Reflections from Week One

We have made it through the first official week of class. It always amazes me how resilient adolescents are. They are beginning to understand the importance of our rituals and routines within the Language Arts learning environment. I'll try to give you a brief update, if your adolescent hasn't already.

Throughout the first week, I have demonstrated the belief that every student, regardless of background, can excel academically. They will be held accountable for their achievement. There is a sense of urgency and responsibility for their learning as our goal is to be successful as a 21st century learner. Students will be held accountable for their own results on Florida's high stakes tests. Our classroom will be results oriented; big and small.

Students will be provided clear feedback to guide their learning. Rigor, inspiration, and motivation will be the culture in our classroom.

Students will exhibit appropriate behaviors, confidence, and a sense of possibility. They will demonstrate the ability to listen for understanding from diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. They will have opportunities to generate ideas, articulate points of view, and respect the viewpoints of others (ask your adolescent about Wait Time.) We will successfully build relationships.

I have established the expectation that technology will be a large part of their learning experience and that they must have access to the Internet and technology. I have created student blogs which are monitored and controlled by me. The purpose of the blog is to provide students with a unique learning experience that meets students' diverse and unique learning needs. Our students are different learners than a couple of years ago. I understand that need. IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTIFY ME IF YOU DO NOT HAVE INTERNET ACCESS so that I can make arrangements to provide your adolescent with paper copies of the assignments. I also highly recommend investing in a Public Library card. It is easy and free to apply for a library card. The San Marco Library is a block away. Located at 1513 Lasalle Street, Jacksonville, FL 32207. Their phone number is 904-858-2907. They have a wonderful, safe facility where your adolescent can do homework, access the Internet, print black and white materials (free!), utilize the library's live homework help, do e-research, and of course, ask a real librarian anything! Regarding homework that is due on their student blog . . . I do not accept what used to be "The dog ate my homework," to today's "My Internet wasn't working," and "My Microsoft Word had a glitch in it." It is your adolescent's responsibility to do their work before the due date so that if issues arise, they are able to get the printed assignment. They will then be expected to turn in the hand-written paper assignment on time!

It is the expectation that your adolescent bring their supplies to the classroom. The black binder with the blue, red, green, and purple folders and the composition notebook are their portfolios. The portfolios will provide instructional activities to help meet their academic goals and ensure that students are meeting state standards.

The concept of community supplies is to inspire leadership and a commitment to ongoing learning. Students who donate to the community of supplies are truly helping those in need. It has always been my desire to provide all students with the materials they need to be successful, which is why I continue to personally donate much of my salary back to our community. This year I have found the need to seek extra help. In the event that a student forgets their materials, we have the community supplies. Every student will use our supplies at one point or another. OUR COMMUNITY SUPPLIES DEMONSTRATE TO OUR STUDENTS THAT THEIR LEARNING IS IMPORTANT. Their learning and their learning environment will run in an efficient and effective manner and, as adults, it should be our desire to contribute in the service of all students.

Finally, your one-stop-shopping for parents and their adolescents alike: FLYNNIESCLASSROOM BLOG! Parents, my communication has always been transparent. As a parent of four children ranging in ages from 20 years to 9 years, I understand the need to have that communication with your child's teacher. I want you to feel empowered to have those conversations with your adolescent; What did you do today? What did you learn? What did you like or not like about what you learned today? HAVE YOU DONE YOUR HOMEWORK AND WHEN IS IT DUE? Please utilize my blog (especially the homework calendar) to keep in the know. Please keep the student blogs the students' blog! If you have a concern, please feel free to leave a message on my school phone or email me directly.

-Kathleen Flynn, 08.29.2009