Welcome to G7 ELA! English Language Arts Reading & Writing Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska College: York College-York, NE Degree: BA in K-8 Education Certifications: 4-8 Generalist English as a Second Language Teen Leadership When I’m Not Teaching… Stand Up for Kids street outreach Writing poetry Painting & Photography Traveling Listening to music Ms. Melvin

Why do I teach and serve at KIPP? What I love about our G7 scholars? I became a teacher because I have always loved being part of the school environment and loved learning I joined KIPP because I wanted to be part of a school culture that focuses on building content through the lens of character What I love about KIPP Polaris is our Team & Family atmosphere I couldn’t do any other job. I love teaching. My kids and colleagues are my extended family. I love the energy of being here and I show up every day hoping to inspire my students to see the same Strong brotherhood among unique personalities. Zest for finding the fun in our activities. Overall level of respect for school culture. Desire to progress.

Grading Breakdown Overview Categories Class notes 15% Lifework Skill-based reading Short answer responses Developmental writing Some practice sheets 24-hour feedback via Engrade: send message, email, or call with questions Students are encouraged to make up any assignments during lunch/energizer or at home for up to 100%--I want the students to learn the skills, however many tries it takes (tests may change format) 15% Lifework (typically reading or writing tasks- refer to notes in ELA notebook) 45% Daily Classwork (interactive ELA notes, guided worksheets) 40% Major Assignments (essays, quizzes)

What can you expect from me? Academic Expectations Ms. Melvin’s Requests Organized G.A.V.E.L. (cleaned quarterly) & updated ELA interactive notebook Complete agenda (Lifework Mon-Thurs) Clean and neat work done in pencil Work submitted on time 100% participation ALL THE TIME! “Fun to Focus” mentality Listen to your teachers, do your work, and ask questions GRIT IT OUT! Learning is a process of failing and trying. “I can accept failure; I cannot accept not trying.” –Michael Jordan Be organized & take ownership Follow Panther Protocol to avoid the chaos and strive for a positive and productive atmosphere

Course Goals and Overview 100% of Scholars will be able to read rigorous texts and think critically to make inferences and analyze author’s purpose 100% of Scholars will be able to write in a variety of genres SWBAT read rigorous texts and write in all genres (narrative, expository, poetry, and drama) Students will learn Texas reading objectives, basic comprehension skills, and writing traits through reading

Helping your KIPPster succeed What can you do? Helping your KIPPster succeed Motivate your child to read daily! Newspapers, magazines, online articles, and of course books! Ask them to analyze WHY things happen the way they do in reading, as well as media Encourage students to write as a hobby to express their opinions and share their story Help them keep their G.A.V.E.L. & agenda organized Contact Ms. Melvin with any questions Reading & Writing are tough skills to achieve. Practice makes perfect, so STAY POSITIVE!!!

Please reach out if you have questions Ms. Melvin, G7 ELA Email: jmelvin@kipphouston.org KIPP Cell: (832) 384-6381 Parent Resources: Engrade: www.engrade.com Class Resource Website: mrsmelvin.wix.com