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Hello! My name is Ms. Stark and I will be your child's English Language Arts teacher this year. I was born and raised in Michigan and moved to Florida to attend college. I received a Bachelors Degree in English Literature from the University of South Florida. I am currently enrolled at USF pursuing a Master's Degree in Secondary English Education. This course was designed to be a diverse exploration of literature written by authors from different countries. We will be analyzing a variety of texts while engaging in meaningful writing and research. I am looking forward to spending this year with you all!

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Students, parents, and guardians are expected to take full responsibility for participating in this course, as this is the only way to maser the learning outcomes. If for any reason a student cannot perform tasks or is struggling in any way, I am most easily reachable by:
* email: @toristark@usf.edu or
*phone: 555-455-5445 Mon-Fri an hour before school and two hours after school.

I am also reachable to meet in person between Monday-Thursday from 4-4:45pm after school. I am willing to make special conference hours for those who cannot attend this schedule. I am here to help students succeed!

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Supplies:

Two spiral bound college ruled one-subject notebooks

One 2-3 inch binder

Three folders

Pencils and Erasers

Course Texts:

Like Water for Chocolate by Mexican novelist and screenwriter Laura Esquivel

Cloudstreet by Australian writer Tim Winton

Girls of Riyadh, by Saudi writer Rajaa Alsanea

Crazy Rich Asians, by Singaporian author Kevin Kwan

So Long a Letter by Western-African author Mariama Bâ

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Your student has chosen a course that will expand their perspective of literature. This course was designed to be a diverse exploration of literature. Our course texts are each written by authors from countries less popularly explored in traditional English courses. In addition, we will also be exploring a variety of supplemental texts while engaging in meaningful writing and research. Your student should expect to be challenged with critical thinking skills, high-level analysis, and the process of using evidence and research to support claims.

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Expand cultural and literary awareness.

Gain personal and educational growth and perspective through multicultural reading.

Improve skills in reading, composition, listening, speaking, spelling, and vocabulary.

Engage in frequent teamwork and collaborative activities with classmates.

Enhance appreciation and understanding of diverse people, religions, and cultures.

Create original pieces of narrative writing and develop research skills by completing writing tasks and group projects.

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Parental involvement is essential to your child's academic success. Research has proven that active parental involvement leads to...

1. Improved grades, test scores, and behavior

2. Increased motivation, self-esteem and attitude

3. Regular school attendance and social involvement

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1. Attend Parent's Night- Held on the Monday night one week before the school year begins, dedicated to one-on-one meetings between myself and parents. I will answer questions or concerns, and provide resources to help your child succeed!
2. Communicate with me Frequently- I want to hear from you! I will not be offended in any way shape or form, actually, I will be more upset if we do not converse regularly to discuss your child's progress!
3. Be Honest and Transparent- I understand that every family has a different home life and set of circumstances. I am willing to o accommodate schedules and transportation issues, and language barriers.

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1. Open Doors for Multicultural Families: https://www.multiculturalfamilies.org/programs-services/

Individualized Family Support: home visits, language and cultural assistance, etc.

Parent Mentors and Helping Parents

Parent Leadership and Involvement Development

Parent Information and Education Support Group

2. Pacer Center: https://www.pacer.org/cultural-diversity/
- When schools are intentional and proactive in using culturally-competent strategies to provide information and support to families who are from diverse cultures or speak another language, they pave the way for meaningful family engagement, and better outcomes for students.
3.  Edutopia: https://www.edutopia.org/home-school-connections-resources
- Family engagement and resource roundup: explore tips, strategies, and resources to help improve the connection from home to school and expand parent involvement.