Ms. Lauren Gustafson McNeil, M.A. Ed.
Room: D-10, Office Hours: 3rd period & by appointment (925) 461-6600 ext. 5810
Sophomore English
Welcome! I am pleased and honored to be your Sophomore English teacher, and I look forward to working with and getting to know you this year. Please familiarize yourself and your parents/guardians with this syllabus, as well as my website for more information and resources, including our class calendars, handouts, notes, and assignments: http://www.pleasanton.k12.ca.us/fhsweb/gustafson/home.html
I. Course Content
Sophomore English is a challenging and enriching course designed to blend listening, speaking, and writing into a literature-based program that is aligned with the California State English-Language Arts Content Standards. In focusing on world literature, you will study a variety of texts, which may include: novels, drama, non-fiction, poetry, and short stories. Core texts will include The Tragedy of Julius Caesar (First Semester), To Kill a Mockingbird (Second Semester), and the Prentice Hall Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes anthology. Vocabulary, literary terms/devices, grammar, essays, presentations, and Sustained Silent Reading will be integrated throughout the course. Through various individual and group assignments, you will be encouraged to think critically, discuss confidently, and write fluently.
II. Course Grading Policies
An A is 90% and above, a B is 80-89.9%, a C 70-79.9%, a D 60-69.9%, and an F is below 60%. Quarter grades will continue cumulatively after the first and third quarters. I will be using a standards-based, weighted grading system that has been mutually agreed upon by Foothill’s English Department. Grades are based on points earned within the weighted categories according to the standard grading scale. The breakdown of weighted categories by percentage is as follows:
§ Listening, Speaking, and Participation 15%
§ Reading 40%
§ Writing 45%
You are responsible for knowing your current grade - which can be viewed online - and for saving all of your graded and returned work unless otherwise instructed, as questions will be resolved by referring to the returned work.
Please note that the English department requires a satisfactory submission according to assignment standards on all of the major writing assignments for each course in order for you to have met the course requirements, regardless of other points accrued which may total a passing grade. Without these writing assignments, you may fail the course. In order to complete the course requirements, the writing must be made up, even when all of the points possible have been lost due to late work.
III. Course Expectations
School rules and policies (including those regarding attendance and electronic devices) will be enforced. I expect for you to:
1. Be cooperative and productive; follow directions the first time they are given, and stay on task.
2. Be honest, and demonstrate high personal integrity; a grade is meaningless if it has been earned dishonestly, so author your own work. Note: cheating of any kind, including plagiarism, will not be tolerated, and the Foothill Academic Honesty Policy will be enforced; ignorance of the rules is not a justification for plagiarism, so seek help if you need it. Also, please note that typed major writing assignments must be completed in MLA format, printed, and uploaded electronically to turnitin.com.
3. Behave kindly, politely, and compassionately; respect the rights, opinions, feelings, personal space, and property of others.
4. Participate actively, positively, and appropriately in class discussions and activities; daily participation is required through activities, individual/group presentations, class discussions, and collaborative work groups, as sharing questions and ideas is essential for fostering critical thinking and learning and achieving success.
5. Be responsible, and practice self-discipline; proofread work prior to submission, and submit your best work on schedule.
IV. Course Make Up and Late Work Policies
There is no substitute for regular, timely attendance in class. You must be in your seat and ready to work by the time class is scheduled to begin, or else you may be considered tardy; submissions and work missed due to tardies and unexcused absences may not be accepted.
Sometimes what was covered in class cannot be replicated or made up outside of the classroom environment; when you miss class, you miss out on the learning and practicing that is taking place, and the rest of us miss your contributions to the class, so please try to attend class regularly. If you have an excused absence, you have one day per excused absence to make up missed assignments, which you are responsible for determining and obtaining. You are also responsible for making appointments with me on the day that you return from an excused absence to schedule any necessary test/quiz make-ups. Otherwise, late work may not be accepted, with the exception of late essays, which will receive half credit for each day late. Unless otherwise stated, work is due at the beginning of class, and technological excuses for late work are unacceptable. Pre-announced assignments, such as essays and projects, will be due on the exact due date whether or not you are at school (even if you have an excused absence). You may complete work for pre-planned absences – such as field trips, sporting events, and family trips – prior to your absence, or it must be submitted on the day that you return from the absence. Extra credit assignments are not offered.
*Final note: I want you to be successful in this class and believe that you can be! Please help me and yourself by being proactive in your education; do not hesitate to contact me regarding any questions or concerns that you may have throughout the year - seek help if you need it. This class exists to help you grow and improve, so I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity!
Parent/Guardian Information Sheet
I have read Ms. Gustafson’s requirements for Sophomore English and understand the requirements, responsibilities, and expectations set forth. I am aware that I may email, call, or make an appointment with Ms. Gustafson to address any questions or concerns I have regarding her class.
Student Name (print)______
Parent/Guardian Name (print)______
Home Phone Number______
Work Phone Number______
Parent Email Address______
(*Unless specifically noted, email will be my primary method of contact)
Student Email Address______
Student Signature ______
Parent/Guardian Signature ______