Be present. Be safe. Be kind.
Teacher for 21 years
Grades 6-12
Best way to reach me:
sburkeliggett@psdschools.org
English Language Arts
Mrs.
M.Ed., Professional Leadership Regis University B.A., Technical Journalism Colorado State University Cert., Culinary Arts/Baking + Pastry The Art Institute of Phoenix |
* I believe that all students can become lovers of reading, writing, and even poetry! * My classroom space promotes creativity and growth within a calm, peaceful, safe environment. * I feel that middle school students need support with organization, time management, resilience, and communication, in addition to all things language arts. |
1. Narrative/Memoir Unit
Final product: A narrative poem that engages students with their own memories, stories, and lives and builds a community of writers.
2. Informational Text Unit
Final product: Writing that demonstrates close observation of reading and explains thinking through the added elements of maps, graphs, and diagrams.
3. Argument/Research Unit
Final product: A research- based position paper that includes principled arguments, cited evidence, and addresses multiple perspectives. *Novel study: Night by Elie Wiesel
4. Literary Analysis Unit
Final product: Writing that explores how theme and craft are related, incorporates text evidence, and elaborates on students’ thinking about complex texts. *Dystopian short stories
— Units of Study Curriculum —
— Ongoing learning (embedded throughout all units) —
1. Realistic Fiction/Narrative Unit
Final product: Short fiction that engages the reader, utilizes plot structure, and highlights symbolism, theme, and characterization. *Novel study: The Outsiders
2. Informational Text Unit
Final product: Writing that demonstrates close observation of reading and explains thinking through the added elements of maps, graphs, and diagrams.
3. The Art of Argument Unit
Final product: An essay that builds a convincing argument, balancing evidence and text analysis to persuade readers to shift their beliefs or take action.
4. Literary Analysis Unit
Final product: Writing that explores how theme and craft are related, incorporates text evidence, and elaborates on students’ thinking about complex texts. *Novel study: book clubs
— Units of Study Curriculum —
— Ongoing learning (embedded throughout all units) —
COMMUNICATION
✹ EMAIL is the best place to contact Mrs. B-L
✹ GOOGLE CLASSROOM is where assignments can be accessed for HW/absences/info
GRADING POLICIES
PSD STANDARDS-BASED GRADING & FEEDBACK
Our goal: to give accurate feedback about how a student is performing in relation to the grade level standards and work habits.
4/Exceeds: Student has gone above and beyond the skills of the standard.
3/Meets: Student has met the standard but has not exceeded the standard.
2/Approaching: Student is close to meeting the standard but is missing some skills and concepts.
1/Below Expectations: Student has not met expectations or has not shown evidence on the standard.
✹ Late work is accepted and redos/retakes are an option - within the boundaries of a unit.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
PSD 2026-2027 Artificial Intelligence Policy:
The District acknowledges that some student use of Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) tools may enhance the District’s commitment to high-quality learning. Students are only permitted to use AI tools on assignments when clearly stated in the assignment or specified by the teacher. Students should cite their use of AI anytime they engage in its use. If a student is unsure whether AI can be used on an assignment, they should ask their teacher. Intentional misuse of AI on an assignment may constitute plagiarism and academic dishonesty.
In any use of AI, students should be mindful that AI tools are prone to “hallucinations,” false answers/information, or outdated, misleading and/or biased information. Students should always verify information provided by AI tools using reliable sources such as textbooks, scientific papers and reputable websites.
Students should not upload or input any personal, confidential, proprietary, or sensitive information into any AI tool accessed through District information technology. Examples include passwords and other personal information such as names, images of themselves, or social security, credit card or bank account numbers.
Specific acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI tools may vary based on new technological developments and students must follow the guidance of District administrators and classroom teachers.
HOMEWORK?
✹ We strive to minimize homework for students, so homework (outside of independent reading) will not be frequent.
✹ However, students may have work to complete at home if an assignment is not completed in class.
GOALS FOR YOUR CHILD:
✹ Be engaged and invested in learning....be a lifelong learner!
✹ Grow effective oral and written communication skills, as well as student skills for years to come.
✹ Extend understanding beyond our classroom walls.
✹ Be a positive contributor to our community and the larger community around us.
HERE’S TO A GREAT YEAR!
This presentation can be found on the Preston website,
on the staff directory page.