Virtual Open House
English 1
Mr. Richard Moore
Introducing myself-
I have been teaching for 22 years, the past 11 here at Spaulding High School. I have taught grades 6-12 during my career. My hope was to bring a personalized approach to students in order for them to succeed. This idea came from my Dad, who did wonders on the baseball field with students who did not fare well in school. He always said that people will do well when they’re doing what they like.
How my classes work-
As far as understanding texts which may not relate to today’s teenager, I try to show how we connect across generations, cultures, and languages by emotions. We take notes which compare emotions that we have with the fictional characters.
When it comes to writing, I use a combination of personalized theses and high academic expectations. I believe all that I am asking them to do with writing comes down to using organization to ensure clear communication. I encourage them to think as high schoolers normally do, but to apply that in an academic manner.
Syllabus-
Materials-
Texts and computers will be provided. Often students will use their phones which is a double-edged sword. However, they will not need to use their own data.
Access to the class through Google can be obtained by emailing me at
moore.r@rochesterschools.com I will invite you as a “guardian” and you can see certain parts of the class.
Past work-
Here is an example of a prior student’s work that we aspire to reach:
The story of Walter Mitty is how an older man was going through daily chores with his wonderful wife, but with a small twist. He daydreams during several chores. He’d make boring chores into wonderful adventures. In the daydreams, Walter would become a Dentist, Attorney, Pilot, and other things along those lines. His wife would be quite naggy to him, since he might spout random things it in the open. For example, he had randomly yelled “Puppy biscuit!” causing people to turn his way and question him. One thing I have noticed though, is how lots of people had thought of him as “crazy”. But I don’t agree with that, because it feels too very odd to think of Walter as a crazy, out there guy, than someone that anyone can relate to.
Environment-
Overall, I like to make my classroom collaborative and student-centered. My expectations are that students do their work to the best of their abilities. I have class rules, and before I contact home I try to resolve academic or behavioral issues with the student. If I contact home, it means I have already tried to work on any problems with the student. I encourage my students to advocate for themselves, but I want to be sure adults at home feel that they can reach me with concerns.
Grading-
As opposed to the Rochester Middle School, formative assignments count as 20% within each competency. Also, students need to pass ALL competencies:
Reading
Writing
Language Arts
Speaking, Listening, Viewing
Expectations-
I encourage all students to be sure they understand assignments, behavioral expectations, and their role in succeeding. This level of class taken throughout four years of high school will provide various options upon graduation. I am available weekly to assist in any area students need. Students need to be focused, present, and communicative. I often tell them that I am there “to teach, not to test.” However, it is their effort which determines their grade.
Challenges-
The freshman year is a great challenge to your child. You should not underestimate this.
Please keep this in mind, too:
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/news/20190314/do-social-media-hurt-mental-health-of-us-young
Conclusion-
Thank you for supporting my effort in providing the best options for your student’s future through their time in my class.
Sincerely,
Richard Moore