Syllabi & Policies |
Course Syllabi
Each quarter is a unit of study on the formation and role of identity within a society. Using a "backbone" text that every student must read independently, we will draw on what the students have read in the text to explore themes in shorter texts and articles that we read in the class. Each unit focuses heavily on increasing fluency of reading through independence and clarity of writing through modeling and practice. We will incorporate literature and grammar skills into the routine of reading and writing.
Student work expectations
- Students will read independently as part of their homework
- Students will use evidence from their readings to support original thoughts
- Students will take responsibility for the timeliness of their work
- Students will keep track of their online assignments through Schoology and NoRedInk
- Students will keep track of their grades in PowerSchool
Assignments and Grading
- Grade categories are now weighted in English courses. Please see the course syllabus for specific weighting information.
- For your current overall grade in the course, please check PowerSchool, not Schoology. Schoology only has grades for assignments given through Schoology.
- Assignments submitted after the due date will receive an appropriate grade penalty.
- Always contact me as soon as possible if an emergency arises that interferes with your ability to turn in an assignment. Contacting me before the due date ensures that extensions can be arranged.
Classroom Policies
Leaving the Room
- Students must sign out to leave the room for any reason. If another student has signed out and has not yet returned, sign your name and wait for the previous student to return.
- Only one student may leave the room at a time via the sign-out sheet. Longer absences must be approved by me and an appropriate pass must be received.
- Students using the restroom will not be counted tardy at the beginning bell each class if they set their belongings in their seat before they leave and return within two minutes after the bell rings.
- Students are responsible for checking for online work while absent (Google Class, Gmail). Sending an email while absent ensures that I can send homework before the student returns.
- Students must see me before or after school to discuss missed work or other personal circumstances.
- Students are expected to follow school policies regarding absences when requesting extensions for missed work.
- Students are not allowed to access personal devices, such as phones and smart watches, during class.
- If a student is seen using an unapproved device, the student will have an opportunity to put the device in a designated charging area.
- Students seen using a device a second time or during an assessments will receive formal consequences.
- Plagiarism is an offense that is punishable by the school office. A student who plagiarizes another's work will not receive credit for the assignment and will receive a formal consequence.
- Plagiarism is when a student willfully uses another's work while passing it off as his or her own. This can include someone else's entire work, partial phrasing, and/or original ideas. Students concerned about plagiarism are encouraged to seek tutoring to correct and prevent any plagiarism.
“A man without words is a man without thought.”
-John Steinbeck, East of Eden