SEWANHAKA CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

A National District of Excellence

ELMONT FLORAL PARK FRANKLIN SQUARE NEW HYDE PARK

NEW HYDE PARK MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL

500 LEONARD BOULEVARD, NEW HYDE PARK, NY 11040

Ralph P. Ferrie, Ed.D. Richard J. Faccio Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools Principal 516/488-9500

FAX: 516/488-9506

Email:

May, 2016

To English 9 Advanced Students and Parents,

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the students on the completion of another successful academic year. As the English 9 Advanced teacher at New Hyde Park Memorial High School, I am looking forward to teaching this course again next year. I have many exciting and challenging activities planned for you.

As you know, being an advanced student is an honor, but it can also be quite challenging. The English 9 Advanced course is designed and taught as a pre-AP course. As a result, the demands on students in this course can be quite rigorous and the expectations are high, but not beyond their grasp. This class will involve analytical reading and close evaluation of complex works of literature. Students are expected to develop their writing and critical thinking skills, find their own “voice,” participate in classroom discussions, and complete all required assignments on time. Students will be expected to complete reading assignments as scheduled, so they can be active participants in the classroom and share their reactions with the class. In order to adequately prepare for this course, students will be expected to read three summer reading books: The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho, Freedom Writers Diary, by Erin Gruwell and a third book of their choice; Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch, or I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai. Students will be assessed on these works through a written exam given during the first weeks of school. The test will ask students to analyze these works of literature using various literary elements and techniques.

We hope you enjoy a restful and relaxing summer vacation. We are earnestly anticipating your arrival in September.

Sincerely,

Elmont Memorial High School Floral Park Memorial High School

H. Frank Carey High School New Hyde Park Memorial High School Sewanhaka High School