September Newsletter...
the condensed version
English 11 Students are Off to a Great Start
Our principal, Mrs. Askew, always comments at the beginning of every year that “it’s been the best beginning ever.” For my classes, I would like to echo Mrs. Askew’s sentiments. The year has begun wonderfully. All of my students are eager and excited to learn about American Literature and the intricacies of rhetorical writing.
All of my students have completed a diagnostic essay. Based on my reading of those, I can better plan a year of lessons that will prepare students for the SOL, P/SAT, and senior level reading and writing. Some students may receive a writing referral attached to their diagnostic essay. Please do not be alarmed by this sheet. The writing referral serves as a pass to the Writing Reef, Ocean Lakes High School’s writing center, for individual instruction. Each study block, the Writing Reef is staffed with a seasoned English teacher who is equipped with the time and tools to help students improve their writing. If you have any questions about this referral sheet or the center’s procedures, please e-mail me at
Allison.Graves@vbschools.com.
In addition to an intensive writing focus, junior year English provides students with an understanding of American Literature. We will read writings from various time periods to discover what has shaped the collective consciousness of America and the national voice found in much of its writing. The year begins with a unit on the American Dream. All of my classes read novel(s) focusing on this theme. AP classes read Into the Wild and The Great Gatsby over the summer., and they are currently finishing up the unit on the American Dream. English 11 students have just begun the novel The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver.
Because the English 11 courses move quickly, keeping up with reading and homework is paramount. To help you, I have set up a website that details homework, provides important links, and features in-class handouts. Access my website at www.gravesenglish.pbwiki.com!
Room 130 Welcomes Ms. Watts
In 1999, I was lucky enough to teach an eager and motivated student named Kara Watts. Now, I am lucky enough to serve as her cooperating teacher as she works towards her teaching certificate. Ms. Watts is finishing her last semester at my alma mater, Old Dominion University. After passing the very rigorous certification test necessary to teach high school English, Ms. Watts decided to return to Ocean Lakes to complete the last requirement in her journey to become a certified teacher.
I am impressed by so much of what I have already seen from Ms. Watts’s unit and lesson planning, and I am certain that this placement will enrich all those involved.
The 411 on Student Teachers
Many parents and students have valid concerns about a student teacher in a classroom. Often these concerns arise from not so pleasant previous experience, or from nervous anticipation of the many standardized tests that English 11 students will need to take. Please be assured that I will work to assuage your fears as best as I can. I anticipate that the following questions are on many of your minds:
- Who is responsible for assessing and grading my child’s work?
- Work that Ms. Watts assigns will initially be assessed and graded by Ms. Watts. Before the grades she assigns are recorded, she and I will conference about the assignment. I will review the grades she ascribes to the work and will discuss how she will design lessons to help students improve before unit tests and compositions.
2. How is the student teacher being guided and aided in areas like classroom management, lesson planning, and unit planning?
- I will review all lesson plans and unit plans well in advance. Ms. Watts and I confer about the lessons’ and units’ correlation to SOL and Virginia Beach curricula objectives. Additionally, I will observe part of each class every day. After my observations, Ms. Watts and I will discuss her classroom management strategies, their effectiveness, and any changes she may want to make.
3. How long will the student teacher’s placement last?
- Ms. Watts will be with us until December. Towards the end of her placement, I will begin transitioning back into the classroom.
A Note from Ms. Watts 
Being a high school English teacher was not always on my agenda. After graduating from Ocean Lakes in 2001, I knew that those were four of the best years of my life. I loved my teachers, my friends, my classes, and playing sports after school– I loved this place. Once I graduated from Ocean Lakes, I attended Tidewater Community College, and knew I just wanted to be back in the high school environment.
After taking a few classes there, my love of English continued to increase; it made sense to teach English. At Ocean Lakes, I took Honors English all four years and graduated with an advanced diploma. Once at Old Dominion, I declared English as my major– English grew from something I liked to something I loved.
With my graduation only months away, I am enjoying spending these last few months at Ocean Lakes. My ideal plan is to return here teaching full-time, and I would love to coach either tennis or softball, as I was a varsity player all four years for both as well. While I am eager to start teaching on my own, I do have aspirations of starting my own magazine one day.
I understand that I have a lot to learn, but I also have a lot to offer as well. My enthusiasm about English speaks for itself in the classroom! Working with
Mrs. Graves has started off as being a great experience and learning tool. I see her passion for English and relationships with the students, and all I can think
is, “This is what I want to be and do!”
Create your own educational wiki!