Welcome to G7 ELA! English Language Arts

Reading & Writing

Ms. Melvin

Hometown: Omaha, NebraskaCollege: York College-York, NEDegree: BA in K-8 EducationCertifications: 4-8 Generalist English as a Second Language Teen Leadership

When I’m Not Teaching… Stand Up for Kids street outreach Writing poetry Painting & Photography Traveling Listening to music

Why do I teach

and serve at KIPP? Strong brotherhood among unique personalities. Zest for finding the fun in our activities.

Overall level of respect for school culture.Desire to progress.

I became a teacher because I

have always loved being part of

the school environment and

loved learning

I joined KIPP because I wanted

to be part of a school culture

that focuses on building content

through the lens of character

What I love about KIPP Polaris is

our Team & Family atmosphere

I couldn’t do any other job. I

love teaching. My kids and

colleagues are my extended

family. I love the energy of being

here and I show up every day

hoping to inspire my students to

see the same

What I love about our G7 scholars?

Grading Breakdown

Categories 15% Lifework (typically reading or writing tasks- refer to notes in ELA notebook)

45% Daily Classwork (interactive ELA notes, guided worksheets)

40% Major Assignments (essays, quizzes)

Overview1. Class notes2. Skill-based reading3. Short answer responses4. Developmental writing5. Some practice sheets

24-hour feedback via Engrade: send message, email, or call with questions

Students are encouraged to make up any assignments during lunch/energizer or at home for up to 100%--I want the students to learn the skills, however many tries it takes (tests may change format)

What can you expect from me?

Academic Expectations

Organized G.A.V.E.L. (cleaned quarterly) & updated ELA interactive notebook

Complete agenda (Lifework Mon-Thurs)

Clean and neat work done in pencil

Work submitted on time 100% participation

ALL THE TIME! “Fun to Focus” mentality

Ms. Melvin’s Requests

Listen to your teachers, do your work, and ask questions

GRIT IT OUT! Learning is a process of failing and trying. “I can accept failure; I cannot accept not trying.” –Michael Jordan

Be organized & take ownership Follow Panther Protocol to

avoid the chaos and strive for a positive and productive atmosphere

Course Goals and Overview

Goals

100% of Scholars will

be able to read

rigorous texts and

think critically to make

inferences and analyze

author’s purpose

100% of Scholars will

be able to write in a

variety of genres

Overview SWBAT read rigorous texts and write in all genres (narrative, expository, poetry, and drama) Students will learn Texas reading objectives, basic comprehension skills, and writing traits through reading

What can you do?

Helping your KIPPster succeed

• Motivate your child to read daily! Newspapers, magazines, online articles, and of course books!

• Ask them to analyze WHY things happen the way they do in reading, as well as media

• Encourage students to write as a hobby to express their opinions and share their story

• Help them keep their G.A.V.E.L. & agenda organized

• Contact Ms. Melvin with any questions

• Reading & Writing are tough skills to achieve. Practice makes perfect, so STAY POSITIVE!!!

Please reach out if you have questions

Ms. Melvin, G7 ELA

Email: jmelvin@kipphouston.org

KIPP Cell: (832) 384-6381

Parent Resources: Engrade: www.engrade.com Class Resource Website: mrsmelvin.wix.com