Overview


Many assignments can be found on google classroom.

Each student will be provided with a specific class code in order to access assignments.

Parents and students may access grades through genesis, the high school's online gradebook.


My name is Jamie Lynch and I have been teaching at Westwood High School for 17 years. My contact information is as follows: jamie.lynch@wwrsd.org. The foundation of my teaching philosophy is to create an environment where each student feels safe enough to take the risk inherent in the learning process.

Our readings examine the common trials of human nature as well as exhibit professional craft. Through the study of fiction and nonfiction, students will learn to appreciate and refine their use of the English language.

The English Department has the following breakdown regarding marking period grades:

Class Participation 15%

Homework 10%

Tests 50%

Quizzes 25%

This poem captures many of the messages delivered in the classroom:

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be.

And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

"Desiderata"