• Course Materials:

    Each student is expected to bring any materials requested by the teacher.  The following items should be brought to class everyday:

                -pen (black or blue ink only) or pencil, and a highlighter

                -composition notebook (to be used ONLY for this class) SPIRALS ONLY AS A LAST RESORT, PLEASE!**

                -folder or binder for coursework and handouts

                -novel to be read during Silent Sustained Reading activities and/or SET period

    ** In the first few weeks of school, freshmen will be receiving IPads for classroom use.   They should bring their IPads to class every day as well.

     

    Because English is an on-going learning process, you are expected to keep all of your class notes and assignments until AFTER the course is completed and grade is FINALIZED.  Keep these in your folder as an extra record of assignments and for study use. 

     

     

    In addition to course materials, students may need to access additional novels or reading materials.  If a student is unable to afford their own copy, copies of novels are available at our school library as well as Glendale public libraries.  Many texts are available for free online.

    Classroom Rules/Course Expectations:

    My Golden Rule: Students have a right to learn; teachers have the right to teach.

    If you are violating the rights of others, expect consequences.

    1. Show respect to everyone and everything! Be quiet and attentive when others are speaking. No forms of derogatory terms will be tolerated. I want all students to feel comfortable in my room.
    2. Enjoy food and drinks in designated areas such as the cafeteria, not my classroom.
    3. Be prepared for class everyday with the materials outlined on this syllabus. Homework assignments should already be completed before entering class.
    4. Be in your assigned seat and begin your bell work before the bell rings.
    5. Mature behavior will be displayed in and around the classroom. Please remember that we are in high school now, and preparing to go out into the world as independent and responsible citizens, not perennial hooligans.
    6. Expect to work hard both in class and outside of school hours. This is an advanced class. The expectations are not going to be altered or dropped for you.

    CLASS DOJO-  I will be using the app Class Dojo to help me monitor student behavior.  You will be able to access this information if you would like.  Simply email me for an invitation, and you will be able to see when your child is on-task, participating, talking over others, or playing on their cell phones.  Their behavior score will be listed as their Participation Points in the gradebook.  I often give prizes for receiving the most points J

     

    Technology:

    Because we are becoming a technology rich campus, we are expanding the use of iPads as a learning tool. The iPads will be increasingly integrated into the curriculum to reinforce critical thinking, collaboration, and cognitive engagement. I will designate during which activities students may use the device, and I will articulate how the device should be used appropriately.  If a violation of the stipulated use occurs, consequences will be enforced in accordance with the DVHS Student Handbook.

    Cell phones should not be used during class.  Students are becoming young adults and need to start taking accountability for their use of technology, and use it responsibly.  In the past, I have noticed the more a student spends time on their phone, the lower their grades in my class.  As a general rule, cell phones should never be out when you are engaged in conversation or an activity with others.  It is rude and disrespectful, and you will often find yourself resented by others for your selfishness.

    Students (with PARENT help!) need to take responsibility for cell phone use rather than divert teachers from the curriculum to babysit or monitor electronic use. If your child is misusing technology and it is distracting from the curriculum, it is your prerogative to stop the use.

    Examples of Negative Consequences: (1) Verbal warning, (2) Removal from class, (3) Parent Contact, (4) Seating Change, (5) Referral, (6) Removal by security staff.

     

    Suggestions for Success in High School

     

    • Ask questions if anything in class is unclear or is not understood.  Don’t be afraid, as I guarantee you aren’t the only one wondering.  In my experience, the more inquisitive the student or class, the higher the test scores.
    • Do not become a procrastinator.  Do not wait until the last minute to ask questions or seek help.  Don’t wait until the day before an online project is due to get to a computer.
    • Be organized.  Find a system that works for you and stick to it. Take pride in being clean and orderly.  It’s a mature characteristic.
    • Check your grades on PowerSchools regularly, and ask teachers about any errors.
    • Make friends in each of your classes.  This will help you with projects and activities, and can be a tool for studying and homework help. However, choose carefully, as the people you surround yourself with can influence your life in many ways.
    • Start speaking up.  You will have to participate in class discussions.  You can be shy at home, but at work, put on a brave face!  You often judge yourself more harshly than your peers do.
    • Turn in all assignments and homework – ON TIME.  Keep a digital or physical planner to help you keep track of upcoming due dates.
    • Set appointments with me during SET or after school, if you need additional help. I enjoy helping students, so don’t feel bad for asking
    • Make time for school events—clubs, athletics, activities, etc.  We have something for everyone.  Make these four years memorable.  You only get one shot at them!

    Plagiarism and Cheating:

    Plagiarism: an act or instance of using or closely imitating the language and thoughts of another author without authorization and the representation of that author's work as one's own, as by not crediting the original author.

    In other words, it is using someone else’s written or spoken words without permission and without giving them credit!

     

    Plagiarism and cheating are obviously not allowed. Any form of cheating or plagiarism will result in an immediate zero on the assignment. I will notify the parent, and the student will receive a referral. If a student decides to cheat or plagiarize for a second time, consequences may include suspension or failing the class. A word of advice:  Please do not cheat. As a student you will learn much more when you actually do the work for yourself.  If you do not know what constitutes cheating or plagiarism then please ask, Google it, or visit the following website:  http://www.plagiarism.org/  This website educates you, the student, on plagiarism and how to avoid it with proper documentation.   I will teach this to you in class during the very beginning of the year, but it is YOUR job to learn the techniques and implement them.

                Note: Every year I find students plagiarizing! Some parents can’t believe it! What commonly happens is a student decides not to write his or her own work, and finds something online that is similar to the assignment.  Then he or she copies and pastes some of it or all of it into a document and puts his/her name on top, claiming that it is his or her own and turns it in. They do not use quotes or cite sources.  Plagiarism is very difficult to get away with this these days.  Please understand that this is CHEATING.  In high school, you will get a zero. In college, you will get kicked out.  In the “real world”, you will be sued or worse.  Students will be submitting their work to turnitin.com, a plagiarism checker, or will have their work run through the plagiarism checker on Canvas.

     

    SET Time:

    Student Enrichment Time (SET) will take place in your second hour class on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  SET time can be utilized for making up tests, completing assignments, or getting help on class work.   Students must get a SET pass from another teacher prior to the start of first hour on SET days. (You can get it in class the day before.) Do not ask me if you can go get a SET pass from your teachers during second hour or SET.  When you go to a class for SET, you remain in that class for the entire SET period unless you have a pass to another teacher.   If the student does not have any tests to make up, they will study, do homework, or read silently (so bring a book!).


    Grading Scale

     

    A             90-100%

    B             80-89%

    C             70-79%

    D             60-69%

    F              0-59%

     

    Grade Categories and Weights:

     

    • Reading 30%
    • Writing 30%
    • Speaking and Listening 20%
    • Language/Grammar 20%

     

     

    Final course grades are computed as 80% equaling the coursework done throughout the semester and 20% equaling the final exam portion of the grade.

    Assignments/Homework:

    Homework will be assigned regularly, so expect to have it rather than expecting to have a free night.  Remember, this is an advanced course and it earns you an extra GPA point!  Homework is due at the BEGINNING of the class period. 

    1. Any assignment, test or quiz with no name indicated will be immediately discarded. To ensure credit on your assignments, please remember to include a full heading on them! It should include your name, the date, and your class period.
    2. Check my school website and Canvas for assignments and due dates.
    3. Assignments must be completed in pencil, blue or black ink or typed (when required). Assignments written in marker, highlighter or any other ink color will be returned to be redone and resubmitted for scoring.
    4. Sloppy, illegible assignments will be returned to be typed and then resubmitted for scoring.
    5. I want to reiterate that long-term projects and assignments will NOT be accepted late, except with an authorized doctor’s note from a hospital. These projects gave students over 10 days (and often over a month) to complete and turn in their work, and there is no acceptable reason for it to be late. If students will not be on campus, they should email their work or have guardians drop off their work at the front office. These often projects often have the highest point-value, so be responsible.

    6.. Hard Copies of Formal Writing Projects are due at the beginning of class.  There is a printer at the school library for your use.  I cannot print your projects for you.  You must be responsible for planning ahead and coming prepared.  If it is not turned in at the beginning of class, it is LATE (and typically these are long-term assignments, so late work will not be accepted!)

    1. Students must submit their Formal Writing Projects to turnitin.com by 11:59pm on the due date.
    2. Group Projects- Group work is expected in most workplaces these days. You will have to get along with your peers, overcome differences, and work together to create a great product regardless of your personal feelings.  Although group projects do not happen often, it is expected that you make time to complete them. You will always be given plenty of time, but don’t waste it by procrastinating these projects or re-scheduling.  It is extremely disrespectful to your peers, who want to get the project done.  Don’t make the group turn on you and request that I move you into a group by yourself.  You’ll be expected to do the same amount of work!  Be accountable, and be respectful to your groupmates!
    3. Vocabulary- Students will be working with the Sadlier’s Vocabulary Workshop Level D throughout the year. Every 2 weeks they will receive a new unit with 20 words that they are responsible for learning. Within the two weeks, they must complete a Vocabulary List with definitions and examples and the Practice Quiz (on Canvas).  Students will take an in-class Vocabulary Quiz at the conclusion of the two week period.
    4. If you want to re-do an assignment, re-write an essay, or re-take a quiz or test, make an appointment with me to discuss what options are available.

    Late Work

    Late work is strictly discouraged.  All late assignments are subject to a deduction of points of at least 25% (the later it is, the more points are lost).  Assignments that are later than one week after the close of the current unit will not be accepted unless the student was chronically absent and has proper documentation.  If students are encountering problems submitting their work on Canvas, they should immediately email their work to the teacher so it is still on time AND students need to provide evidence (such as a screenshot) of the problem with the error code.  Students should still submit the assignment to Canvas as soon as possible, and seek help the next day if necessary.

    Trouble-shooting: Try using the Canvas website (dvusd.instructure.com) instead of the app. Ensure that the file type is correct (use PDFs not Pages).

    • Long-Term Projects
      • Long-term projects per DVUSD policy are assignments that students have two weeks or longer to complete. The English Department will not accept any long-term projects late.  If a student is absent on the due date, he or she must submit the work digitally to the teacher, or have a parent or guardian drop the work off in the front office to be put in the teacher’s mailbox with a time stamp.

     

    Attendance:

    Attendance is a key to succeeding as a student. Students not attending class will significantly limit their opportunities to obtaining a passing grade. It is expected that students are in the classroom, seated, when the final bell rings, or they will be immediately sent to Sweep. 

    Parents must excuse an absence within 24 hours by contacting the attendance office. If students have an unexcused absence, they will not receive any credit for work due on or completed in class that day. A  Sweep does not constitute an absence and may not be excused by parents. Any accumulation of absences may result in attendance contracts or loss of credit for the course. Refer to the student handbook for specific details. Any tardy students, who are required to go to Sweep, must bring the due assignments to me before the end of the school day.