Welcome to La Paz
Back to School Night
2015-2016
Mrs. Lynn Alexander
Beukema
• BA English Literature (Cum Laude) from the University of
Colorado, Boulder
• Teaching Credential- California State University, Fullerton
• Masters Degree in Education with an emphasis in Curriculum
and Instruction from Concordia University
• 6 years at La Paz--previously also taught at Los Alisos (honors
program) and Laguna Hills High School
• My husband, John, is also an English teacher (Tesoro High
School/ CUSD)
We are--“The Crew”
Mr. Tate--History/ Mr. Keith--Science/ Mrs. Brooks-Math/ Mrs. Beukema--English
Trimester One
• Elements of a short storyclass notes
• Short Stories
• Academic Vocabulary
• Grammar/Usage
• Composition: Narrative,
• Informational/ Explanatory
writing
• Reading Counts Novels
• Chrome books
• Goggle Classroom
QuickTime™ and a
decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
Trimester Two
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“A Christmas Carol”
Academic Vocabulary
Grammar/Usage
Research skills
Composition: Argument
Novel Unit- The Outsiders
Reading Counts Novels
Chrome books
Google Classroom
Trimester Three
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Poetry
Speech
Academic Vocabulary
Grammar/Usage
Composition: poetry,
creative, and
Informational/
Expository writing
• Reading Counts Novels
• Chrome books
• Google Classroom
Reading Counts! Program
• Students must have RC books with them
every day.
• Please monitor your child’s reading and
sign his/her log regularly.
**Reading Counts! represents 15% of
students’ overall English grade.
• Reading Counts due dates are posted on
my website and should be written in
students’ planners.
Be sure novels are on the
Reading Counts list!
• Reading Counts offers over 65,000 tests.
• The RC link is on the La Paz website and
my web homepage
• Do not rely on the Scholastic website!
Some point values are not correct.
• Books read previously will not qualify.
• Original books must be read.
Where to get RC books
• All books here at the La Paz library are Reading Counts
novels
• The school library is open every day (except Mondays)
from 10:15 to 1:25
• My classroom library is always available (though
limited)
• Public library
• Bookstore/ Amazon / downloaded or e-books
Honors Curriculum
• Honors Novels: Students will read
higher-level novels (one per trimester:
Trimester 1 “Unwind”).
• Writing: Students must also write
additional honors essays of a
challenging nature each trimester
based on the assigned honors novel
(and must maintain a 90% or higher
average on writing assignments).
• Honors Units: Each unit will contain
honors-based component(s).
• Honors tutorials are mandatory and
provide:
A. Extra help and guidance for honors students
B. Opportunity for students to connect and collaborate with
one another
C. Allow for high-level discussions and analytical depth
• Students must maintain their grades and meet all
requirements (Grade Point Average, Reading Counts
Points, Writing, Citizenship, etc.) all three trimesters
in order to be receive an 8th grade honors English
recommendation.
Thanks so much for coming
tonight! :)
We appreciate your time and
support of your child’s education…