1. Welcome Take a moment to tell your neighbor: What was the best book you read in Junior High? What was the worst book you read in Junior High? What book should everyone be required to read? Why?

2. My Family

3. Lauren Ring Master’s of Education specializing in Educational Media & Technology Bachelor of Arts in Journalism Highly qualified and Arizona certified in Grades 9-12 English, Middle Grades Language Arts, Journalism and Library/Media K-12 Library Media Specialist

4. Our Routine The Systematic Daily Review marks the start of most days. The questions are comprised of grammar, vocabulary, informational text and literary topics. Grammar mini lessons deepen understanding of the eight parts of speech – Elements of Language and Write Source textbooks. There is a weekly rotation of Holt Vocabulary and Greek and Latin Roots.

5. What are Common Core Standards? The Common Core State Standards Initiative is a state-led effort to establish a shared set of clear educational standards for English Language Arts. Common Core Standards Adoption by State

6. 8th grade Writing focus Persuasive – Prompt responses, essay, letter Expository – Summary or Informative Functional - Personal and Business Letters Expressive – Poetry, Personal Narrative, Character Unit, Portfolio Pages Literary Response/ Analysis – Quarterly book responses, Theme responses to novel, Character analysis Research - Project

7. 6 Traits of Quality Writing Strong Ideas & Content Good Organization Voice Smooth sentence fluency Controlled Grammar and Conventions Excellent Word Choice

8. 8th grade Reading focus Novels - Charlotte Doyle The Wave Lottery Rose Monument The Giver Diary of Anne Frank Elements of Literature – short stories, literary elements

9. Independent Reading Program Students have an individual quarterly goal (500-1,000 pages) The first quarter reading log is due 9/28/11. A literary analysis focusing on character is due 9/19/11. Students should be reading each night, in addition to homework! Library check-out every other Tuesday. Students should have a book with them at all times.

10. How You Can Help! You are the most influential people in your child’s life. Your presence is evidence of the commitment to your child’s success. Ask your child to share one part of his or her day with you… (sweet/sour, highs/lows, best/worst) Check the website and online grades Let me know when things go “right.” Read with your child. Look for progress reports 4-5 th week.

11. Contact Information lring@kyrene.orglring@kyrene.org (preferred) 480-541-6141 8A Team webpage 8A Language Arts webpage

12. Thank you for attending Curriculum Night! Nine-tenths of education is encouragement. - Anatole France