Finn Hill Junior High, September, 2006 -07

Dear Student and Families,

     Welcome to a new school year at Finn Hill Junior High!  During this first week of school, we are discussing ways for students to be successful.  Following the classroom expectations is one of the ways to do this.  Knowing and following these expectations will help students experience success.  Understanding these expectations will help parents assist and support student efforts.

     Please read the classroom policies and expectations, and the grading procedures and behavior consequences attached.  Then, on the "Student Data Sheet", please sign your name to indicate that you have read the expectations and return the data sheet to school. Keep all the other papers at home.

What are the expectations?

1)  Respect yourself, others and the learning environment.

2)  Take your turn.

3)  Come to class prepared and on time.

4)  Follow school-wide expectations.

5)  Take enjoyment in learning.

How can I be successful in class?

1)  Use active learning strategies (especially commitment, effort and positive attitude).

2)  Turn in assignments on time; unexcused late work is not accepted.

3)  Have a quiet place at home designed for studying during an established period of time.

4)  Follow policies for assignments, including using the Finn Hill Planner daily; follow classroom expectations.

What materials are required daily for this class?

1)       A spiral notebook, 8 1/2 x 11, recommend 100+ pages.  Look for the ones with plastic covers!  They hold up well.

2)       3-ring notebook with extra 8 1/2 x 11 paper.

3)       Pencils and pens (blue or black, and red), at least two of each.

4)       Book cover for text

5)       A ruler, 6 inch minimum

6)       A highlighter, any color

7)       A calculator

8)       Several (3 or 4) different colors of pen or pencil, one of them red

9)       Useful on occasion:  a full set of colored pens and pencils, graph paper, compass, scissors, glue, hole reinforcers, white-out.

     Included with this letter should be a memo on my grading procedure, the science department expectations for homework, the consequences of choosing not to follow classroom expectations, some explanations of daily procedures and the Student Data Sheet.

     Thank you for taking the time to read these expectations.  I am looking forward to working with you to make this year a successful one. 

Sincerely,

Ilsa Birmingham

Communication information for Ilsa Birmingham:

Finn Hill's phone:  425/821-6544

School address:  8040 NE 132^nd    Kirkland WA  98034

Please remember that teachers can only make and receive phone calls during their prep period or after school.  My prep is from 1:45-2:45.  At other times, you'll have to leave a message with a secretary, and I'll get back to you ASAP.

My email addresses: 

Work:  ibirmingham@lwsd.org   

Home:  ilsabirmingham@hotmail.com

Finn Hill's Web page address: http://www.lwsd.org/fhjh

Under "Staff", please find my name, and my web page.  On this page you will find information about projects and tests, upcoming due dates, handouts you may print, and assorted other useful information about my classes.

• Visiting:  I invite you to visit with me before or after school almost any day.  It is usually best to let me know beforehand, to ensure that I'll be available.   I also invite you to visit during class time!  Be sure to check in with the main office first.