Welcome Scholars
to the Freshman Academy
Tigers' Den
2025-26
"Excellence is an attitude"
English Language Arts 9 | Mr. Antonio Rodriguez | Freshman Academy
[email protected] | Phone: 201.553.4110 ext. 57305
SIGN in to your Google Classroom: CLASS CODES will be posted in the classroom
(See New Policies) Remote Learning Period | Classroom Policies & Expectations
Welcome! Freshmen Tiger scholars... Although it has been a challenging time for all of us during the pandemic, I hope you enjoyed a pleasant and relaxing summer vacation. As we return and begin new classes this September, I'm looking forward to an exciting and rewarding school year. I have "great expectations" of you.
Our Goals for this school year:
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Develop effective analytical reading & writing skills.
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Develop a deeper appreciation for great literature
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Gain critical thinking skills > Question everything
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Think deeply > be creative > think independently
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Develop a confident voice to articulate and clearly express your ideas
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Explore the universal "big idea questions" of human experience and civilization.
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Transcend the present | Explore the past | Imagine the future
Welcome, Tiger scholars, to the Memorial High School Freshman Academy for the 2025-26 school year.
My name is Mr. A. Rodriguez, your 9th-grade English Language Arts teacher. I hope you enjoyed a wonderful and fun-filled summer vacation. Now that we are back to school, I am looking forward to an exciting and rewarding school year. I have "great expectations" of you.
As your English teacher, my main GOALS are that you: (1) grow intellectually and (2) gain the critical skills you need to succeed academically (high school & college) and professionally (career and workforce) as well as (3) develop a deeper appreciation for the richness of great literature, and how it speaks to us today.
In this course, you will learn how to think critically, creatively, and independently. You will develop the confidence to voice or articulate your perspective in other words to effectively express the way you see the world, the beauty and mystery of life, and the awesomeness of nature - the universe. As you read through the great works of literature, you will be inspired and moved by the power of the written word and explore the "big idea questions" of what it means to be human.
Overall, the first and most important lesson to learn in this class is to develop critical thinking skills > to ask QUESTIONS. Question assumptions.
So let's jump into the adventures of classic American, British, and Global literature and participate in the timeless discussion of "great storytelling."
Contact Mr. A. Rodriguez for updated Google Classroom Codes
Teacher Contact Information:
Email: [email protected]
School Phone: 201.553.4110
Extension: 57305
Google Classroom Class Sign-in Codes will be posted in the classroom
(Obtain your class code and log in to Google Classroom)
Mr. Rodriguez's Schedule (all classes in room B305 in Annex B, the Freshman Academy building)
Schedule
2023-2024
Homeroom: Freshmen (room B305)
Period 1: CP English 9 (room B305)
Period 2: English 9 Honors (room B305)
Period 3: CP English 9 (room B305)
Period 4: Prep
Period 5: CP English 9 (room B305)
Period 6: Hall Duty - Annex B 3rd floor
Period 7: Lunch
Period 8: CPT (Common Planning Time - room 301)
Period 9: CP English 9 (room B305)
Tips for Succeeding:
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Check daily Google Classroom for assignment updates. Follow the class calendar and website to stay up-to-date with your reading assignments.
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Participate, ask questions, and share ideas in-class discussion.
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Be open to differing views and be prepared to debate with others who disagree with your interpretations.
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Turn in work ON TIME, Bring materials to class every day (novel, pen/pencil, notebook/binder)
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Minimize absences; be responsible for all make-up work.
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Ask questions when you do not understand; DO NOT live a life of confusion!
- Comply with the school rules.
- Be friendly, show common courtesy, and respect others as you would like to be respected.
** Students must pass English 9, English 10, English 11, and English 12 to graduate (earn a high school diploma).