Welcome to Mrs. McFarlane's Class Website!
I am out on maternity leave, with only a week left until the expected due date (5/20/09) of my first child. Please email me (mcfarlam@champaignschools.org) or contact my substitute teacher, Theresa McKinley, if you have any questions. I will let you know that Ms. McKinley is taking care of all of the grading, so if you have any questions about a grade, please contact her directly.
Welcome!
Hello! My name is Amanda McFarlane, and if you're checking this, chances are you have me for class or your child is taking my class. I teach ELA II (Writing) and AVID at Franklin Middle School on 6 North. I have taught at Franklin since 2003, and I LOVE this school! You will get used to the saying "Franklin is family." FMS has, in my opinion, the most caring, trusting, and hard working teachers in the Unit 4 district. I hope you feel at home whenever you are at Franklin, and that you quickly start to become part of our family.
By visiting this website, you will have a wealth of information at your fingertips. I will update this site regularly to keep you abreast of grades, homework, upcoming projects and tests, and school events. I will even give you some personal recommendations. Of what? Well, of anything that interests me and that you might like: books, movies, TV shows, websites, etc.
PHOTO: Back row, left to right--Amanda McFarlane, Lisa Krause, Meg Goethals
Front row, left to right--Nita Truax, David Mast, Joseph Pickell
About Me!
BREAKING NEWS: If your student hasn't already told you, I am expecting my first child! The baby is due on May 20, so for the last few weeks of school, I will have a trustworth substitute teacher in my class. Please contact me if you have any concerns about what might be happening when I'm gone. I cannot promise that this site will be updated after the baby is born, so I want to apologize in advance for this.
As I already mentioned I have taught at FMS since 2003. Teaching is my passion, and I enjoy everyday I am able to work with my students. I have met some of the most energetic, enthusiastic, and outgoing young adults at Franklin. They bring smiles to my face and make my world brighter. As a native of Champaign, I attended Westview, Edison, and Central. At these three schools, my mind was molded by some of the best teachers ever. I was taught how to appreciate purple in all of it's hues and dinosaurs (Ms. Breeze), write and publish a homemade newspaper (Mrs. Christensen), and critically question and analyze literary giants, like Hawthorne and Hemingway (Mrs. Weber and Mr. Bauer). Because of these awesome teachers, and many others like them, I decided to make teaching my profession of choice. I wanted to guide and inspire students to great thoughts and lives, just like my teachers guided me. I attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for my Bachelor's (major-English, minor-Education) and Master's (Curriculum & Instruction-English). I enjoy being a student so much that I am now attending EIU for a second Master's in Middle Level Education (Reading specialty).
In my free time I love to read, watch movies and TV, cook, exercise, and spend time with my family and friends. I also love to keep abreast of all things pop culture, and I keep up my writing and communication skills by composing a pop culture centered blog. Food Network is my favorite channel, and while I don't have any aspirations to be the Next Food Network Star, I truly love showing my family and friends how much I care about them by making homemade meals, snacks, and desserts. While not at home, you can usually find me at in front of my new TV, at Savoy Movie Theater, or at Wrigley Field (between April and OCTOBER).
Contact Me!
Contact is the key for parents and teachers! I encourage parents, and students if the need arises, to contact me about any assignment, grading, or project/test questions. I welcome your e-mails and phone calls. I strive to get back to you within a 24-hour period.
mcfarlam@champaignschools.org (fastest way to reach me)
217-351-3819 (school phone number)