1. Welcome to Honors English 9 Mrs. Melinda Malaspino Welcome to Honors English 9! Mrs. Malaspino

2. About me Extracurriculars: Global Perspective Studies (GPS) Coordinator California Scholarship Federation (CSF) advisor Education and Training: MA, Curriculum and Instruction: CSU SacramentoNational Board Certified Teacher, 2010 (AYA/ELA)MA, Curriculum and Instruction: CSU SacramentoNational Board Certified Teacher, 2010 (AYA/ELA) Globe Education Academy alumna, 2010Globe Education Academy alumna, 2010 Teaching for Tolerance Academy, 2015Teaching for Tolerance Academy, 2015 BA, English (music minor): California Lutheran UniversityBA, English (music minor): California Lutheran University Teaching credential: CSU SacramentoTeaching credential: CSU Sacramento

3. Grading Policies Grading Scale: Grades will be based on points earned through the entire semester. Point value of assignments will depend on importance and complexity. Grades will be weighted in the following areas: Writing and Projects40%Writing and Projects40% Tests and Quizzes30%Tests and Quizzes30% Classwork and Homework20%Classwork and Homework20% Final Exam10%Final Exam10%

4. Grading Scale Letter grades will be based on the following scale as set forth by the FHS Department of English:Letter grades will be based on the following scale as set forth by the FHS Department of English: 100% + = A +78-79% = C +100% + = A +78-79% = C + 93-99% = A73-77% = C93-99% = A73-77% = C 90-92% = A-70-72% = C-90-92% = A-70-72% = C- 88-89% = B +68-69% = D +88-89% = B +68-69% = D + 83-87% = B63-67% = D83-87% = B63-67% = D 80-82% = B-60-62% = D-80-82% = B-60-62% = D- 59% and below = F59% and below = F Students who earn at least a B in both semesters will receive higher consideration for placement in Honors English 10 next year.Students who earn at least a B in both semesters will receive higher consideration for placement in Honors English 10 next year. CSU and UC systems require at least a C in all academic areas.CSU and UC systems require at least a C in all academic areas.

5. Summer Reading Expectations Summer Reading was designed to introduce students to concepts we will be covering this year, as well as to accelerate the curriculumSummer Reading was designed to introduce students to concepts we will be covering this year, as well as to accelerate the curriculum Selections and Assessments:Selections and Assessments: Bless Me, Ultima; Mythology; and A Midsummer Night’s DreamBless Me, Ultima; Mythology; and A Midsummer Night’s Dream Object Test and Comprehensive EssayObject Test and Comprehensive Essay

6. GPS Curriculum All students, whether or notAll students, whether or not they are officially enrolled in the GPS program, will receive integrated instruction in their core classes. In 9 th grade English, students explore literary works from across cultures which address the question of how journeys, both literal and figurative, help shape individual identity within a global society.In 9 th grade English, students explore literary works from across cultures which address the question of how journeys, both literal and figurative, help shape individual identity within a global society.

7. Common Core Curriculum Honors English 9 is designed to be an inquiry-based course, integrating reading, writing, discussion, and critical thinking in all units. Teachers collaborate through a Professional Learning Community to establish learning goals for all students to gather and examine data to inform our instruction and to create lessons which call on students to explore ideas, interact with the text and develop thoughtful understanding, and which enable students to meet collective and individual learning goals.

8. Literature 1 st Semester: (in addition to the summer reading)1 st Semester: (in addition to the summer reading) The OdysseyThe Odyssey The Alchemist (Pilot selection)The Alchemist (Pilot selection) Of Mice and MenOf Mice and Men To Kill a MockingbirdTo Kill a Mockingbird 2 nd Semester:2 nd Semester: NightNight The Book ThiefThe Book Thief I Am Malala (proposed pilot selection)I Am Malala (proposed pilot selection) Fahrenheit 451Fahrenheit 451 Romeo and JulietRomeo and Juliet Independent Reading:Independent Reading: Students will be expected to read additional books following the guidelines of their teachers, including but not limited to global literature, biography/autobiography, classic literature, and fantasy/science fiction selections.Students will be expected to read additional books following the guidelines of their teachers, including but not limited to global literature, biography/autobiography, classic literature, and fantasy/science fiction selections.

9. Grammar, Vocabulary, Writing Grammar will be taught using an integrated approach designed to familiarize students with all levels of grammar.Grammar will be taught using an integrated approach designed to familiarize students with all levels of grammar. Vocabulary will follow the “Word Within the Word” program, using Latin and Greek Roots.Vocabulary will follow the “Word Within the Word” program, using Latin and Greek Roots. Students will write frequently for a variety of audiences and purposes, both in and out of class.Students will write frequently for a variety of audiences and purposes, both in and out of class.

10. THANKS FOR COMING! I can be reached at mmalaspi@fcusd.orgmmalaspi@fcusd.org 916-294-2400 ext. 415202916-294-2400 ext. 415202 E-Mail is the best way to reach me!