Welcome back!!
I would like to introduce myself to you. I am Mrs. Norris and I will be your English 10 Honors CIS teacher this year. I am very excited to have you as one of my students and I am looking forward to a challenging and productive semester.
I have a wonderful semester planned. We will be covering grammar, American literature, world literature, and writing. We will also incorporate vocabulary and reading skills into our class to help improve our ACT scores and prepare for college.
I have attempted to provide you as much information as possible about our class procedures and assignments in the syllabus. Please keep in mind that adjustments may be required. I will give sufficient notice of any changes.
Grades are available online through STI home. You will need your SSN and pin number to access grades (which may be acquired from the school registrar).
Please take time to review the syllabus. I am asking that you and your parent(s) sign and return this page so I know you have received the syllabus and course requirements.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at school or by email.
Thank you,
Holly Norris
Contact #: 221-3186
Email:
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We have read and understand the guidelines of this class. We are aware of the requirements, procedures, and other information related to this class.
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Student signature Date
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Parent / Guardian signature Date
Mrs. H. Norris Conference Times: Tues. 9:15 – 10:30
English 10 Honors - CIS Thurs. 9:15 – 10:30
Fall 2009
Course Description: In order to better understand and use the English language appropriately, students will be actively involved in the study and practice of writing, reading, speaking, listening, researching, and viewing various areas of the language. Both literature and writing texts assigned to the students will be used, as well as the supplementary texts and selections from world literature.
Textbook and Supplemental Texts:
o Elements of Literature: Fifth Course
o World Literature
o Language Network
o The Scarlet Letter
o The Tragedy of Julius Caesar
o Alabama Moon (Summer Reading book)
Materials: Each student is required to bring all materials with him/her each day to class:
· 3-ring ( 2 to 3 inch) binder
· Notebook dividers
· Loose-leaf paper (wide-ruled ONLY)
· Black/Blue pens and #2 pencils
· One red ink pen
Journals: Students will be assigned journal topics on a regular basis. The class will either begin or end with a journal topic (depending on the day). The students will have an average of 10-15 minutes to complete journals. It must be at least ½ page in length. Each journal topic should be completed in class. If a student is absent, journal topics may be found on the board for each week. Journals will be graded every two weeks or every 10 journals.
Daily Oral Grammar and Silent Sustained Reading: These two activities begin and end the day for the class. These activities exercise the student’s ability to practice mechanics in grammar and increase reading skills.
Weekly Vocabulary: Students will receive vocabulary words on a daily basis and these words will be placed on our work wall. Students will be tested on vocabulary usage every two weeks.
Class Expectations:
1. Abide by the Mobile County Public School System Student Code of Conduct
2. Ask permission to speak in class by raising your hand
3. Respect EVERYONE in the classroom, including yourself.
4. Follow ALL directions the first time
5. ABSOLUTELY NO HEADPHONES, CELL PHONES, PLAYING CARDS, FOOD OR DRINK VISIBLE IN THE CLASSROOM! KEEP IT IN YOUR PURSE OR BACKPACK AT ALL TIMES!
Consequences:
1. Verbal warning
2. 5-Paragraph Essay
3. Student/Teacher conference
4. Parent phone call
5. Detention
6. Referral to office
*Any severe disruptions will result in an immediate referral!
Grading Procedures:
1. Tests: You will have weekly vocabulary tests, bi-weekly literature and/or unit grammar tests.
2. Writing assignments: These assignments count as much as test grades (Narrative, Expository, and Persuasive)
3. EQT (End of the Quarter Tests) grades are 20% of your final grade in this class.
Grading System:
60% Tests, essays, and projects
20% Quizzes
10% Homework
10% Participation
Absences / Make-up Work:
It is your responsibility to complete any and all make-up work if you are absent from this class. You should first check with a responsible classmate for missed work. If your classmates can not help you then see me. For all missed tests, make arrangements with me. This is your responsibility. I will not remind you of missed assignments or tests. Also, if you miss a class when an assignment is due, it is your responsibility to hand in the assignment before the due dat. Absences include parent notes, doctor’s appointments, field trips, or any other time you are out of this class. Unexcused absences are exactly that: inexcusable. Work assigned during a class that you have missed with an unexcused absence will not be accepted.
Additional Class Procedures: A total of 6 restroom passes will be given to the student for the semester (3 per quarter). Please do not use them recklessly. Once you run out, you will not be allowed out of the classroom for any reason unless you have a doctor’s excuse.
Projects/ special assignments: During this semester you will complete a poetry analysis and complete a research paper.