Disclosure Statement
Ms. Ann Florence, English 8
Wasatch Junior High, 385-646-5244
aflorence@graniteschools.org
To check my website for homework and class
activities:
http://teacherweb.com/UT/WasatchJr/Florence
To check student grades: http://gb.granite.k12.ut.us
Who I am: Writer, reader, photographer, mom, explorer, political junkie,
Duke fan. I love mountains, oceans, rivers, the sky, and dirt.
What I teach: I am required to teach key reading comprehension strategies,
the writing process, information-gathering skills, grammar, vocabulary,
etc., etc. But I also hope to awaken a love of reading and literature, ignite
curiosity about our complex world, and deepen students’ respect for
themselves and others.
Why I teach: There is nothing more exciting than witnessing the unfolding of
a young person’s potential. I am inspired by this quote: “All children are
gifted—some just open their presents earlier than others.” I know that every
one of my students understands something I don’t and has something to tell
the world that no one else ever has. I am a “treasure seeker” and “talent
scout,” hoping to help young people discover the gold within themselves and
each other.
How I teach: Through reading, writing, inquiry, group collaboration,
discussion, games, hands-on activities, and (sigh!) homework.
How I grade: Students receive points for assignments, tests, and being
prepared on time (60%); outside reading, at least 90 minutes each week, and
written response (30%); class participation (10%). LIMITED EXTRA CREDIT WILL
BE AVAILABLE.
90%=A, 87%=A-, 84%=B+, 80%=B, 77%=B-, 74%=C+, 70%=C, etc.
Parents will be notified if their student is failing.
Important: A student cannot earn an A if he or she has more than one late
assignment or
more than one “0” in preparation per term.
Late work: All late work receives half credit. No late work will be accepted
after mid-term and final deadlines are posted. (PLEASE contact me if there
are special circumstances in your lives that I need to make allowances for.
Parents may email me or staple a note to the assignment when it is turned
in.)
“Re-do” assignments: When a student receives a “1” on an assignment,
something must be corrected (spelling, punctuation, etc.) immediately and the
assignment turned back in to me for credit.
What I ask of parents: Parents are an indispensable part of a learning
partnership, so I ask for the following:
1. Ask your student often about what we are doing in class. Look at
his/her assignments and discuss what we are learning.
2. Attend parent-teacher conferences when needed.
3. If you have concerns and questions, call, email, or make an appointment
for a visit. I will get in
touch with you as soon as possible. My consultation period is third
period, 9:45-10:35.
5. Check your student’s grades at least weekly on the internet. Contact me
immediately with
questions. Please don’t wait until the end of the term.
6. Visit my website, which I try to keep updated every day, to see our
activities and homework
assignments.
7. Pay your son or daughter one specific, sincere compliment every day.
It’s not easy being a
teenager.
What I ask of students:
1. Be at your desk and ready to work when the bell rings. I follow the
school-wide tardy policy.
2. Focus on learning, which means NO chatting, sleeping, note-writing, doing
homework from
other classes, toys, cell phones, i-pods, and calculators. Do not do
anything that interferes with
your learning, someone else’s learning, or my teaching.
3. Push yourself to do your most excellent work.
Materials needed in class every day:
1. A 1-inch binder with five dividers (to be left in class)
2. Notebook paper (Please don’t expect to always borrow from your neighbor.)
3. Pencils and pens.
4. Spiral notebook (70-page notebook is fine.)
5. A sense of humor
6. Lots of questions
A free reading book is required every Friday.
(Numbers 5 and 6 are free—the others are very inexpensive. Let me know
if money is tight—I can help with supplies.)
Absences: Students are responsible for making up work they miss. They should
first check with their “homework buddy,” then my web page or the class
binder. If the assignment is still unclear, they may check with me before or
after school (not while I am teaching or between classes). Students have one
week after an absence to make up missed work for full credit.
If students are absent for family vacations, I do not assign work
ahead of time. They are required to come after school to pick up their make-
up work.
Homework buddy:_____________________________Phone:__________________________
English 8 Disclosure Statement, Mrs. Florence
Parents, these questions are for you! Please sign and return by Thursday,
August 25.
1. What do you think is a reasonable amount of nightly English homework for
an eighth grader in a college-prep program?
2. What extra-curricular activities does your student participate in during
the school year? How many hours a week?
3. What is one of your student's greatest strengths or talents?
4. What English skills would you like to see your child improve during 8th
grade?
5. What are your student's strategies for ensuring that homework is
completed and RETURNED TO SCHOOL?
HINT: Eighth graders are notorious for claiming, "I DID the assignment, but I
left it on (or in) the __________________. (Fill in the blank.)
a. bed b. counter c. table d. car e. my friend's car, locker,
backpack f. other _____________
STUDENT'S NAME_________________________________PERIOD______________
HOMEWORK BUDDY______________________________PHONE_____________
STUDENT'S SIGNATURE________________________________________________
PARENT'S SIGNATURE___________________________________________________
PARENT'S SIGNATURE___________________________________________________
My student also has permission to watch the movie, "The Mighty," based on
FREAK THE MIGHTY. It is rated PG-13.
Parent's signature_________________________________________________________
