English and Composition 9 Mrs. Stewart

“Meet the Teacher Night”

Contact Information Mrs. Samantha Stewart stewarts@qvsd.org 412-749-6000 ext. 2303 Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns. I value our conversations!

Presentation Goals Teaching philosophy Course objectives Course components Materials and resources Student expectations

Teaching Philosophy My values as an educator: Empathy, Inquiry, Self-Awareness and Self-Appreciation It is my sincere hope and ultimate goal that each of my students leaves my course more empathetic, curious, and self-aware. I genuinely want students to recognize all they are capable of and to be proud of the individuals they are.

Course Objectives To emphasize the writing process; to write in both personal and expository forms; to develop students’ appreciation and understanding of literature and its relevance to their lives; to review skills in grammar, usage, and vocabulary; to develop critical thinking skills through discussion; to prepare students for standardized reading and writing assessments.

Course Components Full year course Composition about 12 weeks Literature about 24 weeks

Literature Short stories and poems Hurricane by Terry Trueman To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee* Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare* *crossover texts with Honors course

Assessments 80% of grade 20% of grade Cumulative final exam essays and projects quizzes and tests 20% of grade homework, journals, participation Cumulative final exam

Expectations arrive on time and prepared to learn each and every day complete assignments on time record in assignment book sign up for Remind texts or emails bring appropriate materials to class respect of peers, teacher, and classroom ask questions keep track of grade via PowerSchool

Summer Reading If your child has or is planning to complete an summer reading assignment, please remind them that book review forms are due on the first day of school. Information about summer reading can be located on the high school webpage.

Materials assignment book pencil (and colored pen, highlighter) binder with five dividers for English only! Students will also be responsible for bringing books and their charged laptops to class.

Class Policies and Contract Please be sure to review the class policies and sign the class contract. Return the contract to Mrs. Stewart. Handouts will be distributed to students in class. They will also be posted on Blackboard.

Resources and Communication Blackboard page

English & Composition Thank you! 