I would rather be ashes than dust!

I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze

than it should be stifled by dry rot.

I would rather be a suberb meteor,

every atom of me in magnificent glow,

than a sleepy and permanent planet.

The proper function of man is to live, not to exist.

I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them.

I shall use my time.

---Jack London

 My personal library books will be due Monday, June 3. Students who do not turn in their books will be spending lunch time with me. It is expected that students who have lost books will replace the book or pay the replacement cost.

Also, the last day to turn in late work, make up tests, or retake tests will be Monday, June 3. After this, we will continue to work but all work must be turned in on time to be accepted. The students were notified of this and it has been posted my board since May 8.

Thanks for being a part of my class! I am very excited about the new school year. It will be challenging for both the students and the teacher. I am a firm believer in setting high expectations and goals. Most often, students will try to live up to these expectations. I believe students at North Middle School can make appropriate choices. Students are given guidance to help them make these choices. I expect students to behave appropriately. Students will be held accountable to these expectations.

Throughout the school year, our primary focus will be on reading and writing. We will be using the writing process to write various types of compositions including poetry, paragraphs, and essays. We will also focus on literary studies and vocabulary development. However, as I believe that reading is the foundation to all learning, we will be completing a weekly reading log. Students must read at least four times weekly for thirty minutes at each sitting. The log must be signed by a parent and turned in on Fridays.

In my classroom, I have an extensive personal library. Students are welcome to check out my books. However, please know that if the book is lost or damaged they will then be held responsible for the cost to replace the book. My library also contains some books that deal with more mature themes. These books are labeled "Parent permission required". If at any time your student asks to check out one of these books, they may do so only when they have brought a note signed by a parent giving permission for them to check out the book. The use of my personal library is a privilege that may be revoked at my discretion.

If at any time you have any questions, you may email me at pbontrager@grantspass.k12.or.us or you may call North Middle School at 541.474.5740 ext. 135. I will respond as soon as possible.

I am looking forward to an exciting year!

Plans for the week will always be posted as a link on Monday on the class calendar.

 Class activation code for Bookorders: H86FG