September, 2022

To the students in my first semester English classes,

There is so much that I want to tell you in this letter. First and foremost, I am excited to be able to share my
two favorite passions with you: reading and writing. It will be an exciting adventure this year in my class.
Thomas Sterns (T.S.) Eliot, one of my favorite playwrights and poets, once said, “The journey not the arrival
matters.” Personally, I believe that journeys are very important. Together we are all on a journey right now and
none of us know exactly where our destination might be. What intrigues me is that everyone’s journey is
different. We all have a unique story to tell, and I genuinely want to know yours. These stories will help me
connect with each learner (you) in my classroom this year.

My name is Jim Kroll. I will be your teacher this year at Crusader Nation. This is the beginning of my twelfth
year teaching at LCN; although, I have been in education much longer. Prior to teaching in this district, I held
many different positions with South Lyon Community Schools for over ten years. You name it, and I probably
held that position in South Lyon at one time. I was a substitute custodian, after-school childcare worker,
long-term substitute teacher, youth assistance tutor, special education paraprofessional, high school parking lot
attendant, interventionist, high school athletics assistant, and drama director just to name a few. While holding
each of these positions, I also held the position of Managing Director of High School Theatre for both of the
district’s high schools. That position afforded me the opportunity to do what I love doing – connecting with kids!

It was in 2009 that I graduated from Eastern Michigan University (EMU) with honors; I received a Bachelor of
Science degree in Secondary Education majoring in the English Language, Literature, and Writing and minoring
in History. It took me six years to finish my university coursework and graduate because I had to pay for each
semester myself. I was convinced that I would graduate college without any debt, and I did it. It was not easy
as I worked fifty or more hours per week, attended classes, and completed all of the work associated with
each class. But, I had a goal in mind and I achieved it. I always knew that I wanted to teach. I also earned a
Master of Arts degree in Educational Administration from EMU as I desire to someday work in a school
district’s Central Office. And, during the pandemic, I decided to go back to graduate school to earn a second
Master’s degree in Learning, Design, and Technology - I finished the degree last summer!

Some of my former students have asked me: “Mr. Kroll, why did you choose to become a teacher?” Each
time, I tell them (and I will tell you) that I became a teacher because of Mrs. Ogg, my second grade teacher. It
was during fifth grade (as a member of the Safety Patrol) that I witnessed how much compassion and patience
Mrs. Ogg had for even the most challenging child in her classroom. Her patience and understanding in the
classroom helped me to realize that I wanted to follow in her foot tracks. While I am not an elementary school
teacher, I stand before you because a teacher influenced me.

I am very busy when I am not teaching English in the classroom. In addition to teaching, I am trained by the
Lutheran church to serve congregations as a Licensed Lay Minister when a congregation is without a pastor.
Finally, I serve on the Executive Board as the Executive Director for the Michigan Council of Teachers of
English. It is a statewide organization that provides professional development opportunities for English
Language Arts teachers to hone in on the craft and pedagogies of the profession.

My childhood story probably parallels your story. I grew up in middle class America. While in elementary
school, I played on little league softball teams, took swimming lessons in the summer, went camping with my
family, participated in Cub Scouts, looked forward to hearing the music of the Ice Cream man and his truck in
our neighborhood, and much more. During middle school, I continued camping with my family, headed up the
Yearbook committee at my school, and joined Boy Scouts after completing all the requirements of Cub Scouts.
After I finished middle school, our family moved from the suburbs of Detroit to the country. Reflecting back
years later on that move, it really was the best thing for our family. I entered high school not knowing a single
soul. It was a humbling experience being uprooted from the familiar into the unfamiliar. The move taught me to
appreciate the relationships with people that I did have because forming long-lasting friendships take time.
However, I did it! In high school, I was involved in choir, drama, National Honor Society and a couple of other
clubs. During my senior year of high school, I also completed the requirements of earning the highest rank in
Boy Scouting, that of an Eagle Scout. Scouting was an opportunity for me to meet and interact with others
while learning skills that will stay with me for a lifetime.

Twenty-two years ago this past February, I also dealt with a challenge to my physical health as a freshman in
high school. After my parents consulted with several pediatric orthopedic surgeons, it was determined that I
would need to have an operation on my spinal cord. On February 15th, 2000, I underwent a twelve and a half
hour surgery to repair my spine from scoliosis and kyphosis; I now have nine titanium rods supporting my
spine. Today, I stand before you as a living testament to the miracles of modern medicine. I tell you this
personal story about my life because everyone has a story to tell. My story is not any better than yours, but it’s
just as important as yours. We live in a society that moves at a faster pace than the day before, and I think it’s
important that we continue to share our stories with each other.

Through my adult life, I have learned the value of sharing and listening to stories with one another as most of
my grandparents have passed away. While I understand that a person cannot live forever, it does not make
their passing any less painful. I will not be able to share my stories or listen to theirs anymore; this fact makes
me a little sad. However, I have learned so much from them and have many fond memories. I hope you take
time listening to stories told by elderly members in your family as well; no one can take those fond memories
away from you.

My family is incredibly important to me. My parents have been married for 42 years this October. Both of my
parents are hard workers and have earned every dime deservingly; my mother is one of the top-performing
Aflac agents in the state and my father manages a Check ’n Go store. I also have one brother. His name is
Kurt, and he is younger than me by three years. My brother is an interesting guy; he enjoys golfing and loves
hanging out with his friends often. Kurt works for a mortgage banking company. And, finally, it was ten years
ago that I met Charlotte; we married the following year. She was still finishing her degree at the University of
Detroit-Mercy in the School of Dentistry. She now works in Milford as a Doctor of Dental Surgery. Together we
call West Bloomfield home now where we share it with our two dogs Lucy and Penny.

I have many interests that keep me busy. I love traveling (especially to Traverse City), shopping, spending time
with my family and friends, going to see Broadway musicals, listening to music, helping out in the community
and at my church, and learning about new cultures. I also love reading a really good book or going to see a
great movie. Over the course of this semester, you’ll realize how passionate I am about these things and I’m
sure much more! Often times, I am frustrated by not having enough time in the day to do the things that I enjoy.
It bothers and disappoints me when people are rude, when people don’t value listening to what I have to share,
and when people don’t put forth effort. I have always believed and you’ll hear this from me often that society will
leave you behind if you don’t listen, learn, exert and respect. Each and every day, my mantra is to: Listen.
Learn. Exert. Respect. I think that our world could be a better place if everyone took these four words to heart
everyday.

English classrooms have a unique opportunity in that we are given an opportunity to explore literature and have
discussions about the human condition. We will be sharing some great literature together this year. I look
forward to hearing the unique perspectives you bring to our discussions about it.

I look forward to getting to know you and sharing time with you this year. Now that I have told you all about
myself, you’re going to compose an email response back to me following the directions of the email etiquette
assignment. I want to know about you. Tell me about your background, your family, your friends, your travels,
your dreams, your fears. What do you love? dislike? Share what you feel comfortable sharing. I expect
three to five paragraphs. If you run out of things to write about, reread my letter, and respond to what I wrote.
Tell me about a life defining moment. What are your goals? Hopes? What’s your philosophy? I want to know!

Sincerely,

Mr. Kroll – Your English Teacher

P.S. No pressure, but this will be my first introduction to you and your writing!
 GETTING TO KNOW YOU EMAIL ASSIGNMENT
Mr. Kroll
Due by 5:00 P.M. via email & Schoology assignments - Friday, September 16, 2022
Purpose:
● To introduce yourself to your teacher
● To get acquainted with our email program
● To practice professional email etiquette

Assignment:
After reading Mr. Kroll’s Letter, it is your task to write a professional/personal email introducing yourself
to your English teacher. This email will be sent from your LCPS email account and must contain a
subject, greeting, message, and signature. You will also attach a picture of yourself or of your favorite
book. The email should be 3-4 paragraphs long, with each paragraph containing 5-7 sentences.
Emails should be written using proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation. In addition to emailing the
letter, you will need to upload it to the Schoology assignment online. See rubric on next page.

Elements to include:
● Birth Name and preferred name (if different than birth name)
● Class and hour in signature

Other required elements, information, or answers to questions you may want to include
(your choice):
● Hobbies/things you like to do for fun
● Favorite school subject and why
● Something you did this summer
● Strengths/weaknesses as a student, or specifically as an English student
● Family members/pet’s names
● Sports, clubs and activities you plan to join at LCN
● Goals you are setting for yourself this year
● Share what you feel comfortable sharing. Share with me information about your background,
your family, your friends, your travels, your dreams, your fears. What do you love? dislike?
What are your goals? Hopes?
● What important information should I know about you as a student? Have you had a great deal
of support as a student? Or has most of your success come from your own individual
perseverance?
● How do you feel about your strengths as a reader? Do you have a favorite author or genre?
What was the last book you read and enjoyed? What do you read for pleasure?
● How do you feel about yourself as a writer?
● What writing experiences have you been successful with in past years and courses?
● Are there types of writing you especially enjoy? You might also discuss writing that you have
done “outside” of school.
● Are there types of writing or specific writing tasks that you find challenging?
● What goals do you have for yourself in writing this year? Are there successes you’ve had in
writing in other classes or high school that you felt positive about?
● What do you expect of me as your English teacher?
● What kinds of films or T.V. shows do you like to watch? What music do you enjoy?
● Are you active in any outdoor or indoor hobbies or sports?
 RUBRIC
Excellent (2 pts) Attempted (1 pt) Missing (0 pts)

Subject line Subject is short and Subject is too long or No subject provided.
relevant. off topic.

Greeting Greeting is Greeting is not No greeting provided.

professional and uses professional and/or
the teacher's proper the teacher's proper
title. title is not used.

Message Message is Message is not No message

professional in tone. professional in tone. provided.

Signature Signature contains a Signature is missing Signature is missing.

closing, student’s first one or more items.
and last name, and
class.

Attachment School-appropriate School-appropriate No photo is attached.

photo of student or photo is embedded in
favorite book is the email, not sent as
attached properly. an attachment.

Mechanics Proper spelling, Some errors in No email provided.

grammar, and spelling, grammar,
punctuation are used and punctuation are
throughout. present.

Email Message was sent Message was not sent No email was
Program from the student's from the student's provided.
LCPS email account. LCPS email account.

Excellent (6 pts) Attempted (4 pts) Missing (0-2 pts)

Requirements Message contains Message body is Message is

required elements lacking elements incomplete or
and is 3-4 paragraphs and/or is not 2-3 severely lacking in the
long. paragraphs long. body’s response (0-3).