About English I

English I:

This class is meant to reacquaint you with the basics of grammar, as well as prepare you for the further study of grammar in later courses. In addition, this course is meant to acquaint you with the fundamentals of literary study and give you a strong foundation in composition. The objective of this course is to give you knowledge and experience that will be the cornerstone of your future literary studies.

Policies:

I expect conscientious and hard work from you. Sloppy work, or work that flagrantly ignores the terms of the assignment, will get a low grade. Plagiarized work that incorporates ideas and phrasings which you claim as your own and belong to someone else is unacceptable. Plagiarized work is a form of cheating. any form of cheating will result in an F for that assignment or test. Late work will be dropped 10 points per day. If you have an excused absence or a parental note you have one day per day missed to make up your work. Work more than three days late will not be accepted except in special circumstances.

Breakdown of Final Grade:

25% ----------final exam/End-of-Course

15% ----------AR

25%-----------tests, projects, essays

15%---------- class work, participation

10%-----------quizzes

10%-----------homework

The percentages for AR and the final exam are set by the board of education.

Classroom Rules:

1. Respect everyone!

This means that you are expected to be quiet when an adult or another student is talking. No cursing or teasing will be tolerated. Courtesy and community spirit are appreciated in class. Also, respect your classmates who are trying to learn by staying quiet and taking care of restroom and water needs between classes. If you must leave the room frequently, you will need to provide a doctor’s note. The teacher’s work area, podium, desk,and cabinets are off limits to students.

2. Raise your hand to be recognized!

I want you to feel free to share your ideas and opinions even if they are different from mine. However, when everyone tries to talk at once, no one is heard. This rule will give everyone an equal opportunity to voice their opinions.

3. Obey ALL school rules!

This includes following the dress code and board policies. No hats, sun shades, sweatbands, or gang attire are to be worn. No cd players, ipods cell phones, pda’s, or mp3’s are allowed in class. Any that are seen or heard will be taken to the office. Shirts, including jerseys, need to be tucked in if they fall below the normal pockets. No food or drink is allowed in class. Anyone breaking this rule will have their drink or food confiscated and thrown away. You may have a bottle of water and cough drops as needed. Gum has a way of finding it’s way under desks and ruining designer jeans, so please be courteous and keep it out of my room.

4. Be prepared for class!

How can you work and make good grades if you do not bring a writing utensil and paper to class? Also, a binder will help you organize you papers. Please remember to keep all of your graded papers in case there is a discrepancy about your grade. If you cannot produce the graded assignment, it will be assumed that it was never completed!

5. Do your best!

I want you to succeed both in my class and in life. I will be available for you before on Mondays and Wednesdays and after school on Thursdays on an as-needed basis if you need to discuss any assignment, grade, or concept covered in class. If you aim for the best you will not be scrambling to pass when the end of the semester arrives.