: new building to explore, more friends to
make, and greater expectations to meet. It is no different in the English / Language Arts
classroom. Building on skills and standards from middle school and previous grades, this is a
transition year preparing students with skills that will help them succeed not only in later high
school classes, but also in the fast-approaching real world.
In an effort to keep standards high, students will be expected to participate and act responsibly.
In addition to the occasional essay, test, or project, student performance will be assessed mostly
through daily participation. Engaging in personal and class reading is expected, as well as daily
writing.
To aid in these requirements, one day per week is set aside solely for reading. Also, students
will be invited to write in a composition notebook. These notebooks will be the primary text for
our class, and in it you will keep most, if not all, drafts, notes, and class materials for the year.
Of course, not everyone is going to like everything we do in class all of the time, so students, I
propose that we work together even in those areas that may not be as fun. To help me along and
keep things running smoothly, I have these expectations for student behavior:
Be ready. Be in your seat with all needed materials when the bell rings. Have any homework completed
and ready to turn in. Make sure you have all that you need before the bell rings. There are no trips to
your locker after the bell.
Be willing. Participate in all class activities, do your classwork, and be prepared to step out of your
comfort zone to lend to class discussions. Sometimes you will be asked to share your thoughts or responses
to a topic: be ready for this.
Be respectful. Respect your instructors, other students, and yourself. Do not talk when someone else has
the floor. Be kind to others and respect their property. Use appropriate language for class.
Learning is a group effort. Students, by keeping up with your writing and assignments,
following classroom procedures, and asking questions when you need help, you are doing your
part. Parents, I ask that you would please encourage your child to complete their assignments
and act responsibly at school, and to always contact me with any questions or concerns. With
your help, we are sure to make this year great.
Thank you,
Nathan Strayhorn
nathan.strayhorn@fayar.net
______________________________ ______________________________ _________
Student Signature Parent/Guardian Signature Date