English with Mr. Burell

Welcome to my classroom website!

I am absolutely thrilled to be embarking on this learning journey with you this year. Together, we are going to delve into a world of knowledge and growth, where a strong work ethic is paramount.

Just like a muscle, your brain needs training, and that's exactly what we'll do. Through a diverse range of engaging activities, we'll sharpen your reading and writing skills, while also nurturing critical thinking abilities. But learning isn't just about sitting still and taking notes while a teacher lectures; we'll have lots of opportunities to get up, move around, and collaborate with one another.

In this class, I firmly believe in exploring the material in exciting and diverse ways. We'll bring ideas to life through dynamic presentations, and you'll have the freedom to express concepts in unique and imaginative ways through creative drawing and illustrating. Socratic seminars will challenge your thinking and lead to insightful discussions. Engaging group projects will encourage teamwork and ignite your creativity. Additionally, lively debates will not only enhance your communication skills but also broaden your perspective on various topics. The learning experience will always remain dynamic and multifaceted.

I can't express enough how genuinely excited I am for this incredible year of growth, learning, and fun that lies ahead. Together, we'll create unforgettable memories as we embark on this journey of exploration, discovery, and reaching new heights!

Schedule, Lessons, and Grade Book

Please visit your Google Classroom for lesson plans and assignments.


Additionally, you that you can access your child's grade book through Backpack for parents account at parents.gcsbackpack.com. A Backpack for parents account provides you, as a parent, guardian, or contact, with a central place to sign in and perform the following actions:


Getting started is easy! Simply sign up for a Backpack account, and once you've signed up, confirm your email by clicking the link in the email that will be sent to you. After confirming your email, you can sign in and start accessing your child's information.

Grading

Grades are categorized into major and minor assessments, each contributing 50% to the overall grade. Understanding this breakdown can provide a clearer picture of your child's performance.  Students will complete 3-5 major assignments and 8-12 minor assignments each quarter.

Major Assessments (50%):

Minor Assessments (50%):

Please be aware that Greenville County Schools have a 50-point floor, meaning that the minimum grade achievable is 50.

Regarding the language you may encounter in the grade book:

GFA (Grade Floor Applied) - This indicates that your child has demonstrated proficiency in less than 50% of the assessed material.

NHI (Not Handed In) - This means that your student has not submitted this assignment yet.

If you have any questions or concerns about the grading system or your child's performance, don't hesitate to contact me via email or leave a voicemail, and I'll respond as soon as I can. Thank you for your understanding, and I'm committed to providing the best support possible for your child's academic journey.

Contact Information

If you need to get in touch with me, please feel free to reach out using the contact information provided below. I value open communication and will do my best to respond to your email promptly.

Email: wburell@greenville.k12.sc.us

Email is often the best and most reliable way to reach me. I'll strive to respond to your emails within 1 business day.

Phone: 864-355-6239

Please note that my phone may not always be available to answer during the school day. If you call and leave a voicemail, I'll make sure to get back to you as soon as possible.

Thank you for reaching out, and I'm looking forward to connecting with you!