Tuesday,+September+8+(1-2+Cluster)

Dear Students,

I’m sorry that I can’t be there to start the year with you! When I get there, I want us to spend some time getting to know one another. What are your core beliefs? What drives you? How do you want to make an impact in this world? What experiences from your past have shaped you? What is the point of learning to communicate effectively if we don’t use that power to express ourselves and make a positive difference on others?

When I am in class with you, I want us all to discuss personal beliefs and how we can present and support these. This will be our first writing assignment and blog post! To prepare for this, I want you to read at least two of the essays that I printed for you from the website This I Believe ([|ThisIBelieve.org]). I highly encourage you to read the texts actively (with a pencil in your hand)! Underline things, circle things, write your questions and ideas right on the page… This is called annotating, and we will do it often. Use the handout to organize your ideas. Make sure to fill it out COMPLETELY. You might also consider looking on [|ThisIBelieve.org] to experience some of the other essays. You can listen to recordings of the authors reading them as well!

I look forward to sharing our ideas together! Be prepared to talk about these texts with me when we meet. Have a completed handout for your notes and have some ideas ready for your own beliefs.

**Assignments:**
 * 1) **Who Am I Graphic Organizer- Help me get to know you!**
 * 2) **Closely read two (2) of the “This I Believe” essays.**
 * 3) **Complete the Notes for Discussion handout using the two essays you read and your own ideas and beliefs.**
 * 4) **During these first two weeks, I will require everyone to have a Gmail address that is only for school use. The best way to do this is to use the following format to create your account:**

**CHS + first initial + last name @**[|**gmail.com**] **Example-** **CHSjsmith@gmail.com**

If you can get access to a computer (home, friend’s house, library, etc.), please go ahead and create your email account. **Email me at** **mrsenglishalley@gmail.com** **with your name and your password.** (Please note- I only need your password to help you access your account if there is a problem. This is why you need a separate account for school; I do not want your personal email password.)

**You must have a Gmail account, not Yahoo or anything else. This account will allow us to use features such as Google Drive and Blogger.

I hope you have a great first day of school!

Respectfully yours,

Libby Lanum