2016-2017 Course Syllabus and Information Sheet
2016-2017 Course Syllabus and Information Sheet
Overview:
English 9H is designed to develop student reading, writing, viewing, listening, and speaking skills using literature of various genres. Most reading for class will happen outside of class time, so that class time may be reserved for discussion, writing, and further analysis. Students in English 9H must take ownership of the course, recognizing that adherence to course procedures and expectations will be required every day of the year. Success in this course will be built on this foundation of student responsibility.
Course Themes and Texts:
Students will explore society and the individual through literature and daily writing. Students will consider diverse perspectives, voices, and cultures within literature. To assist in learning these skills, this course will consist of the following units of study: The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, The Odyssey, Of Mice and Men or To Kill a Mockingbird, short stories, poetry, nonfiction, and other texts, including the ninth grade textbook, The Language of Literature. *texts are subject to change.
NOTE: I can lend a school copy of each work listed above; however, students may find it useful to have a personal copy in order to thoughtfully and actively engage in the reading.
Required Materials:
3 ring binder (1-2 inches)
Loose leaf notebook paper
4 dividers ( Literature Notes, Grammar, Vocabulary, Writing,)
1 folder for graded work
2 different color highlighters
Writing Tools: Blue/black pens and at least one additional color
Post-it notes
Flash Drive (recommended)-can be shared with other subjects
1 Marble notebook
General Policies and Procedures:
Rules are located in the John Champe High School student handbook/agenda, which each student received on the first day of school. Failure to follow these rules/regulations will result in the consequences in the handbook.
Work Routines:
All handwritten assignments must be legible, double spaced and written in blue or black ink. All typed formal assignments need to be double spaced using 12 point font, one inch margins and in Times New Roman font with the appropriate MLA heading.
Attendance Expectations:
Success is highly dependent on student attendance and preparation in class. If a student is absent from class, the student is responsible for all work, including assignments missed, notes needed or homework collected. Students should consult their classes’ crate upon returning to class. Students who miss a quiz or test must make an appointment with the teacher to take the test within one week of their return to class! It is the student’s responsibility to communicate with the teacher for make-up work or alternate deadlines. Students will NOT be able to make up late work missed for unexcused absences. It is also wise to choose a “While You Were Out” partner; please choose wisely and be a reliable partner!
Retakes/Multiple Efforts:
Students can meet with the teacher to discuss retakes/multiple effort opportunities for process activities (applied practice activities, quizzes etc.).The purpose of this is for students to demonstrate an understanding of these skills and activities prior to a larger/extended assignment. In most cases, students will be required to sign up for SHIELD time.
***The student must initiate this process by speaking with the teacher within ONE WEEK of a returned grade that scored a 74% or below. A student will then be asked to fill out a reflection sheet. The grade on the retake will replace the initial grade.
The only larger/extended assignment that students will have an opportunity to rework is a formal writing assignment. In order for the opportunity to be made available, students must have met all process deadlines for the assignment, must complete a self-reflection form, and must conference with the teacher prior to submitting a rewritten paper. It is the students’ responsibility to initiate this process. The grade on the rewrite will replace the initial grade.
Plagiarism and Cheating:
Plagiarism and cheating go against John Champe High School’s honor code and will not be tolerated in any form. All work must reflect you or your group’s own thinking and effort. Anything borrowed from other sources must be referenced and cited correctly. Any instance of plagiarism or cheating will result in an instant zero for the assignment, followed by an office referral. This rule will be taken very seriously.
Contact Information:
I am available via email at . You may also contact me at John Champe High School at 703-722-2680. Students and parents should send me a message directly whenever they have questions or concerns. I will also be available by appointment before and/or after school and/or parent conferences. I am located in Room 2610.
Phoenix/Grading:
Only assignments that count towards the final grade will be listed in Phoenix. Teachers have the option to “hide” non-weighted assignments; however, all teachers will track (either on paper or electronically) student progress on all learning activities.
Weighted assignments will be posted in Phoenix when assigned, not when graded.
Total points will be used for grading assignments. The following categories will be used in Phoenix: Applied Practice, Quizzes and Tests, Writing, Projects and Presentations.
Grades will be given a point value and will be based on the Loudoun County grading scale:
A+ = 98% - 100%C+ = 77% - 79%F = 59% and lower
A = 93% - 97% C = 73% - 76%
A- = 90% - 92%C- = 70% - 72%
B+ = 87% - 89%D+ = 67% - 69%
B = 83% - 86% D = 63% - 66%
Late Work Policy:
Late work is defined as work that is not completed and turned in when it is due. All assignments are expected to be turned in on time no matter the academic level. Please keep in mind that the department honors the LCPS "50 floor."However, each teacher works at his/her discretion to have work submitted regardless. Work assigned, no matter how big or small in terms of points, is considered integral to the overall learning process taking place in that class.
Honors/AP: A 10% reduction will be taken each class period that an assignment is late. Teachers will no longer accept late assignmentsafter one week of the due date.
The same will apply for the first/second half of each quarter; nothing will be accepted late from the interim report to one week prior to the end of the marking period. These dates will be posted in English rooms and announced to all classes.
If there is ever a problem or question with an assignment or due date, see me immediately! Do not wait until the day the assignment is due.
“Printer problems” are not exceptions to the late-work policy. Students should plan ahead, have plenty of paper and ink, not wait until the night before to print, and have an electronic version in case he/she needs to find a school computer to print the assignment. Assignments should not be printed off at the beginning of class; work will be considered late if it not ready for submission at the bell.
Furthermore,
- if a student is in school, but not in class on a day an assignment is due, he/she is still expected to turn in the assignment.
- if a student is attending a school function, he/she is expected to turn in all work before leaving.
- if a student is absent on the day that a major assignment is due, he/she is expected to make contact with the teacher ( by phone or email) to make arrangements for turning in the assignment.
The LCPS English Honors Portfolio
The Commonwealth of Virginia requires that all courses that are weighted have a common assessment to ensure that students meet consistently high standards across schools and classrooms. In Loudoun County Public Schools, Honors-level high school English classes receive a 0.5 GPA weight (on a 4.0 scale), and we meet the state’s requirement through an Honors Portfolio.
Writing Reflection Portfolio
Throughout the year, students will reflect on their progress as a writer and track their strengths and weaknesses on informal and formal writing assignments. For informal assignments, students will be given a folder to keep in the classroom to collect all written work.Turnitin.com may be utilized for self and peer marks as well as a compilation of all formal writing presented to the teacher during the year. Students will strengthen their writer’s voice and craft through reflection: the reflection of their thinking and their writing structure and skills.
The Big Question/Inquiry Research Project and Essay
Each unit introduced in class will revolve around an essential question and/or theme. We will continually be asking ourselves how it all relates to our lives as we read about characters and learn about specific English grammar and literary terms. During third quarter, all honors students will embark on a personal inquiry journey, finding solutions and evidence from an individually chosen “big question”. I will guide students on a focused research approach, and through a well-written and drafted essay they will present their opinions and support to their teacher, classmates, and possibly the community!
ENGLISH 9H
KINZER
We have read and reviewed the English 9 Honors syllabus for 2015-2016:
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Student Name (Print)Student Signature Date
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Parent/Guardian(s) Name(s) Parent/Guardian(s) Signature(s) Date
Parent/Guardian(s) Daytime (9:00AM-4:00PM) Phone Numbers where you prefer to be called:
Name ______(Home, Cell, or Work) ______
Name ______(Home, Cell, or Work) ______
Parent/Guardian(s) Email Addresses:
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Please return this to school by______. Thank you!