English 8 Honors Syllabus
Class Expectations
1. Be in seat when tardy bell rings.2. Do not use electronic devices in class without teacher permission.
3. Use restroom during passing breaks.
4. Maintain a clean and orderly work area.
5. Bring all of your supplies to class daily.
6. Complete all of your work and turn it in on time.
7. All school rules and policies shall be observed within the classroom.
8. ALWAYS GIVE YOUR BEST EFFORT! / Course Description
Welcome to English! Our focus this school year will be learning and developing our skills as critical thinkers, readers, writers, speakers, and listeners. The development and mastery of these important literacy skills not only is important to achieving success in the English classroom, it is a critical component of achieving success in other school subjects, building strong relationships with others, preparing for High School and attaining a flourishing career as an adult. Basically, the quality of life you experience now thorough adulthood will depend a lot on how well you read, write, and communicate with others. / Progress Reports
Class progress reports will be sent home every Monday electronically via e-mail and in paper form every three weeks.
You will be required to access your Aeries account.
Absence Protocol
Any class work, quizzes, or assigned homework that was due on a day when a student was absent must be made up and turned in within two days of the student’s return to school. Anything beyond that time frame is considered late. Please check the class “ABSENT WORK” folder for a list of work completed / assigned and handouts.
Positive Rewards for Following Rules
Your appropriate behavior in class assures everyone of an environment conducive to learning. Some possible rewards for continuous appropriate behavior are: intrinsic value (satisfaction of learning), improved skills, verbal praise, positive note to parents, tangible trinkets, and special class activities. /
Grade Scale
A+ =100% A=94% -99%A- =90%-93% B+=87%-89%
B =84%-86% B- =80%-83%
C+ =77%-79% C =74%-76%
C- =70%-73% D =64%-69%
F =0%-63%
Grade Breakdown
Performance Tasks: 50%Classwork: 30%
Homework: 10%
Accelerated Reader: 10%
/ Late Work
Late work will be due by the end of the triad (every 6 weeks). A late pass will be required, found online or in classroom, for each assignment. After 3 late assignments, you may receive a phone call home. Late work does take a deduction of points. No late work will be accepted beyond the last day of the triad.
Consequences for Breaking Rules
1. Warning: the teacher provides a verbal warning.
2. Time Out: visit another teacher to review the expectation and reflect on behavior.
3. Lunch Detention: short time spent during lunch to contemplate conduct and review the expectations.
4. Phone Call Home: Parent will be contacted.
5. Referral to Administration: referred to administration for severe or continuing behavior problems.
About Ms. Ciampa
I am a National University graduate with a psychology degree. I earned my teaching credential from CSU San Marcos and my masters in educational leadership from Chapman University. This is my 10th year teaching, and I have taught both middle and high school. I also have experience serving as the administrator.
I have a teenage daughter just entering into high school. Traveling and working out are things I enjoy outside of teaching. I appreciate the smaller things that life brings.
/ Independent Reading
All students will be expected to complete their Accelerated Reader goal. Each triad they are given a new point goal to reach, and can take quizzes in the classroom before or after school or during the designated times in class.
Performance Tasks
Students will work on classwork that leads them to independently complete a “Performance Task.” These are a major portion of their grade. These are assessments, and can only be made up during tutoring hours with a teacher.
Weekly Homework
You will have weekly grammar worksheets EVERY week. These are handed out on Monday, and due on Friday. You will be required to use your Cornell Notes, a dictionary, and possibly a thesaurus as well.
Honors Reading
Honors students are required to complete weekly reading logs on their AR reading. In addition, there will be a book report each triad.
/ Notebooks
Organization is the key to success in the classroom. A 2” binder is required, with a tab designated for this class only. You may have more if you wish. You must complete all assignments for the triad, notes, and your planner with you for class. Bring extra paper every day!
Lost Handouts
Should you lose a handout: I keep minimal extras in the classroom, or you can always print from the library. I keep the extra handouts on my webpage.
Supplies
· Binder/folder· Paper
· Multiple pencils
· One chunky eraser
· Variety of Highlighters
· One pair of scissors
· Glue Stick
· Post-it Notes