9TH GRADE ENGLISH ORIENTATION NEWSLETTER
August 2014
English 9 Staff
Mrs. Lancaster
plancaster@wsfcs.k12.nc.us
Mrs. Shaw
dshaw@wsfcs.k12.nc.us
Mrs. Swinson
rcswinson@wsfcs.k12.nc.us
Mrs. York
layork@wsfcs.k12.nc.us
East Forsyth High School
2500 West Mountain Street
Kernersville, NC 27284
336-703-6735
MATERIALS NEEDED FOR CLASS
 1 two-inch, loose-leaf notebook
divided into five sections
 blue or black pens
 #2 pencils with erasers
 highlighter
 post-it-notes
 index cards
Welcome to the home of the Fighting Eagles!
For success in English 1, students will need to master several areas of the English 1
curriculum. They will be immersed in an extensive study of literature and writing.
Emphasis will be placed on learning about the major genres of literature and the
necessary terminology to discuss these works knowledgeably. Daily grammar study,
weekly vocabulary instruction, including Greek and Latin root vocabulary work, and
frequent writing assignments will be used. A Common Core Test will be given at the end
of the course as the final exam. It is a timed assessment and contains multiple-choice
questions and constructed written responses.
There are three levels of English 1: Regular, Honors, and Seminar.
ENGLISH 1 (REGULAR and HONORS)
These courses explore the ways that audience, purpose, and context shape oral
communication, written communication, and media and technology. While emphasis is
placed on communication for personal expression, students also engage in meaningful
communication for expressive, expository, argumentative, and literary purposes.
Development of research and presentation skills is also emphasized.
ENGLISH 1 (SEMINAR)
This is a fast paced course that requires students to work independently and in small
groups both inside and outside of the classroom. Students who are highly motivated; able
to multi-task; willing to read outside of class and keep up with a rigorous work load will
do well in this demanding course. Students will be expected to complete projects,
presentations and writing assignments while being prepared for frequent student run
discussions.
Students who are interested in taking A.P. English in the 11th grade are encouraged to take
this course; however, it is not required. Students who take seminar receive the same
credit as Honors English 1 students.
GRADES MATTER!
FIRST TIME to COUNT on TRANSCRIPT
GRADING POLICIES STATED
Class work each quarter will be graded
with the following percentages in mind:
 Tests/projects=45%
 Quizzes=30%
 Classwork/homework=25%
The Common Core Exam will count as
20% of the final course grade.
This is the first year that your grades will
be recorded on an official transcript that
colleges and universities request for
college entrance requirements. It is
imperative that you do your best. Attend
class every day. Absences impede your
academic progress.
Make up any work missed promptly.
Students have two days for each absence to
make up work. Any work not made up
within the time allowed will receive a grade
of ZERO.
EXPECTATIONS: Diligent Effort
Required Daily!
TUTORING is offered each week. See
your teacher for details and times.
You will be expected to be on time every
day, prepared to work. Check anything
other than a positive attitude at the door.
All school policies will be followed and
enforced. Students will be required to do
homework regularly. Outside reading
and writing tasks are assigned frequently.
Assignments will be due on the assigned
date. Late work will not be accepted
unless there are extenuating
circumstances as determined by the
teacher.
ABSENCES!
If you are ill and cannot come to school for
an extended period of time, please call the
guidance department. Your guidance
counselor will have all of your teachers
send your assignments to the guidance
department. Your parent can then pick up
the assignments any time during the
following school day so you will not be so
far behind.
Parental involvement is encouraged
through participation in parent-teacher
conferences, East PTSA membership,
and monitoring your student’s grades
online.
We look forward to helping you succeed!