Welcome to high school and welcome to 9th Grade Writing Seminar. I am looking forward to having you all in the classroom with me this year. Transitioning into high school can be challenging, but it is my goal to help you learn and grow and achieve academic success.

So...what’s the deal???

Yes, this is a writing course, but writing is all about communicating and interacting with others. This course is going to provide you with the proper tools to communicate effectively. These tools will help you in the classroom, but more importantly in your daily lives as you interact with your family, friends, community, and beyond. And by the end of the year, you WILL become better writers.

What do I need?

• Different colored pens and pencils

• School issued chromebook or personal laptop (please have fully charged before coming to school each day)

• A notebook of your choice (either 3 ring loose-leaf or spiral)

• A Pocket folder for handouts

• Highlighters (at least 2 different colors)

• A positive attitude and a willingness to work through unexpected challenges :)

What are we going to work on?

In this class we will explore many types of writing including (but not limited to) narrative, descriptive, and persuasive. You will learn how to properly conduct research, you will create presentations, and much more. At the end of the year, you will create a portfolio to display the work you are most proud of. With each unit, we will follow the stages the writing process:

1. Generate ideas

2. Plan & Organize

3. Draft

4. Revise & Edit

5. Polish & Publish

“Is This Going to Be Graded…???”

• Your quarterly grades will be based on a total points system. That means that your grade will be calculated by dividing the number of points you earned by the maximum number of possible points. For example, if you earned 235 points out of 260 points, your grade would be 90% (or an A-).

• Any type of writing assignment may be graded, ranging from paragraphs to full essays. There will also be writing checkpoints, grammar quizzes, and 8-Day assignments (Achieve & NewsELA).

• Class participation and preparation count. You will spend a significant amount of time in class working on assignments independently or in small groups and are required to focus on the appropriate tasks each day. You will receive a quarterly grade based on your effort, engagement, and performance.

Honesty is the BEST Policy

All work that is completed for this class is to be original and your own. Outside sources (classmates, friends, family members, Internet sites, etc.) are not to be consulted while completing assignments for this class, unless it is clearly stated as part of the assignment guidelines. Plagiarism will result in a penalty as laid out in the Suffern High School English Department’s Plagiarism Policy.

Some Simple Rules

• Courteous behavior is expected always. Disrespect to anyone will not be tolerated. This includes talking while someone else is speaking.

• Disruptive behavior is unacceptable.

• Using a cell phone or any other electronic device without permission (including headphones/earbuds) is prohibited during our assigned class time.

• Come to class prepared and on time every day. Please be in your assigned seat with your materials ready at the bell.

• If we/you are remote at any point throughout the year, enter our Google Meet with your camera on and your mic muted. Be sure to have all your materials with you.

In Case You Miss...

If you are absent, it is your responsibility to email me at mamodeo@sufferncentral.org and I will help you navigate through the material and work you missed. You must also check Google Classroom for the latest updates. Please note: you may email me if you need help with anything along the way. Please do not hesitate to reach out. I am happy to help! I am also available during unit lunch in the English Office, room 111, on most days, so you may also come and see me then if necessary.