Mrs. Ashford
Clovis West
I am fortunate that Clovis West and CUSD are able to provide me with basic supplies for my classroom each year!
However, we are only able to order specific items from our warehouse and often find ourselves needing items that go beyond what we are provided in order to ensure that our classroom functions, stays organized, and meets our learning needs. This includes items like poster paper and organizational bins, or other tools!
Welcome!
Welcome to our English class! This website has been created to help both students and parents stay up to date and informed on what is happening in our course. Please utilize this site as a resource and a place for you to stay knowledgeable about what we're learning, seek resources or find what you missed.
About Our Class
I teach English 9, English 9 Honors, and Film as Literature for 12th grade! These courses build on prior knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, writing and reading and expand our ability to express and articulate your thoughts. The courses will rely heavily on reading, writing, speaking and listening throughout our exploration of literature and comparisons to the world around us. Specific content will rely on state standards for ELA Grade 9. Our mission will be to leave this class being able to effectively communicate through various forms and for varying purposes.
What is the difference between the English 9 and Honors courses?
While some of our units may overlap during parts of the school year, these courses differ in pace and difficulty. Both classes are held to a high standard; however, the Honors course will include regular homework and an strong expectation to complete work individually and on time. We will also cover additional novels and topics throughout the year. I absolutely love teaching both courses!
*If you did not apply for the Honors course for your freshman year, but feel you would be able to handle it and want a challenge, you can still ask for a recommendation for your sophomore year! Unfortunately, you cannot switch into the Honors course at semester.
What is Film as Literature?
Film as Literature students will explore the history of film and build a “film vocabulary” as create a foundation of film elements and knowledge prior to film analysis. Then, students will analyze adaptations of well-known novels and short stories, learn how to “read” a film critically and further discuss the social influence and impact of films. This Common Core aligned course enhances the analytical and critical thinking skills of students and prepares college-bound seniors for the literacy demands of higher education.
About Me
Hello! My name is Leslie Ashford! I didn't always know I wanted to be a teacher. In fact, I graduated from Chico State with a bachelor's in Media Arts and Communication. I've worked in various media jobs from Chico, to Sanger, to LA including radio, production assisting, set decorating, costuming, and graphic and web design.
What I learned thorugh these experiences is that I love working with people and helping them become effective communicators, whether that's through creative media like graphics and videos, speaking, or writing. This is how I approach our English course!
I started teaching English and Multimedia at Sunnyside High School. Then, I spent several years working in the Clovis Unified's District Office in our PR and Communications department developing websites, apps, and design materials.
I have been at Clovis West for 4 years now and love being a Golden Eagle, interracting with students, and sharring something that I'm passionate about!
Fun Facts:
I have two fur babies: a cat named Maeve and a pup named Willow.
My favorite color is green and my favorite food is Pho Tai. I also love the crunch of chips and can't pass up a snack size Butterfinger.
I love going to escape rooms and enjoying early morning walks! Once I did a triathlon.
I do graphic design as my "side hustle" and I am a constant media consumer (TV and Movies). I used to work in LA as a Production Assistant before moving back to Fresno. I still work on local films and plays doing costuming and set decorating.
Wanting a Recommendation?
Some Favorite Novels:
1984 George Orwell
Beartown by Frederick Bachman
Beast of Extraordinary Circumstance by Emmie Long
Crazy Rich Asians (the trilogy!) by Kevin Kwan
Educated by Tara Westover
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Lost Stars by Claudia Gray (Star Wars)
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
Queen's Shadow & Queen's Peril by E.K. Johnson (Star Wars)
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Some Favorite Graphic Novels (comics):
Hawkeye Vol 4 by Matt Fraction
Locke & Key by Joe Hill
Paper Girls by Brian K. Vaughan
Runaways by Rainbow Rowell
Sandman by Neil Gaiman
Silk Comics
Yara Flor Wonder Girl Comics by Joelle Jones
Some Favorite Movies:
21/22 Jumpstreet
Baby Driver
Banshees of Inishiran
Blade Runner 2049
Booksmart
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
Frances Ha
Get Out
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
Hunt for the Wilderpeople
It Follows
James Bond: Skyfall
Killers of the Flower Moon
La La Land
Ladybird
Mad Max: Fury Road
Moonrise Kingdom
Parasite
Perks of Being a Wallflower
Pride & Prejudice
Spiderman: Into / Across the Spiderverse
Solo: A Star Wars Story
Sing Street
The Fall
Thor: Ragnarok
What We Do in the Shaddows
Whiplash
Some Favorite TV Shows:
Adventure Time
Attack on Titan
Avatar the Last Airbender & Legend of Korra
Fringe
Gravity Falls
Jury Duty
Lost
Mythic Quest
Parks & Rec
She-Ra
Smallville
Star Wars: Rebels
Steven Universe
Succession
The OA
The Office