Required items 

►Writing utensil daily

►Please use only black or blue ink or a pencil

►A folder to keep each unit’s papers in

►Most papers given out are to be used several times in class so it is important that these papers not be lost. We will refer to papers throughout the year in preparation for AIMS

►Required that you have your objective and assignment sheet with you every day ( I will provide you with one each week).

►Required that you bring your bellwork with you every day.

 

Goals:   Students will understand and practice key reading and research strategies. Students will value persuasive writing and will create persuasive arguments. Students will practice different forms of writing.

 

Objectives: Students will be able to write multiple essays such as: persuasive, persuasive research, expository, personal narrative, and literary analysis. Students will be able to show examples of literary terms and figurative language. Students will be able to apply grammar rules in their writing. Students will create creative projects to show understanding of material. Students will follow the 5 step writing process. 

 

Classroom Rules: Part of creating and maintaining a positive classroom environment are procedures and rules.

Students will be in their seats and READY to work when the bell rings.

Students will exhibit the six pillars of character while in my classroom (trustworthiness, responsibility, fairness, citizenship, caring, and respect).

Students will keep this classroom clean and organized.

Students will obey all school rules and adhere to all handbook policies while in this classroom including the dress code and cell phone policy.

Students will refrain from drinking, eating, or chewing gum while in this classroom.

 

Consequences for violation of these rules:

        First violation: Verbal warning

        Second violation: After-school detention and documentation to the Dean of Students

        Third violation: Detention, parent phone call, and documentation to the Dean of Students.

        Fourth violation: Detention, referral to Dean

            **Steps can be skipped to match student violation

 

Parent and Student Signatures Required on the Back Side of this Page

 

Grades:           

Your grades will be determined from a combination of quizzes, tests, writing assignments,

bellwork, and other homework. In addition, you will be required to pass a district performance-

based assessment (Persuasive paper). Students will also receive a citizenship grade

which should represent their ability to follow all school and classroom rules. All grades will be

posted on the internet. Your child will receive a password for you to access their grades and

attendance.

 

Percent	Grade	Citizenship
90-100%	1	U=unsatisfactory
80-89%	2	S=satisfactory
70-79%	3	A=above average
60-69%	4
50-59%	5

      

       

Attendance and Make-up Work: 

As per school policy, students will have three school days to make up any work they missed while they were gone. Exception: If the student knew about the assignment before they were absent, it is due the day they come back to school. It is the student’s responsibility to find out from me what they are missing. Regardless of when the student asks about the assignment, it is due within three days of the absence. Homework buddies will be set up during the first week of school to help with absences. Students are expected to clarify any questions with the teacher. 

 

Learning Centers:         

Every Wednesday morning, from 8:30-9:20, there is learning center. Students can always have access to their teachers for academic help during this time (as well as at 7:30-8 a.m. before school and until 3:30 after school). I strongly encourage my students to use this time efficiently. The only time I will accept late work is at a learning center (usually the first learning center after the work is deemed late).

 

Course Requirements: 

Since this is an accelerated class, there will be homework 3-5 nights a week and over breaks and holidays including extensive research assignments, projects, and writing assignments. In this class, we plan to read and analyze novels, plays, short stories, and poetry. Some of the works include Les Miserables, Raisin in the Sun, and Shakespeare’s “Othello.” There will also be bi-monthly SAT vocabulary tests. 

 

To help students improve reading, writing, editing, and critical analysis skills, students will be

exchanging papers for editing purposes, grading quizzes, and working on group projects.

 

I have read and understand the classroom rules and policies for Mrs. McAdams English class.

 

Parent Name______________________________

 

Parent Signature___________________________                 Date____________

 

Student Name_____________________________

 

Student Signature__________________________                  Date____________