1. WELCOME FAMILIES! I’m so glad you’re here! As you come in, turn RIGHT! Please sign in and take a copy of the Course Syllabus from the counter. Then, take a seat!

2. ABOUT ME! - This is my 11 th year teaching Reading and Language Arts. - This is my 8 th year teaching in Indian River County (not consecutively), I’ve also taught in Seminole and St. Lucie Counties.

3. MY GOALS: -Teach my students to think creatively, and to “think outside the box.” -Teach my students reading and writing skills so they can express themselves clearly and concisely, and to be able to put their thoughts on paper. -Use a hands-on approach to teach so that EVERY child can be successful. -Work as a 3-part team: teacher-student-parent, so that the students achieve the greatest success possible, keeping the lines of communication open at all times!

4. GRADES AR Points – 5% AR Comprehension Score – 5% Classwork – 40% Tests – 50%

5. Accelerated Reader - AR is incorporated into the Reading and Language Arts curriculum. Points are determined by the LA class. - 8 th grade advanced students are required to earn 28.5 points each quarter. - We will go to the Media Center to check out books every three weeks. - Marathon Monday take place each week in Reading OR Language Arts classes.

6. FLORIDA STATE ASSESSMENTS -ELA Writing Beginning of March -ELA Reading, Math, and Science Begins April 13 th Want more information? http://fsassessments.org/

7. HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT YOUR ADVANCED STUDENT AT HOME? Book Club : Start a book club with your teen. Invite your child to choose a book you’ll each read, and then you choose the next one. You’ll both be motivated to pick something the other will really enjoy. Don’t shy away from gross or silly books that your child might pick. Showing an interest in each other’s literary taste — whatever it might be — is a sign of respect. Encourage Risk-Taking: Support your child’s calculated risk-taking and non- dangerous experimentation, even when the possibilities of success are slim. Help them understand how lack of success is part of lifelong learning, and encourage them to explore the causes of failure and alternatives to success. Coping Strategies: Guide your child in learning how to socially and emotionally cope with failure, AND with success. Diversify: Provide opportunities to experience a variety of books, games, puzzles, activities, and publications that foster critical and creative thinking. Introduce them to situations that expand their horizons and help build an appreciation for diversity and an understanding of cross-cultural perspectives. Limit the time your child spends engaged in technology-enhanced activities such as TV, video games, and computer-based activities.

8. ACADEMIC GAMES In addition to teaching 8 th grade Reading and Language Arts, I am also the Academic Games sponsor with Mrs. Corby. We play Linguishtiks, Equations, and the Social Studies game. Practices will be on Thursdays after school beginning 9/18/14, and competition dates can be found on my website. All interested students should plan to attend practice next Thursday.

9. WRITING CLUB I sponsor Writing Club on Thursdays after school. This will begin in DECEMBER. I encourage all of my students to attend!

10. BOOK CLUB Mrs. Blackwell is sponsoring the Book Club this year! It’s a great way for Advanced Students to collaborate and dive into some great books! I encourage all of my students to listen to the announcements to find out when they can attend!

11. PLEASE DONATE! We are in need of tissues, paper towels, post-its, copy paper, and hand sanitizer! Please send some in with your child! Speaking for myself and my students, we really appreciate it!

12. GET MY WEEKLY EMAIL UPDATES AND CHECK MY WEBSITE!

13. Contact Information: email: Rachel.Moree@indianriverschools.org website: HTTP://TEACHERSITES.SCHOOLWORLD.COM/ WEBPAGES/RMOREE/INDEX.CFM (ACCESSED THROUGH THE SCHOOL WEBSITE) weekly emails: get added to my list! HTTP://TEACHERSITES.SCHOOLWORLD.COM/ WEBPAGES/RMOREE/INDEX.CFM

14. QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE GROUP? Due to time constraints, we do not have enough time to talk about individual students. If you would like to talk about your child with one teacher or the team of teachers, please contact the front office to set up a conference at a later date.