Letter from Mr. Kinkaid

SOPHOMORE WORLD LITERATURE CLASSROOM WEBSITE: www.ohschools.k12.oh.us/kinkaid
September 3, 2008
Dear Parents:
I joined the staff of Ottawa Hills High School in November of 1999 and teach all Sophomore English classes
and Introduction to Creative Writing for Sophomore, Junior, and Senior students. This year, I am also the
coordinator for Agora.
I hold a Bachelors Degree in English and a Masters Degree in Secondary Education, both from the University
of Toledo. I have taught undergraduate English composition and graduate courses in writing theory and
practice at the University of Toledo. I served for four years as a co-director of The Toledo Area Writing
Project, the local site of the National Writing Project, a teacher-driven grant-funded reform movement that
seeks to improve the quality of writing and writing instruction in our schools. I have also worked as an
educational consultant for the University of Findlay, helping to create a program in the community to link
current writing theory to practice in Findlay area schools.
Prior to joining Ottawa Hills, I was a teacher at West Side Montessori Center where I taught language arts and
social studies to sixth, seventh, and eighth graders. At West Side, I came to believe that teaching and learning
can and should be student-focused, creative, authentic, and limitless. I also came to know that not all students
learn in the same manner and that reading and writing are not every student’s favorite subjects. Because of
these realizations, I strive to present materials and ideas in a multitude of ways. I also vary my methods of
assessment so that students have several ways to demonstrate their individual growth. I want my class to be a
place in which any student who works will be successful.

This year, I am thrilled to be working with Mrs. Ann Kos as my co-teacher and Inclusion Specialist in first
period Sophomore English. While Mrs. Kos helps me serve the needs of several IEP students, will also be a
great help for all students in this class. If your child is in our first period class, he or she will benefit from our
collaboration.
I believe that education is most effective when a partnership exists between teacher, parents, and the student. If
your child is independent, great! There is probably no need to check on him or her. If your child struggles with
time management, is a reluctant reader, or has any other challenge that impacts his or her learning or grades,
then Sophomore year is the time to address those challenges. I provide students with work lists (itemized lists
of assignments with due dates and point values). All students are required to keep these lists in their binders
and we will refer to them on a regular basis. These lists can be an easy way for you to stay informed with
regard to the homework and other requirements of the class. Even if you find that you do not need to check on
your child, please ask him or her what is happening in Sophomore English.
I love teaching World Literature. Comparing the great ideas of many cultures is a tremendous opportunity to
inspire students to really think, to formulate their own ideas, and to maximize their abstract reasoning skills. I
believe that every selection that I present has something profound to teach. I am in awe of all of it and I hope
that respect is evident to your child. It is impossible to separate literature from history, philosophy, and
religion; the study or world literature would be empty without these perspectives.
It is important for you to know that, for the sake of understanding literature, there will be times when we are
learning about religion. I am in no way teaching adherence to --nor are we practicing-- any religion in my
classroom, I have created a narrative of my year’s study which explains the need to understand a culture’s
religious perspectives and basic world view. This narrative is available on my classroom website. If you ever
have questions regarding a particular reading selection or the nature or purpose of a class discussion, please call
me. I will be happy to answer your questions or hear your concerns. My classroom is open to you.
I am pleased and excited to spend this year with your child. I can already tell that they are great kids and that
they want to succeed. If you have questions, concerns, or comments, please call me at (419) 534-5388,
extension 425 or email me at oh_aca_jk@nwoca.org. Thank you for your support and I look forward to a
meaningful relationship with you and your child.
Sincerely,
James Kinkaid