Mrs. Sara Anderson & Mrs. Sarah Webb—Sophomore English
Room 2060
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Welcome to English class...
What To Expect…
Reading: We will be reading a selection of fiction & nonfiction books this year, along with many articles, poems, short stories, and more.
Writing: Regardless of what you want to purse in life, having the ability to communicate effectively in writing is essential. We will practice our writing constantly! Some assignments will be short, one time responses, while formal essays will find you following the steps of the writing process to create polished final drafts.
Grammar: Grammar work will be done on its own as well as alongside writing assignments, with the focus being on using appropriate grammar and mechanics in writing.
Vocabulary: We will study vocabulary related to the things we read, as well as SAT based vocab words based on Latin and Greek vocabulary roots. There will regularly be a vocabulary unit you are responsible for learning, with unit quizzes every other week, and supplemental Membean, an online, personalized vocabulary program.
Supplies Needed:
· Chromebook
· Binder and 3 dividers ( 1. Vocabulary 2. Notes & Handouts 3. Writing)
· Paper
· Pencils and MULTI-COLORED Pens
· Post-it notes for annotating; you can choose to supply your own copy of novels instead an annotate directly in the book instead, if you choose. Titles will be announced as we progress through the year.
Grading
Grades will be calculated on a TOTAL POINTS system. All tests & quizzes will be worth 100 points, projects and essays worth 50-200+ points, while homework and class work activities will be worth varying amounts. Your final grade will be calculated based on the total points you’ve earned divided by the total points possible. Formal essays and large projects will be weighted and count as more than one grade.
Late work is accepted for half credit only a week after the due date; work more than a week late is not accepted. For projects and essays, ten points are deducted for each day it is late; after four days, it is no longer accepted.
When you are ABSENT, YOU are responsible to be the one who gets your missing assignments. There is an ‘absent work’ bulletin board where copies of the things you missed will be placed. It is up to you to check the folder and discuss with us what you missed. If you are absent on the day a major essay or project is due, you MUST email in your assignment. Skipping school to avoid due dates is not tolerated. Similarly, if you have an early dismissal or arrive late on the day a major project is due which causes you to miss my class, you MUST bring the assignment before the end of the school day. Also, if an assignment/test is announced prior to you being absent and is due/scheduled for the day you return, you are still responsible for the due date or test that day.
Extra Credit is not typically offered. Be sure to do your assignments and earn points then, as you will not be given the opportunity to boost your grade otherwise.
Discipline & Rules
We expect you to follow ALL rules in the student handbook; familiarize yourself with them.
The things that are most likely to get you in trouble in my classroom are:
· PLAGARIASIM/CHEATING. You are responsible for doing your own work. Copying someone else’s work or allowing others to copy your work are both unacceptable and will results in zeros. Repeated offenses can lead to automatic failure for the grading period, as stated in the BHS Student Handbook.
· NO CELL PHONES OR DEVICES OUT UNLESS GIVEN EXPLICIT PERMISSION! There will be circumstances when we use them, but unless you have been given explicit permission, expect consequences. THIS IS A NON-NEGOTIABLE! This also applies to chromebooks; if you haven’t been instructed to use it, we don’t want to see it.
· Do not be tardy to class—expect consequences when late! (3 freebies, then consequences)
· Insubordination. If you are upset or have something to say, do it in a calm, respectful manner. We’ll listen. If you are rude, no such luck.
· Treat others how you wish to be treated—both your teachers and your classmates.
· Use appropriate language. Cursing will result in having to donate to the swear jar. If it becomes a constant issue, further consequences will be issued. If it is directed AT someone, expect further consequences immediately. If you wouldn’t say it to the principal, don’t say it in our room.
· Dress code violations—Just like teaching is our job, being a student is yours; just like there are dress rules we have to follow, you, too, need to follow yours as listed in the handbook—luckily, they are much more relaxed than teachers! J DO NOT WEAR HATS IN MY CLASSROOM!
· Sleeping in class. You’ll miss all the fun…and run the risk of us having fun at your expense!
· Earbuds/Listening to music in class. Unless you have been given explicit permission... PUT. THEM. AWAY.
Our policy in dealing with discipline issues is:
1. First offense- Verbal warning
2. Second offense-Verbal warning and talk with teacher after class
3. Third offense- Contact parent and detention
4. Fourth Offense-Contact parents, detention, & office referral
*In extenuating circumstances, discipline may not follow the pattern noted.
Class Information & Communication
We encourage parent communication throughout the year. Please show this letter to your parents, and ask them to EMAIL US to let us know they have read this letter. You will receive 5 points extra credit if we receive an email from your parent! Please have them put your name and class period in the subject line, and include any information they would like us to know.
Mrs. Anderson’s class webpage will be updated DAILY with a summary of what we did in class as well as with links to any notes, handouts, etc—use this to your advantage if you are ever out sick or lose important handouts, etc! YOU are responsible for asking for work when you are absent & for keeping track of your papers; the website is there to help you, so use it!
We will use the ‘Remind’ service that allows us to send text messages to you without us having to exchange numbers. We will not send daily homework reminders, but will use it to remind you of tests or project due dates, or if there is a change in plans due to. Information on registering for the service can be found on my website.
“Education’s purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one.” ~ Malcom Forbes
“A person who won’t read has no advantage over one who can’t read.” ~ Mark Twain