MARK J. BUERKLE

http://mrb127.tripod.com

(507) 723-4288

mark.buerkle@springfield.mntm.org

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                                          September 1, 2005

Dear Parents:

Another summer has passed and it is back to school again.  I am looking forward to the school year because for the first time in eleven years, I will be teaching from new textbooks.  I am not sure at what pace we will get through the material, so if the assignments on the website are inaccurate at times, I apologize. 

In February the 8th grade students will take the state reading test.  I will teach reading strategies and assign a variety of practice exercises, which include two practice tests.  I will also start most days with a daily language activity.  I assure you that I will work very hard to prepare your child for the state test.  In years past, Springfield students have done extremely well on the state reading test.

Students are successful in my class when they complete assignments and study for tests.  Homework assignments include grammar, spelling/vocabulary, writing, poetry, and literature.  In addition, your child will write a two page research report starting in November.  I also show a variety of curriculum appropriate movies, some of which are PG 13.  If this is an issue to you, please bring it to my attention.

When figuring grades, all points will be grouped together for one grade.  Assignments not turned in on time are zeros.  Students will stay after school on Fridays until all of their late work is completed.  If students fail to finish their late work before leaving school on Friday, they have one hour of detention the following Monday.  I will use the following grading scale: 

100             A+        87-89        B+          77-79        C+        67-69         D+        Below 60      F

93-99         A          83-86        B             73-76        C          63-66         D

90-92          A-         80-82        B-           70-72        C-         60-62         D-

I encourage you to contact me if you have any questions.  My e-mail and Web site addresses are at the top of this letter.  I will post assignments on the Web site every Monday.  I am also available at the school from 7:40 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. and from 3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

Thank you,

Mark Buerkle, Junior High English Instructor

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I have read this letter regarding Junior High English and will do my part to help.

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