Bennett High School English 10 Ms. Johnston Course Coversheet and Guidelines Course Outcomes: During the duration of this course, you will gain the knowledge you need to read and understand a variety of materials, write and speak for many purposes, develop your skills in grammar and writing, and recognize literature as a part of the human experience. You will also learn the skills you need to solve problems logically in everyday experiences.
Books: Classroom text book The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Fallen Angels And one of your choice
Materials: Pen and/or pencil (pens are required for essays) Loose-leaf paper Three ring notebook for keeping papers, assignments, and notes Textbook (provided) Planner for keeping track of homework *Make sure that you come prepared to EVERY class with the needed supplies*
Methods of Instruction: Class Discussion and Activities I hate lectures! I prefer to “host” discussions as a whole class, which requires the presence of those in the class to participate. I think that we can learn more from our peers than from a teacher “preaching” at you. Please be a part of these discussions! Reading and Terms Over the course of the year, we will be reading several books as well as several short stories, poems, and essays. Along with all of these works, we will be having writing assignments, quizzes, projects, and many discussions. Writing Assignments/Research Speech Writing assignments will help develop your skills as a writer and a communicator, so we will be practicing writing throughout the year. These assignments will be both in class and out of class assignments.
Vocabulary and Grammar Vocabulary and Grammar help to strengthen your skills both in writing and speaking and will be covered throughout the year along with our literature. It is easiest to practice both of these if they are parallel to the work we are reading in the class.
Attendance/Make-Up Policy/Late Work: If you miss class, it is your responsibility to find out what we did during class. Make sure that you not only complete whatever homework was given, but also the notes that we took or an overview of our discussion. Without the notes and discussion, it will be hard to study for a test. If your absence is excused you have however many days you were gone to make up the work. For example, if you miss school Monday, you get the work Tuesday, it is due Wednesday. If it is not turned in on time you lose points based on the days it is late as well. For example, if you don’t turn in an assignment Monday, Tuesday it drops to only 80% credit, Wednesday it drops to only 70%, and so on. After 2 weeks it is void and you forfeit your ability to make it up (in most cases). Credit given for late assignments will depend on the size and nature of the work. Tests are given once. If you are struggling, come and find me before the test so you can score well by the time the test is given. Finding me after the test will not improve your score.
Tardy: Each time you are tardy it goes onto the attendance sheet. Now I am not some crazy teacher that slams the door right at the bell, if you are nearly there I will give some grace, but once you are tardy 3 times, I will give you a detention and call home. Every tardy after three times will merit another detention. If it is getting excessive I will write a referral and excuse you to the main office.
Grades: According to District Standards which are found on the District website but you should know them by now.
Final Exam: Your finals are given at the end of the semester. They will be cumulative and worth 10% of your final grade.
Contact: Please feel free to contact me at any time with questions, concerns, or comments. I am human and am going to make mistakes that I would like you to call me on so please do! My office number is 303-644-7407. You can e-mail me at shainaj@bsd29j.com. You can also find me in my classroom and if I am not busy I would be happy to help you. I have 3rd hour free but it might be good to let me know if you are coming by so I don’t wander off on you.
Classroom Policies: As the semester progresses, we as a class can/may implement rules or procedures as we see fit, but I do have a few rules that will be non-negotiable from the beginning to the end of class. 1. Be respectful of everyone. This means not talking while others are talking, raising your hand unless otherwise told, insults and “hate” language are not allowed ever, and sexual harassment will not be tolerated. 2. Be on time and prepared. You need to be in the classroom by the time the bell finishes ringing. I will expect you to be on time just as I am, otherwise you are wasting the time of everyone in the room. I will be less strict on this only the first week of school while we all adjust to each other. Being prepared means coming to class having completed the homework, reading, or assignment given. It also means that you need to have all your materials with you. I realize that you are carrying around many textbooks and so I will only require you to carry chapter books and text books are limited to in class use. 3. Bottled Water Only in Class this means I have to be able to tell it is water. If it looks like something else I will ask you to put it away until after class is over. 4. Cell Phones, IPODs, PSPs, MP3s, etc. Due to new district policy, we are not allowed to have ANY electronic devices in class. If I see it I will take it, put your name on it and take it to the office at my next opportunity. You may use them outside the building only! Please don’t make me take them away from you. I will not use mine and you cannot use yours. The policy was sent home to everyone so you can check your mail or the website for details. 5. The classroom is a learning environment so keep it clean. It is not just my space, but it is your space as well, and no one likes to live in a trash pit! If bottles are frequently left in the room I will be happy to take away your water privilege.
Please read through these polices and the syllabus with your parents. Have your parents sign the bottom and return it to me by the following period. Keep the syllabus with you so you can refer to it when you are unsure of something. I will post a copy on the grade book for you as well. Let’s have a great year!!
I have read and understand Ms. Johnston’s syllabus and classroom guidelines. _____________________________________ Student Signature
______________ Date
_____________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature
_______________ Date