1. Information for Incoming 9th Grade Students
Manhasset High School
English Department

2. Manhasset High School English Department
Program for 9th Grade Students
Dr. Rebecca Chowske
District Coordinator for English Language Arts and Reading
Required or Recommended Courses for 9th Grade Students
English 9 Regents OR English 9 Honors: 1 credit (Placement is based on teacher recommendation). Both courses offer a comprehensive exploration of literature, non-fiction works, writing, and proper use of the English language.
Writing Techniques 9: ½ credit
Placement is based on 8th grade ELA results and/or teacher recommendation.
Elective Courses Available for 9th Grade Students
Creative Writing Workshop: ½ credit Open to students grades 9-12 interested in exploring writing of poetry, fiction, non fiction and other creative forms. Student writing is submitted to school and external publications and to writing contests.
Advanced Creative Writing: ½ credit. Open to students grades 9-12 interested in developing genre-specific portfolios and fine-tuning the craft of creative written expression. Prerequisite: Creative Writing
Speech and Debate: ½ credit – Open to students grades Students are trained in developing an argument and in techniques of public speaking. Students also learn and participate in the protocol of the Lincoln-Douglas debate.
Journalism: ½ credit-Open to students grades Students learn the technique of creating both digital and print newspapers, including article writing, editorials, layout, print and online publication, and ethical considerations surrounding publication. This course culminates with each student creating an online newspaper.
Patrick

3. English 9H and 9R Course Outlines/Literature: Aligned to New York State Learning Standards
Literature: Challenging novels, plays and short stories. Titles may include:
A Separate Peace
Of Mice and Men
A Raisin In the Sun
The House on Mango Street
The Odyssey
Romeo and Juliet
Tuesdays With Morrie
Five People You Meet in Heaven
Grammar Units
Short Stories (Unit Reading)
Independent Reading Assignments
Poetry
Non-fiction texts related to literature readings; NYS Standards analysis.
Research Paper
Literature: Advanced novels, plays and shorter works . Titles may include:
Beowulf
Grendel
Gilgamesh
Iphigenia and The Orestia
The Odyssey
Le Morte D’ Arthur (selections)
The Decameron (selections)
The Canterbury Tales (selections)
Julius Caesar
Romeo and Juliet
Grammar Units
Independent Reading Books
Poetry
Non-fiction texts related to literature readings; NYS Standards analysis.
Research Paper
English 9H
English 9R

4. Extracurricular Activities:
English Language Arts and Reading, continued
Extracurricular Activities:
English Honors Society: Department Honor Society (first eligibility in 10th grade, based on 9th grade English grades)
Contact: Nikki Buckley or Laura Lembo, English Teachers, by .
Phoenix: Secondary School literary magazine
Contact: Candyce Kannengeiser, English Teacher, by .
Indian Ink: Secondary School online newspaper
Contact: Michael McDonough, English Teacher, by .
Poetry Coffee House: ( PoCoHo ), Music and poetry evening performance
Contact: Loretta Schuellein, English Teacher, by .
Writing Contests: Information distributed through classes
Posted in Writing Center –Room 277
Contact: Mr. Novak, English Teacher, by .
PATRICK INTRODUCES MARA

5. State/Standardized Tests
For All Students:
Peer Responder Mentor Program (required for English Honor Society Membership; available to other students wishing to become Peer Responders)
Peer Responder Program: Room 265
Students in upper grades are paired with middle school students to receive extra help with writing assignments in any course. Peer Responding is a requirement of membership in the English Honor Society. Details regarding the Peer Responder Program are available through Mr. Koondel in Room 265, the adviser to this program.
State/Standardized Tests
Students do not take state-administered ELA tests in 9th grade.
All students take the New York State English Language Arts Regents exam at the end of 11th grade (graduation requirement).