Welcome 

Welcome! 

My name is Ms. Giannelli, and I am excited to embrace the 2025-2026 school year and all that it will bring with it. 

Please know that writing is hard work. It is a slow, sometimes monotonous process that doesn't always reflect the hard work and dedication you put into a piece. It is messy and frustrating and takes time. There are no "easy or right" answers in writing.  I can guarantee that your final paper will not look like your classmates. Nor should it. Your successes won't look like the person sitting next to you, and that is okay. Each and every one of us has different strengths and struggles. But as long as you don't give up and keep plodding along, you are going to be successful. 

As a class, we pray each day that St. Francis de Sales helps guide us and that "my words reflect my faith for others to read." Writing is a way to reflect who you are, what you believe, and where you stand on an issue to the world. Let your light shine through your words. 

Please know that every time when you stick with a piece, you are growing as a writer. When you write and delete, rewrite and edit, proofread and sometimes even just start over, you are a writer. 

"The only writer you should compare yourself to is the writer you were yesterday," by  David Schlosser, is one of my favorite quotes. It reminds me that just because I may not be published, it does not mean I am not a writer. As long as you put words to paper (or a computer screen), you are a writer. 

The scariest moment is just before you start anything. But I am in your corner. I will be with you every step of the way. Even if it looks like I am only watching you struggle. For, while your classmates and I can be there and give suggestions, make improvements, and make sure you follow the steps in Argumentative Writing. I cannot do the work for you. The final product is going to be completely up to you. 

I have faith in you. I believe in you. I know you can do it. Embrace the idea that "Erasers are NOT made for those who make mistakes. Erasers ARE made for those who are WILLING to CORRECT their mistakes!" 

 God is Good.... All the Time! 

   Ms. Giannelli 

   rebecca.giannelli@sjbschool.org