August 2017

Dear Parents:

I am Mrs. Oksana Waggoner and am writing as your student 9th Grade English teacher. This is my fifth year teaching at Rio Rancho High School and my fourth year teaching 9th Grade English. I have earned a Bachelor of Secondary Education with a specialization in teaching English and Ukrainian Language and Literature with honors from Slavyansk State Pedagogical University.

I consider it an honor to be your child’s teacher and we will be working together to become better readers, writers as well as critical thinkers. We will be using Spring Board as we seek to meet the Common Core State Standards. Spring Board provides high level texts, various strategies to analyze the text, and ample practice opportunities. We have implemented Spring Board last two year and I am happy to share with you that students’ test scores have improved.

I look forward to a rewarding year filled with learning. Please feel free to contact meif you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Oksana Waggoner

9th Grade English Teacher

Rio Rancho High School

Humanities 104

(505) 896-5600 ext. 53117

Basic Course Outline of Major Assignments/Units (subject to change)

First Quarter:

Unit 1: Coming of Age (Novel Excerpts)

The Student will:

  • Understand the concept of coming of age.
  • Identify diction, syntax, imagery, and tone.
  • Incorporate voice effectively in one’s own writing.
  • Support an inference of claim using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
  • Analyze and use rhetorical appeals and evidence to present an argument to an audience.

MAJOR ASSIGNMENTS/ASSESSMENTS:

  • Argument Essay

Begin Unit 2: Defining Style (Film)

The Student will:

  • Identify specific elements of an author’s style.
  • Develop close reading skills.
  • Review and analyze elements of fiction and write a short story.
  • Identify cinematic techniques and analyze their effects.
  • Analyze syntactical structure and use clauses to achieve specific effects.

MAJOR ASSIGNMENTS/ASSESSMENTS:

  • Short Story

Second Quarter:

Finish Unit 2

Unit 4: Exploring Poetic Voices

The Student will:

  • Develop the skills and knowledge to analyze and craft poetry.
  • Analyze the function and effect of figurative language.
  • Write original poems that reflect personal voice, style, and an understanding of poetic elements.
  • Write a style-analysis essay. .
  • Present an oral interpretation of a poem.

MAJOR ASSIGNMENTS/ASSESSMENTS:

  • Style Analysis Essay
  • Analyzing and Presenting a Poet

Third Quarter:

Unit 3: Coming of Age in Changing Times (Novel)

The Student will:

  • Gather and integrate relevant information from multiple sources in order to answer research questions.
  • Present findings clearly, concisely, and logically, making strategic use of digital media.
  • Analyze how literary elements contribute to the development of a novel’s themes.
  • Write a literary analysis, citing textual evidence to support ideas and inferences.

MAJOR ASSIGNMENTS/ASSESSMENTS:

  • Historical Investigation Presentation
  • Literary Analysis Essay

Fourth Quarter: Unit 5 Coming of Age on Stage (Drama)

The Student will:

  • Cite textual evidence to support analysis of a dramatic text.
  • Analyze the representation of key scenes in text, film, and other mediums.
  • Collaborate with peers on an interpretive performance.
  • Conduct research to answer questions and gather evidence.
  • Analyze how an author uses rhetoric to advance a purpose.
  • Write an argument to support a claim.

MAJOR ASSIGNMENTS/ASSESSMENTS:

  • Dramatic Interpretation Presentation
  • Synthesis Argument

Student Evaluation:

Grades are divided into 3 categories: Embedded Assessments, Other Assessments, and Practice. Embedded Assessments are the multiple choice and writing tests (essays) students will be given to assess their skills they have obtained in each unit. Students will take 3 embedded assessments in each unit 2 writing embedded assessments and 1 multiple choice test. This is a school wide grade level assessment. Other assessments will consist of projects, research assignments, other writing assignments, and other tests or quizzes. Practice will contain other grades such as homework, journals, smaller writing assignments, graphic organizers, etc.

Category / Percentage
Embedded Assessments / 40%
Other Assessments/ Essays / 30%
Preparedness and Participation / 30%

Expectations:

Students will complete their work with their own abilities and own thinking. All outside resources must be cited. All group work assignments must have equal participation and contributions from each group member. Copied or plagiarized work will receive a zero.

Students will attend class on time regularly avoiding unexcused absences. Being in class each day is important to student achievement. Students will also remain in class. You will only be given 5 emergency passes per semester.

Students will come to class prepared with supplies and completed reading assignments and/or homework.

Students will participate in whole class and small group discussions as these are an essential part of the class and meet multiple objectives in the areas of speaking, listening, writing, and reading.

When a student is absent, the student will access the make-up assignments from teacher website and/or the Springboard site. The student will be responsible to ask any questions needed and complete the work by the date indicated according to the student handbook.

Students will be respectful and accepting of other students in class. Students will act in a way that makes each student feel welcome to sharing and participating in class. All students need to feel comfortable in class in order for everyone to learn at their full potential.

How to Get My Help:

Visit me after school or during lunch A for help; make sure to let me know so I can provide you with a pass.

Email: or my office phone (505) 896-5600 ext. 53117

My Teacher Webpage

Late Work Policy:

In the case of an excused absence, late work will be accepted according to the RRHS attendance policy.Late work is accepted for two weeks past due date, unless the assignment was given at the end of the quarter when grades are due. Any late work turned in past 2 weeks from the due date will be given a top score of 50 points. Some assignments will not be accepted late: homework, annotations, and reading assignments.

Supplies:

Please contribute 1 box of tissue.

Agreement:

By signing this paper, the student and parent/guardian confirm that they have read and have agreed to the above rules and procedures for Mrs. Waggoner’s 9th grade English Class. If at any time, you have any questions or concerns, please contact me immediately.

Printed Name of Student______

Signature of Student ______Date ______

Parent/Guardian Printed Name ______

Parent/ Guardian Signature ______Date______