Welcome to our English class. A PowerPoint about stuff you need to know in order to thrive in Mrs. Hagan’s class = )

You know there’s paperwork, so… Find your syllabus. Let’s go over that now. Find the parent letter. Take it home, give it to your guardian(s), and bring it back signed by Monday, August 29th. Find the class rules. You know we have some. Let’s go over those now.

I need your help On the back of the index card on your desk, please write the following information: Full name Parent/guardian name and home address Phone number where I can reach the person named above. Homeroom teacher Do you have a job or play sports? How many hours each week do you participate in either of these? Any medical information that you think I need to know. Do you have medical issues that may affect you or your work during school?

English IV Literary focus is British literature Expect homework and do it Graduation Project Yes, you have to do it No, you cannot graduate without passing it Yes, I will help you through it

English III/American Studies Literary focus is American literature with emphasis on making historical connections Expect homework and do it There is a required research paper I expect you to THINK! I will not tell you all of the answers. I will challenge you, and you will surprise yourself when you really try.

English II Literary focus is World literature (anything not American or British, basically) Expect homework and do it There will be LOTS of preparation for the 10th grade writing test. Be ready to write. I expect you to THINK! I will not tell you all of the answers. I will challenge you, and you will surprise yourself when you really try.

Creative Writing If you do not like to write, we need to talk. I expect each of you to put forth your best effort and complete all assignments. You will have assigned reading in this class, but I am striving to choose works outside the typical literary canon. Grammar always counts. I am SO excited about teaching this class!

My Pet Peeves (you deserve to know) “Mrs. Haaagan…I don’t have a pencil (paper, book, etc).” Well, why not? Where did you think you were going today? “Are we getting a grade on this?” Just always assume the answer is “yes”. “I didn’t have time to read (write, research, etc.)” You have the same number of hours given to you each day that your peers have. How did you use them?

More Pet Peeves (this could take a while) “Can I go to the bathroom?” First of all, it’s “may I”. Secondly, you need to do that before class. “Can I just eat this pop tart (call my mom, text my sister, etc.) real quick?” Please don’t ask me to allow you to break the rules. That’s not nice, and the answer is “no”. Grooming in class is impolite. You can do your hair and makeup some time when you’re not supposed to be focused on the wealth of knowledge you’re getting in class.

BIGGEST PET PEEVE Whining. I don’t like whining. At all. Not even a little bit. It may be too hot, too cold, too early, too late, too bright, or too dark. The work may (will) be hard, and you may not have had to do this ever before. You may not like me or the kid sitting next to you or the color of the textbook or getting up before noon. And these can all be legitimate issues, BUT WHINING ABOUT THEM DOES NOT IMPROVE ANYTHING, ESPECIALLY MY ATTITUDE.

Any Questions? I know that the first day of any class can seem overwhelming. It is not my desire to scare you or to come across as some sort of ogre. I expect to push you academically, and I expect you to be on your best behavior always. That doesn’t mean that we won’t have a blast learning all we can learn this semester; it simply makes it possible. Now, do you have any questions for me?