Open House Basics

Open House BasicsMrs. Elizabeth G. HeckEnglish TeacherLakeside High School

Hello, Im Elizabeth Heck and am excited about this new year at Lakeside. Ive created this short video to introduce you to a few of the most important things to expect from Mrs. Hecks English class. This way you can go back and review, share with kids or family, and hopefully save a little of your precious time.2

I have always loved reading and writing, but I know so many people who definitely don't. For that reason, I try to focus this course on the skills students need to succeed at deciphering texts and articulating ideas. English literature and language has formulas and patterns just like science and math. In this room, we try to uncover those patterns and decode the formulas of writing and stories and nonfiction. I want my students to know how to think, above all. My goal is to create inquisitive learners that take ownership of their education. Only with your continued support at home will your child reap the biggest benefit from English class. 3

There are a few ways you can stay tuned to our class activities. The biggest resource I have created is The Hub. As its name suggests, The Hub is the central place to find everything for my courses4

Extra copies of assignments? The Hub. Weekly Calendars? The Hub. Resources for extra review or deeper understanding? The Hub. 5

There is also a quick form to send me a direct email and another to subscribe to periodic ShoutOuts. 6

These ShoutOuts are brief updates that I try to send out in the first days of a new unit and a few days before big projects are due. By signing up on The Hub, these email ShoutOuts are an easy way to follow what activities and materials we are focusing on in class and as student reminders for major assignments. Do use The Hub and subscribe for updates to maximize your involvement with minimal effort to help your child succeed this year!7

Weekly assigned readingRequired internet accessLakesides libraryLocal libraryEmail me for other arrangementsWeekly Calendars for due datesALWAYS be READING!

Now, big questions.

Homework. Once we get settled into the year, students will have weekly assigned reading homework. This will require internet access which can be found at Lakesides library before school and during lunch or out of school at the local library; if you or your student needs assistance with these methods, please send me an email so we can make arrangements. Additionally, students will have periodic projects, unfinished classwork, or preparation for assessments to complete at home. The Weekly Calendars posted on The Hub list homework by day. Always, students should be reading at home. Studies have shown that just reading any published material (aka not social media) improves vocabulary, reading fluency, and performance in all subjects and standardized tests. If you or your student needs reading recommendations check out my Pinterest or Goodreads, both listed on The Hub, for solid reading material.8

CONSEQUENCESWarningConfiscate phone for full daySend phone to front office with referral

Cell phones. Ah, the plague of our times! I love how resource-filled our phones can be. I do use mine for all sorts of useful purposes; however, many a time students choose to abuse the privilege by playing games, watching movies, or Snapchatting each other during class. I will issue a single warning before confiscating phones for the day. Repeat offenders phones will be sent to the front office with a discipline referral. The 45 minutes of instructional time we have is too precious to squander. While excellent tools of our modern age, my experience with phones in the classroom proves them more foe than friend.9

One Simple Rule about GradesGrade Point Average starts NOW!College applications are not far, nowInfinite Campus Parent PortalLogin information from the front officeReal-time grades for each assignment in each classOne zero + three 100s = 70 averageOne simple rule: DO YOUR WORK!

Grades. I honestly wish grades werent a thing. But grades are a really important part of high school. This year begins your childs GPA that will carry them into college applications. Now more than ever your child needs your support. Your childs grades for all courses can be found via Infinite Campus Parent Portal where you can review each assignment in live time. The late work policy is strict. Chances to redo assignments or tests have been left in middle school. This means students need to complete their work and always turn in something rather than nothing. Zeros require three 100s to average passing. Something is always better than nothing. Now on the bright side after that harsher reality: students have an easy way to make an A or B in my class. One simple rule: do your work. If you follow along in class, engage with the activities, and turn in your best efforts, an A or B is going to be easier than apple pie. With your continued support, I know your child can succeed.10

Contact Meelizabeth.heck@ccboe.net

How to contact me. Email is by far the best method to get in touch with me. Please email me any time you have questions or are worried about anything. Additionally, The Hub has a Contact Mrs. Heck page that offers a simple form that goes right to my email. There are some scheduled days for parent conferences throughout the year, but we can always arrange an in-person meeting with a few days notice. I highly encourage you to make contact early if you start to notice anything so that together we can help your child succeed.11

Now that all the big business is out of the way, here's a bit about me.

I grew up in the little South Carolina town of Seneca, in the foothills surrounded by mountains. I then graduated from Furman University with a Bachelors in English and Communications. Im studying to be a school librarian through USC and just love learning in general. I love color and Reeses cups and crime shows and The Emperors New Groove. I am a self proclaimed nerd and hope to inspire my students to find their passion to nerd out about, too.12

My husband and I met in our hometown when we were younger and then reconnected after I graduated college. Joshua and I have been married since 2012 and enjoy exploring wherever we are together. 13

The light of my life is my two puppies, Sophie and Nitro. Sophie is a $20 mutt from our hometown flea market and is our fiesty princess. Nitro is a Springer Spaniel and the goofiest, happiest creature you will ever meet. 14

REMEMBER!Subscribe to ShoutOuts from The Hub. Contact me as soon as you have questions or worries. Your student still needs you! I can't wait to have another great year at Lakeside!

Thanks!

So that's a bit about me. I hope I've answered some of your questions about this school year and about myself. If you still have questions or want to share more with me at any point in the year, send me an email or leave a comment on The Hub. Remember that five minutes checking in is usually all it takes to support the success of your student!

A few last reminders:Subscribe to ShoutOuts from The Hub. Contact me as soon as you have questions or worries. Your student still needs you! I can't wait to have another great year at Lakeside!

Thanks for watching!15