Welcome!

Welcome! My name is Ericka Godwin and I am your 8th grade English teacher. I am looking forward to an amazing year of reading, writing, and growing within the classroom. I hope what we are able to accomplish in the classroom can be carried into the real-world!

As an English teacher, I enjoy reading various genres.  My favorite genres are Realistic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery, and African-American literature. I encourage my students not only to read, but choose reading material from a wide-range of resources. 

I truly believe the best way to encourage your child to read and help improve their reading, is to read along with them and ask questions about what they are reading. This helps improve reading comprehension and fluency. ​

The best way to contact me is by e-mail at ericka.godwin@nn.k12.va.us. 

Classroom Rules: 

1. Come to class prepared (novel and pencil) 

2. Respect yourself and others

3. Listen while others are talking 

4. Treat the classroom like home 

Individual Consequences:

If a student is acting inappropriately or being disruptive the following steps will be taken:

1. Verbal Correction—student reminded to be on task          

2. Refocus—student moves from the group to refocus his/her attention in my classroom

3. Buddy Teacher and Reflection Form—student sent to a buddy teacher’s classroom to complete reflection form. 

(Parent contacted by on third reflection form)

4. Parent/Teacher Meeting

5. Administrative Referral

Homework Policy:

Students are expected to read 20-30 minutes every evening from their novels. Students will occasionally have additional homework in my class, such as their vocabulary cards and worksheet.  These assignments are for enrichment, exercise, practice and review. Other assignments may include work that was not completed in class.  I will allot time during each class period to have students copy the assignments in a planner of their choice and to review the directions and expectations.  Students can access homework via the teacher webpage.

Absences:

It is the student’s responsibility to retrieve missed handouts/assignments from the “Missed Assignments” bin in the back of the room. Assignments for the week are posted on the homework board, as well as on my teacher webpage. Students have one day for each excused absence to turn in missing work. In the event of an extended absence, personal arrangements will be made.

Weighting Scale:

Test/Projects/Essays                                                                                          40% of grade

Classwork                                                                                                             30% of grade 

Quizzes                                                                                                                  20% of grade 

Homework                                                                                                            10% of grade 

*Grades will be posted and available online using the Synergy gradebook system.

A = 90% – 100%                         B = 80% – 89%                  C = 70% – 79%                 D = 60% – 69%                    F =59% or below

2016-2017 School Year 

* This is subject to change.