English 9 Ms. Nate

Niles High School

2016-2017

Room 35

Phone: (269) 683-2894 Ext. 11060

E-mail:

TEXT

The Language of Literature (McDougal Littell)

In addition to various short stories, poems, plays, articles, novels, and other types of reading materials in our textbook, we will be reading and using (but not limited to):

Animal Farm by George Orwell

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

The Odyssey by Homer

Apparitions Jamestown Publishers

Phenomena Jamestown Publishers

The Sourcebook Great Source

Write Source Great Source

Vocabulary for Achievement Great Source

The Reader's Handbook Great Source

As students prepare for a myriad of tests-SAT/ACT/MME, etc., the importance of continued reading, writing, and critical thinking become tantamount. We focus on advanced vocabulary (from the SAT/ACT). Finally, we utilize sample SAT/ACT tests, MME prep materials, reading comprehension strategies, and direct grammatical instruction. We will be focusing on Collins' Writing as well as expository/persuasive writing techniques targeted towards the writing portion of the SAT.

If you would like more information on any of these books, or stories, you can contact me, and I will be glad to give you information, or you can go online to (which is the American Library Association’s official website). If you are interested in reading any of these books, you can check them out at the local library, or, if we have any extra books available, you can check them out from our school.

GRADING

Grading will occur on a variety of assignments including, but not limited to, writing, discussion responses, public speaking, group work, outside reading, tests, quizzes, presentations, and participation.

Scores will be recorded into my computer/grade book, and most homework assignments and in-class work will then be returned to you. All major writing assignments and major tests will be given back to you at the end of the term.

GRADING SCALE

100-93A 89-87 B+ 79-77 C+ 69-67 D+ 59…..F

92-90 A-86-83 B76-73 C66-63 D

82-80 B-72-70 C-62-60 D-

ASSIGNMENTS

  • All assignments are due at the beginning of the period (when the tardy bell rings).
  • For final drafts, write only on one side of the paper, use one-inch margins, and always double space unless instructed otherwise.
  • Write legibly. Typing is preferred.
  • Correct heading is required on every assignment in the upper right-hand corner, as follows:

NAME

DATE

PERIOD

ASSIGNMENT NAME

Failure to follow these guidelines will result in a lowered grade.

Essays and other large assignments or projects will be due on time (at the beginning of the period) whether you are present or not. You must make arrangements to get the assignment to me when it is due.

FAILURE TO TURN IN ASSIGNMENTS ON TIME WILL RESULT IN A ZERO

(Hint: Don’t wait until the last minute to complete your essay or project!) Refer to your planner where you should be denoting all assignments for activities, assignments, and due dates. Call a trustworthy classmate if you are absent and/or have misplaced your planner.

If you have further questions or concerns, make an appointment to see me before or after school, or leave me a voice mail or e-mail message, and I will return it as soon as possible.

MAKEUP WORK

For regular daily assignments (other than projects and essays), you have as many days to make up the work as you have been “excused” for your absence.

REMEMBER: I will not pursue you about your missed work; you must check the calendar, check with me, check with your fellow students, and get any notes or explanations from a trusted classmate.

For assignments that cannot go home, you may make them up in room 35 with me after school. Let me know in advance when you will be coming and what you will need.

It is your responsibility to find out what you have missed by consulting a classmate, checking the posted assignment calendar, and checking the makeup work folder for your block posted in the back of the room. Students excused for school-sponsored activities will be expected to complete work before the absence for the activity. NOTE TO ALL INVOLVED IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: Your schedule is especially demanding, but missed assignments or late work will not be excused. Be responsible. Plan ahead.

LATE WORK POLICY

  • Daily assignments-No credit given (unless excused absence, then due on time according to absence policy)
  • Essays-go down one letter grade per day. No credit after three days.
  • All other assignments-go down one letter grade per day. No credit given after three days.

RULES

  • Be on time! You must be in your seat and ready to work when the bell rings.
  • Be prepared! Bring daily-required materials to class every day.
  • Be respectful! Show respect to everyone and everything! No put-downs!
  • Don’t talk when the teacher is talking.
  • The teacher dismisses the class, not the bell!
  • Follow class norms that we create together.
  • Each student is allowed two bathroom passes each nine week term. Ask at an appropriate time.

SUPPLIES

  • Three-ring binder
  • White, college-ruled binder paper
  • Blue or black ink pens
  • Any books assigned
  • A quarter book/novel
  • Your daily planner
  • Notebook

DISCIPLINE POLICY FOR RULE VIOLATION

1st Offense:Verbal warning

2nd Offense:Teacher/student conference

3rd Offense:Phone call home

4th Offense:Referral

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Please return to Ms. Nate by ______.

I have read and understand the guidelines and procedures for Ms. Nate’s English class and have shared them with my parents.

Student’s name: ______Period: ______

Student’s signature: ______

Parent’s signature: ______

Thank you! I look forward to working with you and your child this term!