Mr. Gotham’s Language Arts Classes

Personal Information:

This year, I will be teaching four sections of seventh grade language arts and one section of eighth grade language arts at Linden Middle School. This is my twelfth year teaching in the Linden School District. I spent seven years teaching at the fourth and fifth grade levels at Central Elementary and I have taught both science and language arts at the middle school. In addition to teaching, I am the Chair- person for the Linden Ski Club. I have a B.A. degree from Saginaw Valley State University and a Master’s degree in the art of teaching from Marygrove College. I have been married to my wife Trisia for over eleven years. My wife and I have a wonderful three and a half year old son named Anthany Craig. I enjoy fishing, boating, traveling, snow skiing, golf, listening to music, and spending time with my family and friends.

Introduction:

I look forward to working with students and parents alike to make this school year as productive and successful as possible. I firmly believe that it is necessary for teachers, students, and parents to be involved in the educational process for optimum student success.

Materials Needed:

The following items are needed for my language arts classes. It would be helpful for students to have these materials by the end the first week of school. If for some reason you cannot provide these items for your child, please contact me so we can work something out.

*One 1-inch three-ring binder labeled language arts

*Lined notebook paper to place in three-ring binder

*One 8 pack of subject tab dividers with labels

*One single subject spiral notebook labeled language arts

*Colored correcting/editing pen or marker (preferably red)

*Free-time reading book to bring to class everyday

*Reading material for “Free Read Fridays”

Assignments and Homework:

* Agenda for the day and homework (if applicable) will be posted in the classroom daily.

* All assignments will have due dates and must be turned in at the beginning of the class hour. Assignments not turned in at this time will be considered late.

* Late assignments will only be accepted for one day after the due date for ½ credit. Assignments not turned in within one day of a due date will receive zero credit.

· Students are responsible for finding out what work/information was covered while they were out when he/she returns to school from being absent. Students are to copy down what they missed from the daily agenda and get any missing worksheets etc. from the “while you were out bins.” Students will have one day to complete missing assignments for each day they are absent.

Rules:

1. Follow directions the first time they are given
2. Keep hands, feet, objects, and unkind comments to self
3. Respect yourself, others, and all school property

Classroom Expectations:

I expect students to be responsible, come to class on time, be in their seat before class begins, and be prepared with the necessary materials and/or assignments for the day. Students are expected to follow all classroom and school rules listed on this letter and those listed in the school handbook. A behavior notebook will be kept in the room for students who choose not to comply with classroom and/or school rules. If a student makes a poor choice in class, they will go through the Interim Classroom process and be asked to write their name in the behavior notebook. This notebook will serve as an “in class” running record of students who are making poor choices and be a warning before the student is directed to the IR classroom.

Sincerely,

Craig Gotham