English 11, Level 2 and English 11. Level 3, Room 110
Jbassett@ledyard.net

For my class, families can help their students succeed by making sure their student has a quiet place to complete reading and writing assignments. I also encourage family members to speak to their student about the stories we are reading in class.

I love teaching English because there is rarely just one answer to the questions I ask students. In English class, students develop the confidence to develop and defend arguments that others may respectfully disagree with. Additionally, I love how an English class can become a community in which students feel comfortable expressing different opinions.

On a typical Saturday, you might find me walking my puppy by the beach.

English 11, English 12, Creative Writing, Room 105
ccarson@ledyard.net
Twitter: @mrscarson2020

For my class, families can help their students succeed by creating a space where your student can complete work in a timely manner as well as encouraging them to try their best!

I love teaching English because I love to watch students learn and grow. English offers the unique opportunity to see students connect with and learn from characters outside of our own world. I love to see their curiosity grow as well as their interest. I love creative writing because it allows students the chance to explore modalities beyond the norm and allows them to simply be themselves.

On a typical Saturday, you might find me watching Hulu, playing with my dog Maggie, visiting my nieces, drinking a nice cup of coffee.

Level 3 Sophomore (1A), Level 1 Sophomore English (3A), Level 2 Sophomore English (4A) , Room 109
chelminski@ledyard.net

For my class, families can help their students succeed by 1. Checking Google Classroom every single day

2. Joining each and every Google Meet when our class starts.

3. Removing your cellphone from your vicinity if you're at home.

4. Carefully reading through my agendas on Google Classroom.

I love teaching English because the four pillars of English Language Arts (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) will follow you for the rest of your life. Being able to guide students towards further refinement of these four pillars is meaningful and, most importantly, fun.

On a typical Saturday, you might find me running, researching information and watching YouTube videos pertaining to cars, going to the beach.

English 10, Journalistic Publications, Room 310
cmalavazos@ledyard.net
Twitter: @malavazosc & @theColonelMag

Instagram: @theColonelMag (Student run) Website: Colonel News

For my class, families can help their students succeed by providing a quiet place to read, checking in on what your student is currently reading.

I love teaching English because I've always had a passion for reading, and that spilled over to wanting to share that with students. I love discussing a work and having students have that awesome "aha" moment when they make a connection in a text. I also really love the opportunity to connect with students which happens through our in-depth conversations in class which come together as we discuss the meaning behind texts.

On a typical Saturday, you might find me catching up on reading, visiting my friends, and spending time with my family.

Advanced Placement English Language and Composition, English 11, Room 111
lpalmieri@ledyard.net
Website: www.mrpalmieri.net

For my class, families can help their students succeed by keeping up with assignments and encouraging their student to reach out for help.

I love teaching English because English teaches students the fundamentals of expression and understanding. No other class has a greater impact on the lives of students as they will use what they learn from me each and every day of their lives.

On a typical Saturday, you might find me walking my dog and grading papers.

English 12 (Levels 1 & 2), Drama, Room 112 & Auditorium
driley@ledyard.net

For my class, families can help their students succeed by reminding students to fully charge Chromebooks each night and checking in to see that your student is staying on top of his or her reading assignments.

I love teaching English because I love watching students come to a better understanding of themselves and their own humanity through a piece of literature. I also enjoy helping students use a piece of literature to form connections with others and the world around them. Finally, I love when students realize that once they find the right genre, reading can bring them joy.

On a typical Saturday, you might find me drinking tea, reading, grading papers, folding laundry in front of my latest Netflix "binge," and playing board games with my family.

English 9, Room 311
rstaropoli@ledyard.net

For my class, families can help their students succeed by following what we're doing using Google Classroom, and checking that work has been turned in using Powerschool. Support from home is essential! Ideally, your student will have a quiet space when working at home, without interruptions. As we all acclimate to the Hybrid Model, I plan to post upcoming projects further out - you can help by home by doing a weekly check-in with your student to assess their progress.

I love teaching English because it's a crucial way to communicate with so many people, in so many areas. It's also a natural fit for me because I love reading and writing, and sharing my passion for both with my students.

On a typical Saturday, you might find me up very early, taking care of my pet companions, doing chores at home, and then having fun. I try to spend one day each weekend with my adult kids. I'm a quilter, a bird-watcher, a movie-lover, a music and theater FREAK, and an avid reader, and I totally believe that we make our own fun...so I do!

English 9, Journalism, Learning Lab, Room 106
sszell@ledyard.net
Twitter: @s_szell

For my class, families can help their students succeed by checking Google Classroom with your child to stay updated on assignments and class materials.

I love teaching English because I absolutely love reading books and writing. Being able to share my love of these two things with my students, and help them get better with these skills, brings me great joy.

On a typical Saturday, you might find me spending time with my friends and family, reading a good book, exercising, and, when it's nice out, spending time at the beach.