WELCOME TO ENGLISH 9H! Ms. Erika Wanczuk La Costa Canyon High School Class Web Site: Common Core:

ABOUT MS. WANCZUK BA, UCLA (1997) M.Ed., UCLA (1999) Teacher since 1998 Teaching honors students since 1998 Earned National Board Certification in 2002 Teaching at LCC since 2002

ABOUT 9TH GRADE HONORS ENGLISH Honors English IS: A college preparatory course Designed for highly motivated students Designed to challenge students in English Designed for students who love reading and writing Being aligned to California Common Core State Standards Honors English is NOT: Easy A guaranteed “A”

ON ASSIGNMENTS: Practice skills Deepen understanding of key concepts. Homework: 1) practice the skills and concepts learned in class; 2) prepare for the next class Depth of insight Mastery of the skills taught in class Students assess own learning via reflective writing assignments

PARENT SUPPORT I work hard to get students to focus on their learning. In our competitive culture, this can be a challenge. How can you support your student? Ask your student specific, pointed questions, such as: What are you learning in English? What are you reading in English class? What do you think of it? What are you writing for homework tonight? Read his/her work, and comment on the quality of his/her thinking and writing. Engage your student in conversations about his/her writing and world events. Help your student define success in English in terms of his/her learning, not just in terms of a number or letter.

WILL MY STUDENT HAVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUCCESS? YES! Students have ample notice of assignments and due dates. Due date calendar on board Web site Reminders: on website, in class, on board Late Homework Pass—to use for one homework assignment; “safety net.” Students are empowered to assess their own work for growth. Reflection is a vital part of the course. Criteria/rubrics for assessments are provided in advance of most assignments; definitely provided for all major assignments. I am available to work with students before school, after school, and at lunch. Students know where to sign up for appointments. me before 7:00pm for same-day response.

THINGS TO KNOW… The outside reading book (ORB) assignment is a long-term assignment, and students should NOT be cramming at the last minute. Progress is monitored with reading logs, but relies mostly on the “honor system.” Students have homework every night in English. At the very least they should be reading their ORBs. If your student is stressing out, please encourage him/her to come talk to me.

COMMUNICATION: AERIES online system Updated grades Updated attendance information Best way to reach me. Telephone: (760) x6271 Website: Please make sure your address is correct on Aeries so you will get “ blasts” from me.