Welcome to 9 th Grade Literature and Composition with Basic Read/Write

1. Welcome to 9th Grade Literature and CompositionwithBasic Read/Write Ms. Purser and Mr. Carter

2. It is our privilege and joy to teach your children!  We hope to instill a shared passion and discovery for learning! We are eager to help students learn and develop critical thinking skills, and how to apply what they learn to their lives.

3. Schedule 1st Block: 8:20-9:55 2nd Block: 10:00-11:40 3rd Block: 12:15-1:50 4th Block: 1:55-3:30

4. Course Description This course is designed to emphasize the language arts skills students need across all academic areas. Our emphasis will be on studying literature by genre and theme. Students will complete outside reading and writing assignments as an expectation of this course. Students will be expected to discuss, write formally and informally, and make valid critical judgments about literary works.

5. Vocabulary study, grammar and composition are also key elements of this course.  • We will be doing a combination of self-directed vocabulary instruction and SAT vocabulary terms every week, coupled with direct instruction on prefixes, suffixes and root words. • Strong emphasis is placed on grammar usage and language structure, in order to help strengthen skills in composition and literary analysis.

6. Major Units of Study Grammar Writing Short Stories Poetry Nonfiction Mythology Drama Novel

7. Necessary Materials 2 spiral notebooks 1 2” three-ring binder 8 divider tabs 3 packs college-ruled notebook paper pens/pencils/erasers Highlighter Index cards (for flashcards) independent reading book Markers/crayons/colored pencils Optional Materials Flash drive

8. Classroom Understandings • You will follow all Glynn County School System rules in this classroom. • Come prepared for class daily. • Respectfulness and obedience are expected. • Be civilized and respectful to teachers, others, and yourself. • Be on-time, dressed appropriately, and wearing your id. • Attendance is vital to classroom success. • Late work is not accepted (except in cases of absentee). • Students are responsible for make-up work resulting from absences. • Just like at home- “Yes, ma’am,” and “No, ma’am,” are always safe answers!

9. Notes • A syllabus will be sent home on August 9th (due back signed on August 16th). Please review the syllabus carefully as it contains information on course structure, as well as detailed classroom information. • It contains information on extra credit opportunities, and homework passes and provides contact information for both teachers. • Please sign and return the last page, but keep the syllabus as the first page in your binder for reference.

10. It is possible that we will be using smart phones or personal electronic devices (tablets, ipod touch) for educational purposes in our classroom. • If your child does not have access to one of these pieces of technology please let us know on the sign in sheet! • Please know that even if they are “allowed” to use this device, misuse or abuse will result in it being confiscated and returned at a later time

11. Follow me @mspurser on twitter for information about upcoming test and quizzes and for important last minute homework changes!

12. Thank you so much for coming! We are looking forward to an exciting year!