Welcome, Freshmen!

I hope you all had a great summer!

I am very glad to welcome you to your Ninth Grade English class in room 2216 of our amazing new building! It is a big place, but we will all figure out how to navigate this space quickly.  Everyone is happy to help you, so please feel free to ask for directions or clarifications. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me at any time.

This year we will be reading 4 core texts:  The Odyssey, Of Mice and Men, The House on Mango Street and Romeo and Juliet.  We will be using the McDougall-Littell Language of Literature textbook series throughout the year, and you are required to bring a Sustained Silent Reading (SSR) book of your choice for daily reading. We will also listen to TEDTalks, The Moth Storytelling podcast, and view films and documentaries to gain background knowledge.

You will have opportunities to practice new reading and writing skills, give oral presentations, create video, Sway, PowerPoint and Mix presentations and collaborate with your peers on learning and projects. You will be researching, evaluating high and low quality sources, and exploring a variety of literature

My grading policy is as follows:

Quizzes count once.  Tests count twice.

Final drafts of essays, research papers, and other written works and major projects are worth 1 test grade.

Participation

Participation consists of homework preparation, contribution to class discussions, participation in class activities, blog submissions self-evaluation and daily SSR.  

Drafts and revisions are mandatory.  Please save them, because you will always hand these in with your final drafts.

Comprehension tests and quizzes will be given as needed.

Late work may be allowed due to medical or serious personal reasons, at the teacher’s discretion. Make every effort to contact me if you need an extension.

           

Make up work is due no later than 5 school days after the absence.  If you are absent only on the day that it is due, then the work must be handed in on the day you return for full credit.  

                                                          

Some classroom rules are:

           

1. No food is allowed in class.  Water is fine. Nothing else.

2. You will need your textbook almost every day and every night.  It is heavy.  It will dominate your book bag, but it is packed with the wisdom of the ages, so it is worth carrying to and fro. Consider your obligation to bring it to class a workout for the mind and the body. 

2. Please respect everyone.  Do not interrupt or degrade others. Disagreements must be expressed is a way that honors the person with whom you disagree. Stick to the point of contention, use facts and reasons to back up your opinion, but do not label or reduce another person in the process of explaining your point.

3. Your preparation for class is noted and graded every day.  Bring your materials, please.

4. Cell phones should remain off and out of sight unless I initiate academic use of personal technology. Cell phones are to be used in my class for academic purposes only, such as to quickly look up a fact during a discussion, or to find out something about a current event during group work.  In other words, if your cell phone can be used to enhance your learning, I am supportive.  If it interferes with your learning and causes you to be distracted from your education, I am not, at all.You will know when cell phone use is allowed.

5. You are responsible for your education.  If you have questions, please ask.  If you are confused, come see me after school or during a free period.  You can also email me after school, and I will do my best to get right back to you. I am glad to help you!

Do your best, contact your teachers if you are confused, and enjoy your year!