Tamanend Middle School 2007-2008

Secrets for Success

1.BE PREPARED for CLASS EVERYDAY! This means coming to class

ON TIME,with ALL necessary materials, ready to work

“ Being prepared means not having to make excuses.”

2.Participation in this class is essential!

“ I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most

people never listen.” - Ernest Hemingway

“Don’t stand on the sidelines and just watch, get involved!”

3.All work should be turned in on time or else…you will lose all

Available credit for homework assignments and 10% per day for major

assignments. Work may not be counted late if you have a plausible,

written excuse. I am the final judge! If you are absent, you will have time

to make up the work, but YOU are responsible for getting the missed work.

“ ’I tried, but it didn’t work’ is a lot better than ‘ I wish I had tried.’ “

- from Things you will Learn if You Live Long Enough

“Every worthwhile accomplishment, big or little, has its stages of drudgery and

triumph; a beginning, a struggle and a victory.” - Anonymous

  1. RESPECT is the cornerstone of this class. I expect nothing less!

“ To honor compassion. The ability to acknowledge and understand other lives

is the greatest goal of any person.” - Jason Alexander

“In order to respect others, you must first begin by respecting yourself.”

“Respect is merely an extension of honesty.”

“You never really understand a person until you step into his shoes and walk

around awhile.” - Atticus Finch from, To Kill A Mockingbird

  1. RESPONSIBILITY is a terrible thing to waste. Exercise it!

“DON’T BLAME! You are responsible for your life.”

-from Cheatnotes on Life

“It is easy to take responsibility for what we do well, but strengthen your

character and build your integrity by owning up to your failures as well.”

6. Be a RISK-TAKER!

“TAKE RISKS! You cannot discover new oceans unless you have the courage

to lose sight of the shore.” - from Cheatnotes on Life

“ When you cease to dream, you cease to live.” - Malcolm S. Forbes

7. CHECK the Ninth Grade website regularly! There is a direct

link here to your assignments (E-Notes II).

Ninth Grade website:

Mr Sterner’s e-mail address:

Unit/Theme / Literature / Writing / Oral / Integrations
Reality & Perspectives / Of Mice and Men

The Wave

Short Stories & Poetry / Personal/Expressive
Persuasive
Research Process & Paper / Debate
Literature Circles
Sm. Group Discussion / Propaganda
What it means to be
an American
Relationships and
Leadership: Tough Decisions/Compromises /

A Separate Peace

Lord of the Flies
The Miracle Worker
Short Stories & Poetry / Character Sketch Analysis
Persuasive
Personal/Expressive
Style and Conventions / Persuasive Speech
Sm. Group Discussion / Business & Industry
Westward Expansion
Conflict & Taking A Stand /

Inherit The Wind

Romeo & Juliet

Twelve Angry Men

/ Literary Analysis
Creative/Narrative
Persuasive / Acting/Drama
Dramatic Monologue
Sm. Group Discussion / Evolution
Reform, A Changing World
Truth, Justice, Tolerance: What it means to be an
American / Multicultural Literature

To Kill A Mockingbird

Night Poetry

/ Literary Analysis (Theme)
Poetry
Personal/Expressive / Debate/Discuss
Role Play/Acting
Sm. Group Discussions / Immigration
World at War
Civil Rights

Course of Study

  • You will also read self-selected literature/novels throughout the year and maintain a reading log.

Food For

Thought