LINKS:

*FOR STUDENTS Class Documents

*FOR TEACHERS new to STJH: Teachers New to STJH

*FOR TEACHERS (First Day of School, Open House, Parent Conferences, Classroom Management): Teacher Resources   

  Laura Gerald 

8th Grade Reading & English Teacher

St. Tammany Jr. High School

laura.gerald@stpsb.org

2016-2017 Welcome Letter:

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Please let me take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Laura Gerald and I am honored to be your child’s 8^th grade Reading and/or English teacher. This is my seventh year teaching, and my fourth year at St. Tammany Jr. High.

I am looking forward to working with you and your child in reaching his or her full potential. We will have many wonderful experiences and opportunities to learn and grow in the days ahead.

Here are some things I want you to know:

– Relationships are key. I will work hard to build our relationship.

– Communication is crucial for us to be able to build relationships. I will do everything I can to keep you informed about what is happening at school. Please write down my email address, and I want you to contact me when you have questions or concerns.   Laura.Gerald@stpsb.org    You can also leave a message at the front office and I will return your call ASAP.

- I will do my part by sending out an email on a regular basis to update you on what we are doing in class, as well as test dates and due dates for major projects/papers. This will allow you as a parent/guardian to stay informed and be able to help your child be prepared and do his or her best.  For individual concerns, I will contact you by phone, send a note home, or email you (if an email address is provided).

– I appreciate parents that advocate for their child. As long as we both listen to each other I know we can work to overcome any situation or issue.

– I want your child to succeed.

– It may take me a few weeks to get to know each child socially, emotionally and academically. Please be patient with me. I will focus on getting to know your child’s social and emotional needs before worrying about academics. The learning will happen but not before the relationships are built.

– I love my job.

I look forward to a great year!

Sincerely,

Laura Gerald

8^th Grade Reading & English Teacher

Welcome Letter 2015.docx

It is my intention to deliver the highest quality educational experience where life-long students are born through advanced rigor, engaging teaching methods, and a passionate climate and culture. I try to model my teaching style after Ron Clark's (as much as I can!). Ron Clark is an award-winning educator, best-selling author, Oprah's "Phenomenal Man of the Year", Disney Teacher of the Year, and co-founder of the Ron Clark Academy. He is passionate about teaching the whole child, including communication skills. Please watch this Prezi for more information:

Ron Clark:

http://prezi.com/fw9mkuiuippr/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share

Reading Homework: In preparation for your Books Talk (oral book report at the end of each nine weeks), you will read one book of your choice outside of class.

To see book requirements, click here: Book Talks - Information and Checklist.doc 

To check your reading progress, you will take a quiz on your book for a homework grade twice per nine weeks.

English Homework: Keep your binder neat and organized. We will have two or more Binder Check Quizzes per nine weeks. A list of required documents for each binder section, as well as the documents themselves, can be found on this website in the "DOCUMENTS YOU MIGHT NEED" link.