ENGLISH DEPARTMENT GUIDELINES

DAUPHIN JR HIGH SCHOOL

ENTERPRISE, ALABAMA

ENTERPRISE CITY SCHOOLS

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

Robyn Carr – Rm 10

Megan Driggers – Rm 11

Michaela Cadden – Rm 12

Sabrina Lewis – Rm 13

Brooke Cavanaugh – Rm 14

Dr. Aaron Milner, Principal

Mr. TrentTrawick, Asst Principal

Mrs. Judy Thomas, Guidance Counselor

Goals of This Course:

·  The English curriculum is designed to improve reading, writing, listening, speaking, and thinking skills for students of all abilities. All students are required to earn four credits in English to graduate. Throughout the curriculum students are introduced to a variety of literature, including novels, short stories, plays, poems, and non-fiction. Each year every student must complete a significant research paper incorporating a variety of sources and adhering to the format of the Dauphin Junior High School Research Guide, which is based on the Modern Language Association guidelines. Class discussions and cooperative learning are major components of English classes, and all students are expected to participate fully.

Outcomes:

·  It is the hopes of the English Department that the students will become lifelong appreciators of the arts as well as better communicators in the 21st century.

Assessments:

Each student will be assessed as to his or her skill and understanding of the ideas and information taught in class. These include:

  • Tests
  • Quizzes
  • Homework
  • Projects
  • Notebook

Required Materials:

Each student is responsible for his or her materials that are needed. Not bringing the required materials is unacceptable and will only hurt the student’s grade in that they will not be able to participate.

  • Literature book (provided in class)
  • Notebook w/ Dividers (preferably for English only!)
  • Blue or Black Pen OR Pencil (failure to use blue/black ink or pencil will result in a loss of 5 points from your final score)

Grading Scale:

A 90-100 C 70-79 F 59 or below

B 80-89 D 60-69

Assessment Rules:

  • Assignments are due at the beginning of class. An assignment will be counted late if it is not passed up with the remainder of the students seated on your row. This means 2 seconds late is the same as 2 weeks late.
  • All late homework will receive a maximum grade of 50%. The purpose of homework is to reinforce skills learned in class. We need a good understanding of the objectives you have mastered in order to plan meaningful lessons for you. If you do not complete your homework, we are less likely to determine if you have mastered that lesson’s objective.
  • Unfinished homework will receive a grade of 0%. The homework can & should be completed; a maximum grade of 50% will then be applied. Homework is very important to the student so as to have a better understanding and knowledge of the material covered in class.
  • Students who are absent from class are responsible for finding out about missed assignments
  • Cheating will not be tolerated and will receive a grade of 0% without a chance to make it up. Parents will be contacted in the event of cheating on tests or major project grades.
  • All homework, tests, quizzes, etc… MUST have your full name, class period, date, and name of assignment. Failure to do so will result in a loss of 5 points from your final score. Be responsible!

Super Student

3rd Period

May 22, 2010

Parts of Speech Study Guide

  • All homework, tests, quizzes, etc… must be complete by the 8-week point in the grading period. No chance to make up (except for extenuating circumstances) will be given beyond the 8-week point.

Teacher Philosophy:

  • Learning is an ongoing process in our lives. It is important to continue to work on this process. However, it is also important to have fun while we learn. It is our goal to make English a meaningful subject for you. This is only possible with the cooperation of the students.
  • Our goal is to nurture all students and to guide them to realize their potential as learners by providing enthusiasm, care, empathy, and drive within the classroom. Everyone can learn.

Classroom Behavior:

It is imperative that the students work together with the teacher in a manner that is acceptable to a proper learning environment. Unacceptable behavior will be dealt with immediately.

Rules of the Classroom:

  • Respect everyone & everything
  • Respect yourself
  • Have respect in the work that you produce
  • Allow others to speak without interruption (Raise your hand!)
  • Be on time for class
  • Students must be in dress code to enter the room (this includes proper clothing & proper materials for class)
  • Class time is valuable. You are expected to be working when given class time to do so.
  • No food or drink is allowed in the classroom

Grades Online

All DJHS grades are now posted online through I-Now. This means that each student and his or her parent will know their grade at all times. Also, all missing work can be checked in this way. There are no excuses for not turning work in. All teachers will help students to get work in; however, it is also up to the student to check their progress online.

Attendance

  • Attendance in class is absolutely crucial!
  • If you miss class, or are going to be gone for any reason, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE for getting any make-up work assigned in class
  • If your absence is planned, all work should be handed in on its assigned due date.

Questions You Should NOT Ask!?

  • Do we have to take notes?

o  Of course! Notes are essential for excellent classroom performance. Remember – you should look at them after you write them down

  • Is this important?

o  Everything that is introduced in class is important!

  • Are we doing anything today?

o  You will be provided with a Course Outline that you should keep in your notebook at all times. Each day’s objective & outline will be placed on the board for you to review once you are in class.

Things You Should NEVER Do In Class!

  • Be out of your seat without permission!
  • Demeaning or degrading another class member
  • Use physical violence
  • Put your head down on your desk
  • Homework for another class

Student Responsibilities

Students are expected to take active roles in their learning. As active learners, they must:

  • Complete all assigned work on time
  • Come to class on time & prepared
  • Complete all reading assignments before coming to class
  • Study for quizzes & tests
  • Label papers correctly
  • Seek help from fellow students or the teacher when an absence occurs
  • Show respect for themselves, others, and Dauphin Jr High School
  • Comply with the cell phone policy by making sure they are turned off & in lockers each morning
  • Consume all snacks & drink @ break and do not enter the classroom with them

Reasons for Studying English/Language Arts:

1.  It promotes creativity

2.  Become skilled readers & writers

3.  Become acquainted with a wide variety of literature

4.  Become better communicators in our community, city, country, and world!

Final Note: It is our job to help you pass & do well in this class. We are on your side!