Welcome to Mr. Cathis’ Classroom 9CC

About Me: My name is Christopher Cathis. I hold a B.A. English and philosophy/Kent State University, M.A. studies in Second Language Studies/University of Hawaii at Manoa, M.S. Multidisciplinary Studies/SUNY Buffalo I am certified in the state of Texas, U.S.A. in Generalist: Early Childhood – 6th Grade as well as English Language Arts and Reading 8th – 12th Grade I have over 15 years of teaching experience with students of all ages in many different cultures/countries. This is my second year at QSI and third year in China!

IE Curriculum and Co-Teaching Intensive English (IE) is for non-native English speakers. It helps to build all skills of English. Its goal is to transition students to the mainstream classroom. IE students attend instruction during Literacy (Reading and Language Arts) classes five days a week. IE teachers co-teach with homeroom teachers during Cultural Studies and Science. IE classes facilitate students English use in both social as well as academic contexts.

The Curriculum Literacy - Reading and Writing: Journeys with selected supplemental materials Math - Go Math Cultural Studies – Harcourt Science Cultural Studies and Science alternate from unit to unit QSI Curriculum page: http://curriculumfiles.qsi.org/ Information regarding field trips and Week Without Walls will be provided at a future date All 9YO TSW’s will be posted on class Moodle page

Specials Tuesday: Library, Physical Education and Art Wednesday: Physical Education and Activities Thursday: Computer Friday: Physical Education, Computer, Music and Activities

General Rules Each morning, students meet in the gymnasium and walk, as a class, with their teacher to their classroom. Students can bring a healthy snack each day for snack time. Pick up is at 4:00 each afternoon. Parents/drivers should enter the building and meet their children on the 1st floor near the elevators.

Homework Students should read 20-30 minutes every evening. Homework should not take more than 1 hour. Periodic exceptions will apply. Homework can differ between teachers. IE homework will be assigned by IE teacher. Chinese homework will be assigned by Chinese teacher. It is expected that all students have mastered multiplication tables 1-12 for math class. If your child does not have these mastered, they should be practiced nightly until they do. The math curriculum computation requires this mastery.

Success Orientations Each day, each month and each year, QSI focuses on our Success Orientations Trustworthiness Responsibility Concern for Others Kindness/Politeness Group Interaction Aesthetic Appreciation Independent Endeavor Quality Schools International considers these success orientations to be primary indicators of future success in advanced education, employment, and life in general.

Moodle In the case of school closure, students are required to access the course Moodle page to get their assignments for that day. A variety of course and classroom information is available on the class Moodle page The weekly class newsletter will be posted on the Moodle page Website: http://learning.qsishenzhen.org/ Login: Students PBE# without the zero Password: dragons

My Thanks I look forward to the growth and challenge that this year will bring. Should you feel the need to contact me, please do not hesitate to send me an email at: christopher-cathis@shenzhen.qsi.org The Moodle page will soon be “open for business” and I will be posting material and communications regularly. It truly is a vital part of the class. I hope you find the time to visit it regularly. It can be found at the following URL: http://learning.qsishenzhen.org/course/view.php?id=331 Thank you and I’m looking forward to a fantastic year!