Dear Parents/Guardians and Students,

I cannot emphasize enough how important it is that you study each day for the 9th Literature Composition and Literature EOC (end-of-course) exam in April. Not only does this exam account for 20% of your 9th Literature semester grade, but it is a state-mandated test that all 9th graders in the State of Georgia must take. I spent the past week ensuring that all of my students have an active online account with USA Testprep that they can login to from home or school. Students needs to study every day. I suggest 20 minutes or more a day for the next month in order to prepare for this very important exam.

Students may login at:  https://www.usatestprep.com/

Parents/Guardians and students may reach me with any questions at:  janet.vrba@cobbk12.org

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students,

Progress reports went home on Friday, 3/2, for the first six-weeks of our second semester. All grades are uploaded. During our first two days of class, I asked my students to write goals. Most of my students wrote that they wanted to pass my 9th Literature ESOL Sheltered class as well as their other courses.

I then asked students to write action steps they would do so they could achieve their goal. Most wrote action steps, such as:

I will complete all of my daily class work.

I will turn in all class work for grades.

I will attend class regularly to learn.

I will listen, pay attention, and do my best.

I’ve asked students to look at their grade in my class. If they’re truly not happy with it, I asked them to re-examine their goals and action steps. Honestly ask themselves, have they done what they need to do well and/or pass this required class?

There are 11 more weeks left to this semester and all students can succeed and pass if they commit to learning, attending class, and completing all class work. As my favorite quote says, 80% of success is just showing up.