Ms. Panos' Page

Welcome to 8th Grade English Language Arts and English 1.  I have been an educator with the Chicago Public Schools for twenty-two years, serving as a teacher's aide and ELA teacher. You'll also find me coaching girls' soccer and cross country as well as Garvy's Battle of the Books team. My philosophy in the ELA classroom is to utilize literature to gain insight into diverse experiences, cultures, and attitudes. Young adult literature is a way for students to experience real-life situations and help them calibrate their moral compass before venturing into high school. Writing is a way for students to express their opinions and communicate who they are and what they believe. Teens and young adults are at a point in their lives where the language arts classroom can be a formative experience that helps them discover more about their true identity. I believe in the importance of hard work and developing internal motivation to overcome life's roadblocks. Success in my classroom is based on a willingness to keep improving and the understanding that there is always more to learn. Homework is the result of completing assignments from class, as well as larger summative projects. However, reading outside of school is also encouraged, as is cultivating a print-rich environment at home. Grades are earned in the classroom with the expectation that revisions and corrections are made through the writing process and are part of the effort that a student shows in class. The physical grade is not the goal; rather, the knowledge gained is what is important. 

 

Lastly, we hope to make your child's last year at Garvy one they will remember! We encourage them to try new things and be part of the excitement of the school year.