EN 09 Freshman English
Dear students, parents, and guardians:
Welcome to the campus of champions and your first year of high school curriculum!
This year is going to be filled with new challenges and experiences. In English, I will give
students opportunities to grow as writers, and I will teach valuable skills to prepare them for
the rest of high school and beyond. To foster this optimal learning environment, I have
procedures, guidelines and high expectations for my students. Please read the following
information carefully, sign and return the second page.
Course Description
Ninth Grade English is a twosemester course focusing on
the writing process and critical
thinking. We will emphasize
composition, which includes:
argument, business letter,
literary analysis, research,
poetry, and expository writing.
Suggested Classroom Materials
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A binder and dividers
Loose-leaf notebook paper
100 page composition book
Blue or black pen
Grading and editing pens
(contrasting colors work best)
 Different colored highlighters
 Pencils and eraser
 MVT Planner
Remind 101
To receive messages via
text, text @mcmurray15 to
81010. You can opt-out of
messages at any time by
replying, 'unsubscribe
@mcmurray15'. Trouble
using 81010? Try texting
@mcmurray15 to (480) 5264345 instead.
We will submit papers
using TurnItIn.com
Enrollment Password:
McMurray
Class IDs
1st hour 10350107
2nd hour 10350117
4th hour 10350123
5th hour 10350129
6th hour 10350138
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Anchor Texts – Odyssey by Homer, Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare, Animal Farm by
Orwell and a non-fiction book study, 4th quarter.
Movies – We may watch clips from different productions of Romeo and Juliet and we
will watch the 1997 made for TV version of The Odyssey which had been edited in
content and time for school viewing purposes.
I use assignment weighing:
50% - Writing: outlines, drafts, and projects
30% - Assessments: quizzes and tests
20% - Practice: classwork and homework assignments
Late work not resulting from an excused absence will receive half credit of the score earned.
Student Name: _________________________________________________ Period: _____
(print neatly, please)
By signing below, you and your parent or guardian are acknowledging that you have read
the Freshman English “Welcome Letter” and are now familiar with Mrs. McMurray’s main
course information.
Student Signature: ________________________________________ Date: ______________
Parent Signature: _________________________________________ Date: ______________
Printed name of parent: ___________________________________________________
Additional Information can be found on Mrs. McMurray’s Website:
http://www.mpsaz.org/mtnview/staff/tablair
Now, please feel free to leave me a note here about you and/or your parent/guardian. Do
you have a seat preference for the student for any reason? What do I need to know right
away to help you or your son or daughter succeed? (Use back if needed.)
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This paper must be turned in by the class period after Open House, or you can deliver it in
person on Tuesday night! Hope to see you there.