Welcome to G7 ELA ! English Language Arts Reading & Writing

1. Welcome to G7 ELA! English Language Arts Reading & Writing Ms. Melvin Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska College: York College-York, NE Degree: BA in K-8 Education Certifications: 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

2. What I love about our G7 scholars? • Strong brotherhood among unique personalities. • Zest for finding the fun in our activities. • Overall level of respect for school culture. • Desire to progress. Why do I teach and serve at KIPP? I became a teacher because I have always loved being part of the school environmentand 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

3. Grading Breakdown Categories Overview Class notes Skill-based reading Short answer responses Developmental writing Some practice sheets 24-hourfeedback 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) • 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)

4. What can you expect from me? Academic Expectations Ms. Melvin’sRequests 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 • 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

5. Course Goals and 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 Goals Overview • 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

6. 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!!!

7. 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