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**// "It is not enough to have a good mind. The main thing is to use it well." //** **// - Rene Descartes //**

**Welcome to Pre-AP ENGLISH 8!**

Overview of System:
Thank you for visiting my classroom management system for EHS 556. In this class I have learned how to best manage all aspects of the classroom. I have learned the best ways to manage misbehaved students, concerned parents, and to most effectively communicate my expectations. Though I have had many valuable classes in pursuit of my Masters, this is undoubtedly one of the most valuable. I look forward to implementing all that I have learned into my own classroom at Homewood Middle School.

Homewood Middle School is a public school that exists within a close-knit community that possesses a great deal of diversity. The community of Homewood has a rich tradition of fostering academic excellence ranking 8th out of 124 school districts within the state of Alabama. However, unlike many of the other high caliber school districts in Alabama, Homewood Middle School has 31% of its students participating in free/reduced lunch. The majority of students are white, followed closely by 31% of the population being African American. Living in the Homewood community I feel very invested in the lives of these students. I believe the most effectively way to teach is to know your students and always teach with them in mind.

This wikispace serves as a system to communicate all expectations and course information that is imperative for my eighth grade students and their parents/guardians to know. My hope is that my expectations are communicated clearly and effectively to help provide the best classroom environment possible. I look forward to a successful and fun year at Homewood Middle School!

System Target Audience:
This system is designed for the parents/guardians, students, and administrators of Homewood Middle School to insure that my expectations and system that my classroom operates from are clearly understood.


 * //How will I train my students?//
 * This system will not only be published on the Internet via Wikispace, but it will also be systemically sent home from the students and their parents to review. Prior to sending it home with the students I will go over it section by section, allowing time for individually questions or comments. Afterwards, we will have a "pop quiz" for assessment but not for a grade. This assessment will be more for fun, but also to insure that the students have a firm grasp on procedures and expectations for the school year. The "pop" quiz will be given in the form of powerpoint slides and questions will be answered with raised hands. The students will be rewarded with a bonus point for participation or a piece of candy.

What //you// have to look forward to:

 * Preparation for success in high school.
 * Increased responsibility and independence.
 * The ability to communicate effectively.
 * Developing confidence as a reader and a writer.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace;">A learning environment where everyone's voice is heard.

<span style="font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace;">My Promise to you:

 * <span style="font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace;">//**I will come to school everyday excited to see you and watch you learn something new. Everyone is equal in my classroom. I will strive to make my lessons interesting and valuable. I will be fair, patient, and I will respect my students. I will provide corrective feedback in a positive way. I will provide you with many opportunities to achieve success.**//

<span style="font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace;">I look forward to all the fun we will have this school year! I am lucky to be your teacher.

<span style="font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace;">Sincerely, <span style="font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace;">Ms. Hayden Hamrick <span style="font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace;">hhamrick@homewood.k12.al.us