Welcome to Mrs. McFarlane's Class Website!
3rd Quarter is Almost Over!
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 (Writing & Reading) 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: Left to Right--Lisa Krause, Joseph Pickell, Dave Mast, Amanda McFarlane, Nita Truax
About Me!
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).
In May of 2009, my husband and I welcomed our first child, Alba Elizabeth, into the world. She's pretty much awesome, and I usually talk about her too much during class. :) During 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 on my comfy, blue couches reading, in front of my TV watching Doctor Who or the Back to the Future trilogy, at my church, Quest, at Savoy Movie Theater, at Wrigley Field (between April and OCTOBER), or playing with my daughter and son, on the living room floor.
In December of 2010, we welcomed our second child! :) His name is Kean Malcolm McFarlane, and he joins his sister, Alba Elizabeth. All parents are biased, and I'm no exception: our children are awesome, and they bring so much light, joy, and happiness into our lives. Even though I hate leaving them everyday, I get to come teach at Franklin, the best middle school in Champaign. My students are hard-working, energetic, and so much fun to teach. I'm blessed with great kids at home, and a wonderful extended group of kids at school. :)
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.
[email protected] (fastest way to reach me)
217-351-3819 (school phone number)