Mrs. Specht’s
Literature and Composition Class
This Month
Outdoor Education is coming up! Make sure you have all of your paperwork in and that you have everything you need for the trip!
Contact Information
Julie Specht - fifth grade literature, composition, and social studies
Email: jspecht@d107.org
Phone: (708) 246-7327
About Me
This upcoming summer, I am looking forward to tutoring for a fantastic family from Pleasantdale, and I hope to add a few more families onto that list! Please let me know if you are looking for a tutor. My husband and I are also getting a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever this summer! More than likely, you haven't heard of a Toller, but hopefully I can show you pictures!
I graduated from Hope College in Holland, MI in 2008 with a degree in Language Arts and Elementary Education (K-8). I grew up in Long Grove, IL with two younger sisters. I have taught at Pleasantdale Middle School since 2008. I absolutely love fifth graders and I think it is such a fun year. I got married on July 11th, 2009 to my husband Ryan. We own a condo in Lincoln Park and really enjoy the area. I love to read for pleasure and travel.
Materials Needed for Class
Every day you will need to come prepared with your pendeflex, 5-subject notebook that has a literature section and a composition section, and a pencil. Throughout the year we have many exciting units including specific materials. Some are the Daybook, Junior Great Books, class novels and literature circles. Depending on what unit we are studying in class, you will need to come prepared with those materials.
Grading
In my class, grades are based on total points.
I do not believe in giving zeros. Zeros have a large effect when the average is used to measure a student’s grade. I never want a student to get themselves so far down in a hole that they can’t get out of it because of one zero. Therefore, I will give an F for missing assignments and that will be 50%.
Classroom Expectations
In my classroom I expect all students to take responsibility for their own learning. That means you are responsible for checking what the homework is on the board and on STI. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed in class and to set up a time to meet with me if you need to get caught up.
My other expectation is to respect yourself, others, and your community.
Additional Information
When ever there is something important going on in class or resources (web links) I want to share with you, I will post them in this area.
Looking Ahead
We are excited to journey through Ancient Greece, Rome and then Medieval Times in social studies. In composition,we are working hard on our research projects!
"I've traveled the world twice over,
Met the famous; saints and sinners,
Poets and artists, kings and queens,
Old stars and hopeful beginners,
I've been where no-one's been before,
Learned secrets from writers and cooks
All with one library ticket
To the wonderful world of books. "
~ Anonymous ~