Class: English 7-8                                                         Phone: 623-435-6300 (ex 6419)      Teacher: Haugan                                                  E-mail: Click Contact Me

Room: 109

English 7-8 Syllabus

Welcome back to school!  In this syllabus, I have outlined important policies and procedures for this class, as well as academic outcomes for the first semester of senior year English.  You will receive an updated syllabus for the second semester after Winter Break.

Attendance and tardies: School policy applies for attendance and tardies.  To be considered on time to this class, the student must be in his or her seat, started on the Bell Work, and working silently.  Students who so not follow this policy will be sent to SWEEPS.  Students have 48 hours to make up work when they are absent.

Materials: Each student must maintain an English notebook or a section in a large three ring binder, which is organized with plenty of notebook paper, as well as two sharpened pencils and two pens.  Those in need may obtain supplies from the teacher.

English notebook organization: Organization will be vital to the success of each student.  The sections of the English notebook will be divided as follows:

Section 1: Bell Work/notes – This section should contain an excess of loose-leaf paper to complete the daily Bell Work and take notes.  Multiple Bell Work entries and notes may be on one page and any printed notes given by the teacher should be three-hole punched and placed in this section.

Section 2: Reading assignments – In this section, all notes pertaining to reading assignments as well as journaling will be kept.

Section 3: Writing assignments – In this section, all prewriting, drafting and other handouts related to writing assignments will be kept.

Section 4: Grammar/Vocabulary – This section will be used for grammar and vocabulary practice, notes, homework and worksheets.

Rules and consequences: The classroom rules and consequences are aligned with school and district policy.  Consult the handbook for further details.  In addition, respectful speech and actions will be strictly adhered to, as well being prepared and on time for class.  Electronic devices must be silenced and out of sight as soon as the student enters the classroom.

Homework: Since practice is vital to a student’s success in this class, as well as all other subjects, homework will be assigned on a daily and/or weekly basis.  Rarely will any assignment exceed 15 minutes nightly and much can be completed in class.  Late homework will be accepted before the end of each quarter for half credit.  Portfolio assignments, projects and papers will lose one letter grade for each day they are late.  Students and parents should be aware that points given for homework assignments are critical to the students’ passing of this class.

Office hours: I am available before school (7:30am to 7:55am) and during first lunch (11:05am-11: 35am).  Please make an appointment to se me after school.  I am also available during learning center on Wednesday morning, from 8:30am to 9:20am, and all students are encouraged to attend regardless of their status in my class.  When multiple learning centers are assigned on a particular Wednesday, it is the student’s responsibility to arrange another time to meet with me.

First Semester Outcomes (8/11/08 – 12/18/08)

Research Paper

Expository Essay

Persuasive Essay

Literary Analysis

Reciprocal Reading Strategies

Review of Language Conventions

Vocabulary Building 

According to federal, state and district policy, these outcomes must be passed for the student to GRADUATE.  The literary analysis essay is a district performance assessment and, therefore, will be worth 20% of the second semester grade.

Grading policy

1 (A) – 90-100%

2 (B) – 80-89%

3 (C) – 70-79%

4 (D) – 60-69%

5 (F) – 59% and below

First semester (cumulative grade)                      Second Semester (cumulative grade)

50% 1st nine weeks                                          40% 3rd nine weeks

50% 2nd nine weeks                                        40% 4th nine weeks

                                                                                    20% PBA Grade

Parents and Guardians: It is essential to your child’s success that we all communicate.  Therefore, please ask your student daily to see his or her homework.  Also, if you have questions about your child’s grade, please contact me as soon as possible.  Use the parent portal to Infinite Campus on the school website for up-to-date grades.  Grades are updated and posted in the classroom every Tuesday.