Readiness Respect Responsibility Welcome to La Paz Back to School Night

Mrs. Lynn Alexander Beukema BA English Literature (Cum Laude) from the University of Colorado, Boulder Teaching Credential- California State University, Fullerton Masters Degree in Education with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University 6 years at La Paz--previously also taught at Los Alisos (honors program) and Laguna Hills High School My husband, John, is also an English teacher (Tesoro High School/ CUSD)

We are--“The Crew” Mr. Tate--History/ Mr. Keith--Science/ Mrs. Brooks-- Math/ Mrs. Beukema--English

Trimester One Elements of a short story- class notes Short Stories Academic Vocabulary Grammar/Usage Composition: Narrative, Informational/ Explanatory writing Reading Counts Novels Chrome books Goggle Classroom

Trimester Two “A Christmas Carol” Academic Vocabulary Grammar/Usage Research skills Composition: Argument Novel Unit- The Outsiders Reading Counts Novels Chrome books Google Classroom

Trimester Three Poetry Speech Academic Vocabulary Grammar/Usage Composition: poetry, creative, and Informational/ Expository writing Reading Counts Novels Chrome books Google Classroom

Reading Counts! Program Students must have RC books with them every day. Please monitor your child’s reading and sign his/her log regularly. **Reading Counts! represents 15% of students’ overall English grade. Reading Counts due dates are posted on my website and should be written in students’ planners.

Be sure novels are on the Reading Counts list! Reading Counts offers over 65,000 tests. The RC link is on the La Paz website and my web homepage Do not rely on the Scholastic website! Some point values are not correct. Books read previously will not qualify. Original books must be read.

Where to get RC books All books here at the La Paz library are Reading Counts novels The school library is open every day (except Mondays) from 10:15 to 1:25 My classroom library is always available (though limited) Public library Bookstore/ Amazon / downloaded or e-books

Honors Curriculum Honors Novels: Students will read higher-level novels (one per trimester: Trimester 1 “Unwind”). Writing: Students must also write additional honors essays of a challenging nature each trimester based on the assigned honors novel (and must maintain a 90% or higher average on writing assignments). Honors Units: Each unit will contain honors-based component(s).

Honors tutorials are mandatory and provide: A. Extra help and guidance for honors students B. Opportunity for students to connect and collaborate with one another C. Allow for high-level discussions and analytical depth Students must maintain their grades and meet all requirements (Grade Point Average, Reading Counts Points, Writing, Citizenship, etc.) all three trimesters in order to be receive an 8th grade honors English recommendation.

Thanks so much for coming tonight! :) We appreciate your time and support of your child’s education…