Date: 08-13-15

2 stamps = A

Thursday: Friendly Letter Writing

Write a friendly introduction letter back to me. Your letter should contain
5 paragraphs and be similar in format to my letter. Use the following
outline to help guide your writing, and do not forget to sign your letter
when you are finished.
Par. 1: Brief Introduction
Par. 2: Background (where you grew up, what schools you attended,
unique school/English class experiences you would like to share)
Par. 3: Hopes for this English class!
Par. 4: Hobbies and Interests
Par. 5: Future Dreams and Goals
*You may use some of the wording from my letter to help you write your
return letter.
Incentive:
If you turn the letter in tomorrow, you will earn an extra 10pts on the
assignment. If you turn it in on Monday, you will earn the regular credit
score for completion.

Letter Format:
12pt
Times New Roman
font
1 inch margins
Do not double-space
Skip a single line
between paragraphs
Skip 4 lines between
sincerely, and your
name
Sign letter

Extra
Credit
Stamp
worth
10pts!!!

Friday-Monday:
#1 Stamp
Homework #1: Acquire 2-pocket folder for a stamp.

Homework #2: Finish your friendly letter back to me.

#2 Stamp

August 13, 2015

Dear Students,
Welcome to my class. My name is Ms. Martinez. I will be your English teacher this year. Working with
students to improve their communication skills and to empower them as individuals is something I truly enjoy.
My goal for this year is to help you develop the skills you will need to be successful in school, in college, and in
your future profession. One thing you will learn about me is that I am determined and dedicated; I will do
everything in my power to motivate you and to help you learn new things in interesting ways. Now, let me tell
you a little more about myself.
Although I am new to your school, I am not new to teaching. This will be my 15th year teaching and my
fourth school. For the past eight years I taught at La Quinta High School, and before that, I taught at two
different schools in Los Angeles. I estimate that I have been able to affect over 2,100 student lives so far in my
career, and I still keep in touch with many of my former students. Sometimes their updates inspire me and
sometimes they break my heart, but I feel so honored to remain a part of their lives. I dont just teach, I build
relationships with my students. I get to know them and I care about their lives---all of them---even the ones who
try to make it tough. This is a new year and a new beginning for me; I hope you will help me get to know you
and the Rattler way. Im not a Blackhawk anymore.
This might come as a surprise, but I grew up right here in the Coachella Valley. After graduating from
Palm Desert High School, I attended the University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB). At Santa Barbara, I
worked extremely hard to earn two degrees in four years. I have a degree in English and a degree in Media
Communications. The day I graduated, I moved to Los Angeles and enrolled in the teacher education program at
California State University Northridge. I graduated from CSUN with a Masters Degree in English Education. I
went to school at night and taught during the day for two long years. At times I thought I wouldnt be able to
pull it off, but my parents raised me to never give up on my dreams, so I didnt give up on myself and here I am.
If you ever have any questions about college, I can help you, just ask!
I love teaching, but I have a number of other interests as well. In my free time, I watch movies, exercise,
read, and play with my kids. I also frequently visit my friends in Los Angeles and San Diego---my two favorite
getaway destinations. I cant leave out what I spend most of my time outside of school on, raising my boys Nick
(6) and Noah (4). Because I am divorced, I only get to see my boys half of their lives, so every single minute I
have with them is extremely precious to me. From time to time, I am sure you will see pictures of them flash
across my computer screen. I cant help it. They are my favorite screensavers.
My plans for the future are to continue doing what I love: teaching! I do have a few crazy dreams. Id
like to go skydiving. Id like to learn more about natural healing and hypnosis. However, right now my major
dream is to help each and every one of you become successful. Two years ago, I won teacher of the year at La
Quinta High School and several years before that, I received the Fulfillment Fund award for Outstanding
Excellence in Teaching thanks to a very dear student of mine. This student submitted an essay describing the
positive impact I had on her life. I hope, with all my heart, that I can do the same for you. Please write back and
tell me some things about yourself.
Most sincerely,

Ms. Athena Martinez