All I Want Is an Education, and I Am Afraid of No One. Malala Yousafzai

“All I want is an education, and I am afraid of no one.” –Malala Yousafzai

Dear Students and Parents/Guardians,

Welcome to the 2015-2016 school year. I am very excited to meet all of you and I hope that we make this a very successful school year with higher reading scores and stronger writing abilities. Renee and Meyer Luskin Academy teachers are working together in order to hold the same high expectations for all of our students and we’d like you to review this syllabus so that you are aware of what to expect during the year.

Please note that some of these items may change. If so, you will be notified in writing. I look forward to seeing you all during our school events!

Course Description

As 9th Grade English Support Students, you are expected to meet or exceed the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts. This includes mastery of Argumentative, Informative, and Narrative writing. You will also become adept in evaluating texts, writing citations in MLA format, and you will become stronger writers in order to prepare for assignments in other classes as well as the rest of your high school career (and well into your first year of college). 

Guidelines for Behavior (I expect this on a daily basis):

Always arrive to class on time and be ready to learn and work. (The classroom is where you belong)

Have all of the necessary tools materials for learning.

Give no excuses. Your hard work is your proof.

Strive to be an outstanding member of the school community.

Turn mistakes and failuresinto opportunities for learning and growth.

Actively explore your interests and develop your talents. (Fight boredom)

Grading Scale (any changes will be sent to you in writing):

Materials (Use this checklist):

• Black or blue pen
• Red pen or pencil (for peer editing)
• College-Ruled paper
• 2 inch binder
• Journal/Composition book
• Library Card (Please let me know if you are unable to get one)

Homework may be assigned as one of the following:

• Summaries of Khan Academy Videos and some specific YouTube videos. Summaries are due via email or on paper at the beginning of class.
• Redoing or finishing classwork.
• Reviewing notes and study guides.
• Group Projects that require collaboration.

Assessments and Projects:

• All assessments and projects must be completed by their assigned due date.
• Retakes are not automatically given for poor performance.
• If a student feels he or she should have the opportunity for a retake, he or she must fill out a formal request for teacher consideration.

If a student is absent on the day of an assessment, he or she must notify Ms. Tabaresas soon as possible to make the proper arrangements. Basically, if you know you are going to be absent the day of the test, arrange to take it BEFORE the absence or make alternate arrangements. Please include a parent note explaining that you will need to make alternate arrangements.

If you are absent and you do not contact Ms. Tabares at all, you will receive a score of “0” and will not be given a make-up test. Please show that you are responsible for yourself and communicate all needs with your teachers.

Academic Integrity (This is a BIG one for College Readiness)

• A program will be used to scan written work for plagiarism.
• Please do not copy any writing from the internet.
• All work must be ORIGINAL. Use proper citations and paraphrase in MLA format to avoid plagiarism.
• Cheating and plagiarism will result in an automatic “0,” and the student will not be able to retake or make up the assignment. Administration and parent/guardian will be notified.

Asking for Help:

• Ask your partner or small group first to help clarify what you don’t understand. If no one knows the answer, ask me for help.
• Please get someone’s email or phone number so you can contact him or her for homework help.
• Please talk with Ms. Tabares about any issues regarding your understanding of the material. Your teacher is here to help! Email me at for instant help after school.

Contributing in Class

• Sharing your thoughts is encouraged! If you have an opinion about the readings or the work, please raise your hand and speak with your teacher.
• Please also ask questions during whole group discussions because your classmates might be wondering the same thing.
• Always be respectful. Respect the comments and opinions you hear and create positive responses.

Leaving the Classroom:

Please ask permission before leaving the room. For your safety, I must know where you are at all times while you are in my class.

Office Hours/Study Hall:

I will be available for one hour after school on Mondays and Fridays. If this changes, I will let you know.

Protocol for Students Struggling with the Material:

• It is important for your parents/guardians to know how you are progressing. They will be notified if you need to attend study hall.
• Commit to attending after school study hall.
• Weekly progress reporting will be implemented if you are in danger of failing.
• If no improvement occurs, a conference with an administrator will be arranged.

Parent and Student Commitment To Success

Parents and Students, please sign below to show you have read the syllabus. This is also your commitment to academic success during the 2015-2016 school year.

I have read through the contents of this syllabus. I understand and accept the policies and procedures regarding Ms. Tabares’ 9th Grade English Support class. By signing the line below, I acknowledge that the rules, procedures, expectations, and consequences are clear to me and that I agree to follow these guidelines for the entire school year.

Student Signature: ______Date ______

Parent/Guardian Signature: ______Date ______