Dear Parent(s),

Literacy is our central focus at Keller High School and as we begin a new school year I would like to share some of my expectations for this new year.

Reading is an expectation. Every day. Every class.  Some of the reading will be assigned texts but your son or daughter will have opportunities to select his or her own books to read independently.  I work diligently to develop a classroom library that makes books more appealing to my students.

Research shows that reading increases vocabulary and literacy skills. One study (Anderson & Nagy, 1992) estimates that children learn an average of 4,000 to 12,000 new vocabulary words each year as a result of book reading. Also, the availability of books is a major motivating factor in getting teens to read. Students who are surrounded by books at school and at home read more. Choice in reading material increases the amount of time spent reading, which in turn increases literacy skills. Based on this research and anecdotal evidence in my years of teaching I realize that having a classroom library dramatically increases the amount of reading my students do.

I am sensitive to having appropriate reading material in my classroom library. That said, what is considered “appropriate” may vary from one household to another. Some parents do not mind their child reading Stephen King; other parents object to his content or language. Please be aware that the selections in my classroom library, just like any public library, range from middle grade-level to college-level reading material and include a multitude of topics.

I do not censor student’s choice of texts; they are responsible for making their own literacy choices.  Rest assured the books in my classroom library are never assigned unless I have a required reading text in my library. Required reading will be listed on the syllabus or provided by the unit. Books in the classroom library are checked out on a voluntary basis only.

Please talk to your student about what you feel is appropriate and what they are reading in English class. Engaging your student in this conversation will encourage them to consider your boundaries when making reading selections.

My classroom library has grown over the past few years through generous donations by students and the community. Any donations of YA and/or Middle-Level books are appreciated, as long as they are in good condition. I also have a QR code directed to my FlanEng Classroom Library Amazon Wish List if you feel compelled to donate.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at sarah.flanagan@kellerisd.net.

Thank you for your encouragement of your student’s literacy.  Let’s get reading!

Sincerely,