📖 I. Course Overview & Philosophy
Welcome to ELA! In this classroom, we focus on inspiring academic excellence and discovery. Together, we will explore diverse voices in literature, master the fundamentals of persuasive and narrative writing, dive deep into grammar, and cultivate a love of thinking deeply. As Mountain Lions, we operate on a foundation of mutual respect, individuality, and experiential learning.
🗺️ II. Year at a Glance
Our curriculum is dynamically mapped to align with North Carolina state standards while emphasizing hands-on, connected exploration.
The Elements of Narrative: “Eleven” by Sandra Cisneros
Short texts and quick-writes to activate prior knowledge and re-introduce academic vocabulary. Includes a standard course of study diagnostic pre-assessment.
Literary Analysis and Short Personal Essay/Narrative. *Includes standards-based pre-assessment.
Characters Who Change & Grow
Short stories and poetry tracing internal and external character evolution as students grow their critical reading eye.
Literary analysis essay focused on "The Medicine Bag."
The Recipe for Success
Informational texts, personal essays, and biographical profiles exploring resilience, self-reflection, and goal-setting patterns.
Informative multimedia presentation.
Extended Novel Study: Lois Lowry's "The Giver"
An in-depth study of Lois Lowry's masterpiece. Students focus intensely on analyzing dystopian conventions, weighing societal safety versus personal freedom, and evaluating shifts in narrative perspective.
Structural literary analysis essay.
Our Changing Oceans
A specialized, standards-aligned research unit examining marine plastic pollution, overfishing patterns, and climate science data arrays.
Data-driven, student-researched digital infographic.
The Forces that Shape Us
Short fiction selection and classic/contemporary poetry exploring systemic identity models, community structures, class dynamics, and explicit author styling/formatting choices.
Comparative literary analysis essay.
The Power of Play
An evidence-based formal argument unit investigating physical, cognitive, and emotional development values of recess models and unstructured active play.
Formal argumentative presentation/essay.
📊 Grade Weighting Categories
📝 Grading Scale Standards
🎒 III. Required Daily Materials
Please bring these tools to class every single day to ensure you are ready for discovery:
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Composition Notebook Exclusively for daily ELA journaling, quick-writes, and structural grammar practice.
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Binder or Notebook For organized personal storage of handouts, drafts, and ongoing written projects.
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Writing Instruments Always arrive with sharpened pencils, black or blue ink pens, and a highlighter.
📋 IV. Grading & Academic Policies
You have 3 calendar days after the due date to submit late assignments. Each day late results in a 10-point deduction. After 3 days, a score of 0% is recorded.
When absent, you have 3 school days (starting on the day you return as Day 1) to submit missed work. It is your active responsibility to check in with Mr. Coggins immediately.
All personal devices (phones, smartwatches, earbuds) must be locked in your school-provided pouch before the school day starts. Unpouched items go straight to the office.
🌲 V. Key Expectations: Outdoor Readiness
Learning at TMCS frequently takes us outdoors into natural environments for reading, writing, and experiential research. Your footwear and clothing must be chosen carefully so you are ready for active learning and long walks.
*Note: Ensure all clothing has appropriate sleeves/straps, covers your torso and backside, and is completely free of offensive graphics or drug/vape-related messages.
🦁 The Mountain Lion Honor Pledge
“I pledge to uphold the principles of The Mountain Community School and respect these principles. As a student of this school I shall be a part of my community, and I shall respect my community in every way I can. I will respect staff and fellow students. I will respect others' property and space. I will be responsible. I will strive to make the right choices, turn in my work on time, and always do my best. I will be honest. I will tell the whole truth, refuse to gossip or spread rumors, and do my own work.”