My Class Website

English I

Ms. Sain

Curriculum Standards & Objectives

(PLEASE use this as a primary means to contact me, as I am able to check email regularly throughout the day; voice mail is much less accessible for most teachers.)

Course Description:

This course provides the students with experience in a wide range of language arts. The course emphasizes composition skills, oral communications, and literature; however, attention is also given to grammar, sentences structure, vocabulary development, comprehension, research skills, and form and terminology of literature.

Course Expectations:

The student is ultimately responsible for his/her own performance in this course. He/she should be prepared to follow these basic academic expectations:

Be prepared with all necessary materials for each class. You will need a blue/black ink pen (NO PENCIL), a red pen for corrections, college ruled paper, a notebook, and a silent-reading book.
Keep a class notebook, which will consist of paper, notes, and all completed/saved class work (these will be collected approximately each 5-6 weeks in a stamped packet). NEVER throw any completed work away.
Double space, MLA format type all formal essays.
Submit work on time. Late work receives ½ credit. No late work will be accepted after two weeks from the assignment date. Students with excused absences should obtain the missing assignments from a classmate or from the website. Please ask for the paperwork from the teacher before or after class. He/she will be given the number of days absent to make up the work (up to 1 week)
Expect homework regularly.
It is seen as the student's responsibility not only to work toward completion of his/her assignments in class, but also to contribute to the class in discussions, activities, etc... Active participation in class will be component of the final grade.
Bring a book/novel (not a collection of short stories) of personal interest to class daily for silent reading in each class (failure to do this will result in an essay, loss of points and privileges, detentions, office referrals).

Plagiarism:

All papers that are submitted are expected to be the student's own work. Information and/or opinions drawn from other sources are expected to be attributed to their respective sources and cited appropriately. Students may be asked to submit work to Turnitin.com, a plagiarism search engine. A student who turns in work that is not his/her own will receive a 0% on the assignment will and be referred to the site administration and the school's Academic Honesty Policy.

Grading:

A student's semester grade is based on a percentage of the total accumulated points and the student's level of positive participation. This course requires students to take a position, recognize the opposing side of an issue, and develop a logical argument. This level of critical thinking depends upon the students' lively engagement in class discussion and group activities. In an effort to increase the level of participation, the student's participation will be considered when calculating the final semester grades. It is possible that a student's exemplary participation could constitute a grade boost. The participation grade is based upon MY observation of a student's attitude, class attendance, preparation for homework, and participation in class discussion and group activities. (I DO NOT automatically round up; a student's participation MUST warrant it).

Each student earns grades by accumulating points, which vary according to the assignment. Final grades are based upon a percentage of total possible plus a class participation grade.

100-90 = A

89-80 = B

79-70 = C

69-60 = D

59-> = F

Works of Literature:

*Misc short stories, poems, & plays.

*Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare

*Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

*Your own book chosen for silent reading (EVERY DAY)

Classroom Rules & Conduct:

The student is expected to comply with school rules at all times. The student is expected to demonstrate responsibility for personal behavior and respect for others at all times. Disrespect towards others will not be tolerated and will result in immediate censure/consequences. Additionally, students are expected to be prepared, be respectful, and take responsibility for their own actions at all times.

Tardy Policy:

The school tardy policy will be enforced: students are allowed 2 "free" tardies; 3^rd & 4^th tardies warrant detentions; 5^th & 6^th tardies result in office referrals/afternoon schools; 7 tardies & beyond warrant a contract, parent escort, Saturday School, and other possible repercussions. If you are later than 15 minutes for class, you must get a pass to class from the attendance office BEFORE coming to class. Any class work missed due to a tardy will not eligible for makeup.