 Welcome to Ms. Van Fleet's English ClassHome of the VVMS Jaguars
Our goal is to develop thinking and decision-making skills, and to clearly communicate thoughts orally and in writing. My approach is to foster a love of reading and communicating as an exciting, interesting and integral part of growing up. Most importantly, I strive to make learning relevant to students' lives -- both today and throughout their future.
English classes at VVMS consist of two periods presented as a block, and covering all four of the communication arts: reading, writing, speaking and listening. I teach two Honors English blocks, which include the 7th grade AVID students, and one regular block. Lessons for Honors students involve more in-depth content presented more quickly, as well as higher-level thinking skills, reading and writing assignments. In addition, I work collaboratively with teachers of other subjects to plan lessons, develop interdisciplinary units, and integrate learning across the curriculum for all students.
Textbooks
Students receive the McDougal Littell Language of Literature textbook to take home for the school year. They also will be assigned a numbered book when we read class novels, and are welcome to borrow books from my personal classroom library, which they may read at home. Books are expected to be returned in good condition, or you will be charged for their replacement. The English 7 textbook costs $56.46.
Students also receive a spiral-bound Student Planner, which they must bring to class daily. Replacements are available in the office for $5.
Tracks to Success
- Practice the 4 P's: Come to class prepared with Paper, Pencils, Planner and a Positive attitude!
- Tardy Policy from our Student Planner: ìEvery student must be in his/her designated classroom by the time the final bell rings, or that student will be considered tardy.
- Teachers expect homework to be completed on the due date, and usually donít accept late papers.
- When you have an excused absence, you will have as many days to make up your work as you were absent.
- Use your Student Planner daily to record your assignments.
Classroom Expectations and Discipline
- You are expected to raise your hand and wait to be called upon before you speak.
- Be a good listener when others speak.
- A teacher must sign the last page of your Planner when you leave any classroom.
- Teachers' offices, desks, cabinets, and phones are off limits to students.
- Treat others with respect by honoring their space and personal possessions.
- No gum, soft drinks or food is permitted. Only water is allowed in the classroom.
- Violations of the tardy or gum policy result in:
1. A warning citation, kept on file by the teacher.
2. Second written citation, plus a parent warning.
3. All three citations are sent to the office and Lunch Detention is assigned.
ABC Behavior Management Program 
There is only one school rule: Everyone must respect the learning and safety of others. We spend plenty of time assuring that students know how best to participate in a safe and respectful learning environment. We also enforce a clearly structured series of consequences for students who choose to interfere with the learning or safety of others:
1. Isolation for a short time within the classroom.
2. Removal to a "Buddy Teacher" in another Success Express classroom.
3. At the third Buddy removal, the student is sent to the Student Assistant Center (SAC room). An administrator will contact a parent, who will be required to come to school for a conference before the student may return to classes.
The fourth Buddy removal or extreme behavior results in a referral to the office for further disciplinary action.
Two offenses will result in an automatic removal to a buddy teacher or Office Referral: throwing any object or harassment (physical or verbal) of another student.
I'm excited about all the new and interesting things we will explore together this year, and look forward to partnering with families to provide the best education possible. If you have questions about anything, do not hesitate to call or email me.
|