home

=9 Foundations- Fall 2010=

Welcome to the website for the 9 Foundations course. As the students move through the different units, each page will be updated with information and what students are expected to complete for the unit. Please check the "Assignments" page daily, as we will try to update it on a daily basis. Please note that because this is not always possible, your child needs to be responsible and be sure the get the daily assignments that are posted on the board. Also, please be sure to check the "Test" page frequently as major test will be posted in advance.

Miss Zansitis

 * Phone: 610.759.1730 ext 2350
 * Email: kzansitis@nazarethasd.org

Course Information:** 9th Grade English Foundations **
**__Course Description __****: **

Welcome to 9th grade English! Your first year of high school marks a journey filled with transitions, changes, and discovering your own identity, so you will be exploring and analyzing pieces of literature that connect to the central theme of “coming of age”. 9th Grade Foundations is a one-semester course that is designed to prepare you for your Spring semester in 9th Grade English. This foundations course has been designed to give you the tools, practice, and resources that will lead you down the path of success in English this year. This is a co-taught course, therefore there will be two teachers in the classroom. In addition to myself, there will be a Special Education teacher present as well. Both teachers should be viewed as equal in the classroom. All materials and activities have been selected and created to help you improve in struggling and uncomfortable areas, as well as practice in familiar areas. We will address different learning styles and needs throughout the entire semester . In order for you and your peers to get the most out of our time together, I have outlined my course guidelines and requirements. Expectations are <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Century','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">also outlined so you are clear of what I expect from you this semester. Our goal is to <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Century','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">have a successful, exciting, and adventurous semester together!

<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The following units will be covered in great detail this semester:
 * <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Short Stories (focus on literary elements and reading comprehension)
 * <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Poetry (exploring a variety of different poems and techniques)
 * <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">// The Secret Life of Bees // Sue Monk Kidd
 * <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Independent Novel (student will select from an approved list)
 * <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">// Monster // Walter Dean Myers
 * <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Romeo and Juliet (drama- graphic novel)
 * <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Vocabulary development
 * <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Grammar concepts

**__<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Century Schoolbook','serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Course Expectations __****<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Century Schoolbook','serif'; font-size: 12pt;">: **

<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;">Curriculum Matrix. (See district website.)
 * <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Apply Pennsylvania State Standards as specified in the English 9
 * <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Discuss assigned literature selections.
 * <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Practice analytical and interpretation skills verbally and in writing.
 * <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Improve writing skills through informal and formal assignments.
 * <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Exploring and selecting independent literature.
 * <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Increase vocabulary skills by completing weekly workbook exercises.
 * <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Plan individual and group projects and present the results.

**__<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Century Schoolbook','serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Teacher Contact Information __****<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Century Schoolbook','serif'; font-size: 12pt;">: ** ¨ Instructor..........................................Ms. Kate Zansitis ¨ Room..................................................room 350 ¨ Phone.................................................(610) 759-1730 ext. 2350   ¨ Email..................................................kzansitis@nazarethasd.org

**__<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Century Schoolbook','serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Required Materials __****<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Century Schoolbook','serif'; font-size: 12pt;">: ** // Hall Literature Book Gold Level //. This book will be covered at all times. · You will also be given a Sadlier-Oxford Vocabulary Level C Textbook. <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;">Throughout the semester, you will also be given a copy of the novel that <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;">we are reading at that time. <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">should be divided into the following sections: Vocabulary, Grammar, <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">Short Stories, Poetry, Novels, Journal Entries. Your binder will be with <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">you EVERYDAY. You should have blank white-lined notebook paper in <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">the notes section. If you fail to bring your binder to class, you are not prepared <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">for class. <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">supplies (paper, pen, pencil, and highlighter) to class each day.
 * Required text. The required text for this course will be the //Prentice//
 * <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Binder. You will be required to have a three ring binder. Your binder
 * <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">3x5 index cards
 * <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">External saving device (USB Flash Drive)
 * <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">You will have the assigned book we are reading, your binder, and enough

**__<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Century Schoolbook','serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Pennsylvania Academic Standards __****<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Century Schoolbook','serif'; font-size: 12pt;">: ** **<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Century Schoolbook','serif'; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">1.1 Reading Independently ** **<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Century Schoolbook','serif'; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">1.2 Reading, Analyzing, and Interpreting Text ** **<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Century Schoolbook','serif'; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">1.3 Reading, Analyzing and Interpreting Literature –Fiction/Non-fiction ** **<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Century Schoolbook','serif'; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">1.4 Types of Writing ** **<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Century Schoolbook','serif'; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">1.5 Quality of Writing ** **<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Century Schoolbook','serif'; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">1.6 Speaking and Listening ** **<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Century Schoolbook','serif'; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">1.7 Characteristics and Functions of the English Language ** **<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Century Schoolbook','serif'; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">1.8 Research ** **<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Century Schoolbook','serif'; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">1.9 Information, Communication and Technology Literacy **

**__<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Century Schoolbook','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 75%;">Grading & Assessment Policies: __** <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;">There are many different types of assessments embedded into the 9th grade <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;">English curriculum. You will be graded on a point system, meaning each <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;">assignment will have a certain amount of points. Many of the assignments <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;">will vary in points, depending on the amount of difficulty and time required <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;">to succeed with that assignment. Below is a breakdown of the types of <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;">graded assignments you will have: · ** Homework **. Homework is extremely important and necessary in order to  <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in;">be successful in this course. A majority of your homework assignments will <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in;">be reading and/or reflecting. It will be your responsibility to keep track of <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in;">your homework assignments. I will try to give a certain amount of class <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in;">time to get started on your homework, but some days this will not be <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in;">possible. Most graded assignments will be worth 5-10 points. Assignments <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in;">must be fully completed in order to receive credit. No partial credit will be <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in;">awarded! · ** Quizzes/Tests ** : You will be given periodic reading quizzes. These <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in;">quizzes will either be announced or unannounced, so please be <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in;">prepared! Tests will always be announced and will be given after the <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in;">completion of a novel or a unit. <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; tabstops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">·

** idterm and Final Exams **. Your midterm exam will be announced and will <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in;">cover all material from the beginning of the semester until the midterm <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in;">point. Your final exam will cover all material from the midterm point to the <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in;">end of the course. These exams will be worth more points than a regular <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in;">unit test due to the fact that they cover a large amount of material. · ** Writing **. You will be assigned essays on the literature we are reading. Each <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in;">essay will be graded using a rubric that was developed for each particular <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in;">assignment. I expect each essay to be typed using MLA style. It must be in <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in;">a standard 12 point font (Times New Roman), be double-spaced, and have <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in;">appropriate margins.

**__ Classroom & Attendance Policies __** <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">third late to class (school policy). <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;">exclusion of homework) will be accepted. All major assignments will have <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;">a 10 point deduction for every day late. Minor assignments will have a 5 point <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;">deduction for every day late. <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">before or after each class! You will have 2 days to turn in any missed work, <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">and after that it becomes a zero. <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">completed when it is due, you will arrange a time with the teacher when you <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">can make it up (before or after school). <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">This includes suspicion of cell phone activity, texting, visibility, etc. Phone will <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">be taken to the main office at the end of class to ensure security and that the <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">school policy is followed. <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">I will try to give a break in the middle of the block after the completion of the <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">lesson or activity. *Please notify the teacher at the beginning of the semester <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">if there is an individual health concern with this policy.
 * <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Students should be on time to class. There will be a detention issued after the
 * <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Students should bring all materials to class on a daily basis.
 * <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Students should turn in all work the day it is due. Late work (with the
 * <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">If a student is absent, it is his/her responsibility to ask for make-up work
 * <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">You are still responsible for missing work. If you do not have an assignment
 * <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Any cell phone activity will result in immediate confiscation and detention.
 * <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Century Schoolbook; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tabstops: list .5in;">Restroom breaks will be granted within the first and last few minutes of class.