Ms. Coons

805.488.3644

Dear Eighth Grade Parents,

I am very excited to have your child in my Language Arts class.  I am so happy to start my nineteenth year of teaching at Blackstock, especially in Room 2, a “smart” classroom.  After graduating from San Diego State University with a double major in Psychology and Social Science and a minor in English, I received my teaching credentials in Social Science and English.  I began my career at Keiller Middle School in San Diego, teaching seventh and eighth grade language arts and social studies.  After three years, the principal was promoted to Lincoln High School. I was asked to join his staff and taught all levels of English but my focus was on the ninth grade class.  As a lifelong learner, I have continued my education and am certified in Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) and Crosscultural, Language, and Academic Development (CLAD) as well as a Master’s Degree in Human Behavior from National University.  I have had extensive training in AVID (advancement via individual determination) methods, reading, curriculum, and English language development. I am a member of both the state and national associations for English teachers and the California Reading Association.  Last year, I  became a National Board Certified teacher.  This year I am serving as the AVID coordinator and co-coordinator of CJSF (California Junior Scholarship Federation).  I am thrilled to be teaching for the Hueneme School District and returning for my eighth year at Blackstock.  For the 2009-2010 school year, I have two sections each of Honors and AVID students as well as a standard language arts section.

This year we will study literature and composition using reading and writing workshop methods. The Holt Literature and Language Arts adoption includes a textbook and a grammar handbook. Students will continue to improve their independent reading with the Accelerated Reader program. Spelling lessons, vocabulary development, Cornell note taking, literature circles, and writing projects are just some of the activities you can expect to see and hear about in our class. Additionally, in Room 2, we will continue improving word processing techniques and using the internet link to our textbook http://hlla.hrw.com/.  All students will complete a research project focusing on a college or university which will include a PowerPoint and oral presentation.  My goal is to help students achieve the eighth grade language arts standards of reading, writing, listening and speaking and be prepared for high school.  Coursework is rigorous and students will work hard but they will be rewarded with valuable knowledge and skills they will use every day.

Students need to come to class prepared to be successful.  Literature textbooks must be covered and brought every day.  Necessary materials include: their agenda, plenty of white three-holed paper, an AR book, a binder with a language arts section, several pencils and blue or black ink pens.  Students need to be in uniform, on time to class, and ready to work.  Students will be respectful and follow directions.  Rewards will include praise, positive phone calls, and special awards.  Consequences will involve detention, loss of points, phone calls and conferences.  Please discuss the class rules and policies that were sent home with your child.  Please sign the agenda and reading log every day.  Homework will be posted in the classroom as well as on our class blog http://mscoons.edublogs.org/

I am available during my conference period 10:04 – 10:57 or before or after school in Room 2.  If you feel your child needs additional support, I will be teaching in the after school program.  Please call if you have any questions at extension 102 or send an email to scoons@huensd.k12.ca.us.

Thank you for your continued support,

Ms. Coons