August 26, 2013
English II Pre AP
Welcome to English II Pre AP. I hope you had a great summer and are ready for the excitement and challenge of another year of high school. Because this is an advanced class, I will expect a level of excellence above that required of a regular’s class. We will be studying a curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking skills and promotes creative, productive thinking. This class is not about more work than a regular’s class; on the contrary, we may cover less material but at a faster pace and more in depth. Quality, not quantity, is definitely a guiding principle of this class.
The following guidelines will help you prepare for success in this class.
1. I expect you to
*Be promptBe in your desk, with materials out, when the bell rings. Be ready to work as soon as the class begins. The school tardy policy will be followed. You need to attend to personal needs before coming to class but be on time. Passes to leave class will only be given for true emergencies, and no hall passes will be given during the first and last ten minutes of each class.
*Be preparedCome to class with all materials necessary. Have your work done on time to the best of your ability. Stay organized.
*Be politeI consider it a simple matter of respect for you to follow all school rules as well as procedures listed for this classroom. Don’t expect me to make exceptions to school rules regarding cell phone, Ipods, and food and drink within the confines of this classroom. Leave the classroom as you found it. Treat others the way you would like to be treated. Listen when it is appropriate and remember that mutual respect is our goal.
*Be positiveFocus on success. Have a positive attitude. Leave any negativity at the door. Earn respect by being a problem-solver rather than adding to a problem.
*Be involvedAlways be actively engaged in class.Listen actively and respond appropriately. Share your views clearly and often. Ask questions when you need to.
*Be honest Lead with values. Set an example and consistently demonstrate a commitment to
integrity; always do what is right whether anyone is going to be aware of your actions or not. Be true to yourself and do your own work.Cheating is both giving and receiving answers, and this will not be tolerated
2. The emphasis of your work should always be on learning and putting forth your best effort.
Although much of the assessment in this class may be subjective, it is the student’s responsibility to reflect maximum learning on all assignments. Grade sheets/rubrics will be given at the onset of an assignment and students will be aware of how an assignment will be graded. Work should reflect excellence in effort, thoroughness, and accuracy. Refuse to settle for second best or mediocrity.
- All work other than essays to be turned in must be done in blue or black ink and have a proper heading and title. This includes any typed assignments as well. All essays/formal writing assignments must be turned in typed: double spaced, 12-point font, Times New Roman, printed on white paper. Problems with computers, printers, or ink cartridges will not be excused as students will always know due dates in advance. The library has computers available for student use. Also, refrain from adding “artwork” to your papers. Turn in work that is neat and take pride in your work; it is an extension of yourself.
- The best defense is a good offense. Only you know if you truly did not understand what was
covered in class and need additional explanation or practice. Just ask and I will be here to help. Also, please let me know if you are aware in advance that you will be missing class; I will expect you to make up the work before your departure. Tests/quizzes or other work to be made up and any tutoring must be scheduled in advance and usually will occur before or after school. Failure to keep two appointments regarding the same work will result in a zero for that work. Please see me immediately upon your return from an absence to make arrangements for make-up work. As stated in the student handbook, you will be given one day for every day you are absent to complete make-up work unless we make other arrangements. If you are absent on the day of a test and have been present for all material presented in class, you will be expected to be ready to take that test on the day you return to school.
5. English department test days are Mondays and Thursdays. These days do not apply to homework,
quizzes, daily assignments, or major project due dates. Assignment calendars will be updated periodically and updated and posted on teacher web page/Blackboard. Assignments and due dates will be posted, and you should develop the habit of consulting this source. Also, your assignment will be on the front board each day for you to consult as you enter the room. Changes may occur in the calendar, so it is important that you pay attention to the assignment board. Because of this system, there is no excuse for your not being aware of assignments and due dates.
- Assignments are due on time. However, any major assignment will be accepted up to three (3)
days late with a penalty of 10% each day it is late. If a student arrives at school on the day an assignment is due, work is expected to be turned in on that day, even if the student has missed his or her English class. Daily assignments will be accepted one day late with a 30% deduction; on the second day, no credit will be given.
- Your grade will be computed according to the following percentages:
60% major assignments (tests, compositions, projects, etc.)
40% daily assignment (timed writings, journals, quizzes, homework compilation grade, etc.)
Students will be notified at the time of assignments to which category they belong. No extra credit will be given unless it is offered to the entire class, and in this honors class that will rarely happen. A re-test will be given for any failing test grade (69 or below). There will be a re-teaching opportunity and a prerequisite assignment prior to your second testing opportunity. You may earn no higher than a 70 on your re-test.
You will be expected to keep a notebook that contains all notes, assignments, quizzes and tests.
- Supplies for this class:
*3 ring binder (1½” – 2” binder is a good size)
*composition book – 100 pages – wide rule
*black or blue and red ink pens (work to be turned in should be done in blue or black unless otherwise stipulated)
*plenty of wide rule loose leaf paper (no paper torn from spirals will be accepted and no college
rule will be accepted)
*#2 pencils with good erasers
*Hi-lighters in colors yellow, pink, orange, green and blue
*Sadlier-Oxford Vocabulary Workshop Level F (available for $12.00 through
Please print and retain your receipt for proof of your purchase.
*a personal copy of the class novels:
Our first novel will beEthan Frome by Edith Wharton. You will need this novel by September 9.
Our second novel for this first semester will be Lord of the Flies by William Golding.
- The technology of Parent Connection is a very useful tool because it allows you and your parents to keep track of your grades daily if you so desire. If your parents are not already signed up on Parent Connection, please have them go to and do so.
I look forward to a great year and hope you do as well.
Mrs. Cheryl FreemanMs. Charlotte Sandoval
Mrs. Janet Spradling
The policy and procedure sheet must be kept at the front of your English notebook during the entire school year. You and a parent or guardian should both sign this sheet acknowledging that you have read and understood these policies. Contact information needs to be completed also.
This page will be turned in to your teacher no later than August 30, 2013.
I have read and understand the policies and procedures listed above.
Student Name (printed) ______
Class Period ______
Student Signature ______Date ______
Parent or Guardian Signature ______Date ______
Mother’s Name ______Daytime Phone Number ______
Email Address: ______
Father’s Name ______Daytime Phone Number ______
Email Address: ______