1. Welcome to G7 ELA! English Language Arts Reading & Writing
Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska
College: York College-York, NE
Degree: BA in K-8 Education
Certifications:
4-8 Generalist
English as a Second Language
Teen Leadership
When I’m Not Teaching…
Stand Up for Kids street outreach
Writing poetry
Painting & Photography
Traveling
Listening to music
Ms. Melvin

2. Why do I teach and serve at KIPP?
What I love about our G7 scholars?
I became a teacher because I have always loved being part of the school environment and loved learning
I joined KIPP because I wanted to be part of a school culture that focuses on building content through the lens of character
What I love about KIPP Polaris is our Team & Family atmosphere
I couldn’t do any other job. I love teaching. My kids and colleagues are my extended family. I love the energy of being here and I show up every day hoping to inspire my students to see the same
Strong brotherhood among unique personalities.
Zest for finding the fun in our activities.
Overall level of respect for school culture.
Desire to progress.

3. Grading Breakdown Overview Categories Class notes 15% Lifework
Skill-based reading
Short answer responses
Developmental writing
Some practice sheets
24-hour feedback via Engrade: send message, , or call with questions
Students are encouraged to make up any assignments during lunch/energizer or at home for up to 100%--I want the students to learn the skills, however many tries it takes (tests may change format)
15% Lifework
(typically reading or writing tasks refer to notes in ELA notebook)
45% Daily Classwork (interactive ELA notes, guided worksheets)
40% Major Assignments (essays, quizzes)

4. What can you expect from me?
Academic Expectations
Ms. Melvin’s Requests
Organized G.A.V.E.L. (cleaned quarterly) & updated ELA interactive notebook
Complete agenda (Lifework Mon-Thurs)
Clean and neat work done in pencil
Work submitted on time
100% participation ALL THE TIME!
“Fun to Focus” mentality
Listen to your teachers, do your work, and ask questions
GRIT IT OUT! Learning is a process of failing and trying. “I can accept failure; I cannot accept not trying.” –Michael Jordan
Be organized & take ownership
Follow Panther Protocol to avoid the chaos and strive for a positive and productive atmosphere

5. Course Goals and Overview
100% of Scholars will be able to read rigorous texts and think critically to make inferences and analyze author’s purpose
100% of Scholars will be able to write in a variety of genres
SWBAT read rigorous texts and write in all genres (narrative, expository, poetry, and drama)
Students will learn Texas reading objectives, basic comprehension skills, and writing traits through reading

6. Helping your KIPPster succeed
What can you do?
Helping your KIPPster succeed
Motivate your child to read daily! Newspapers, magazines, online articles, and of course books!
Ask them to analyze WHY things happen the way they do in reading, as well as media
Encourage students to write as a hobby to express their opinions and share their story
Help them keep their G.A.V.E.L. & agenda organized
Contact Ms. Melvin with any questions
Reading & Writing are tough skills to achieve. Practice makes perfect, so STAY POSITIVE!!!

7. Please reach out if you have questions
Ms. Melvin, G7 ELA
KIPP Cell: (832)
Parent Resources:
Engrade:
Class Resource Website: mrsmelvin.wix.com