English 1
Instructor: Mr. Guilford
Year: 2011-2012
“Let Your Light Shine”
Course Description:
Welcome to English 1! This class is designed in the art of actively interpreting English and effectively increasing writing prowess. The integration of basic reading, speaking, listening, studying, and writing skills are the focus for this English course at Milwaukee Lutheran High School. Students will ascertain tips for note-taking and reading techniques, depending on the genre. Students will review grammar skills and how it pertains to writing proficiency. In addition, students will actively identify, analyze, interpret, and evaluate literary devices found within novels, short stories, poetry, etc. Ultimately, this course will challenge students to think critically. After successfully completing this full-year course, students will have the skills necessary to continue their further study of English throughout high school.
Required Materials For Class:
· 3-ring binder with pockets and loose leaf paper inside
o must have division tabs to separate sections:
* Notes
* Hand outs
* Vocabulary
· Folder with pockets
· The novel, short story, or poem being read
· Composition notebook (journal)
· Blue or black ink pen (pencil may be used for note-taking)
Grade Composition: Percentage Basis Grade Scale
Participation = 5% A (93-100) C (73-77)
Homework = 20% A- (90-92) C- (70-72)
Quiz = 30% B+ (88-89) D+ (68-69)
Test = 35% B (83-87) D (63-67)
Final Exam = 10% B- (80-82) D- (60-62)
--------------------------- C+ (78-79) F (0-59)
Total = 100%
Participation:
Participation by students is important. Record will be kept on how often a student participates in class. Every time a student actively participates in class, the student will be given a check. Every student will start with a “C” for participation. It is up to each student to help increase this score by being part of class discussions, coming to class prepared and ready to learn, showing respect to his/her fellow classmates.
Homework:
Worksheets, some writing assignments, reading assignments, vocabulary assignments, journal responses, etc. will be recorded as homework grades: 20% of semester average. Any student missing homework due to an excused absence will have as many days as he/she was absent to make up the homework. Any homework NOT turned in when asked will be considered late and given at most half credit, 50%.
***** Note: The excuse of, “I left it in my locker” will be considered late: 50% *****
Quiz:
Quizzes will be given throughout every six-week grading period. They will consist of vocabulary, some essays, grammar, etc. Quizzes may be planned, or they may be surprise. Any student missing a quiz due to an excused absence will have as many days as he/she was absent to make up the quiz. At this point the highest grade he/she will earn is half credit, 50%.
Test:
Tests will be given at various times throughout the year, at least once per six-week grading period to help assess student knowledge. There is ample review in the forms of review sheets and class discussion prior to any test. These tests could also appear in the form of essays or projects. Any student missing a test due to an excused absence will have as many days as he/she was absent to make up the test. At this point the highest grade he/she will earn is half credit, 50%.
Retake Policy:
1.) Homework—all homework can be resubmitted. As for the grade earned, that depends on the nature of the assignment. The resubmission, most of the time, will consist of not only correcting the ones missed, but it will also include a number of added correctives, too. If all correctives are met, the student may then earn as much as 10 points, a letter grade more.
2.) Quizzes—Most quizzes can be retaken at a later date. It is up to the student to ask for a retake date. Before a retake takes place, I will need to talk with the student to see if further aid is needed so that he or she is better equipped for the retake. Once the student and I feel that the material is better understood, the student will sign up for a retake date on the calendar in the room. It must be noted that the student will take a more challenging quiz. Essays that are graded as quizzes will follow the guidelines stated in the “Writing Policy” form.
3.) Tests— There are no retakes for tests. If the need arises, a student may request ways to add points to a test. This will require added work from the student. If a student would like to increase his or her test score, he or she would need to set up a conference with the teacher to decide what this added work would include. Essays or projects that are graded as tests will follow the guidelines stated in the “Writing Policy” form.
When Does Class Begin?
Once the second bell (tardy bell) rings, every student should be through the door and on his/her way to his/her desk and finishing any conversation. If there is any violation of these guidelines, a tardy will be given. At the start of every class, students will begin by taking out their composition books and writing for the first 3-5 minutes while I take care of initial classroom business: attendance, prayer requests, etc.
Extra Credit:
There will be some opportunities for extra credit in my classroom. These opportunities will be given to all students. I do not give individual extra-credit. I will inform the class of any extra-credit opportunities as they arise.
Borrowing Supplies:
It is my hope that everyone can come to class prepared with writing utensils, books, and paper (paper in a binder). However, I understand that mishaps might occur: forgetting a pen, picking up the wrong binder, leaving a book at home, etc. If one needs to borrow a pen or pencil or paper, that student should ask a fellow classmate before class starts. It is imperative that this happen before class starts. A student should not disrupt class by asking around for whatever he or she is missing.
If one gets to class early enough, a pass may be given to his/her locker at an appropriate time. If these mishaps continue to happen, they will unfortunately affect his/her participation score.
In-Class Library:
I have managed to collect numerous books that I will allow students to borrow. If one would like to borrow a book, I will require each student to sign the book out. If he or she loses a book them, I ask that he or she replace the book.
Essay/Report/Research Paper Format:
We will be studying and using MLA Style formatting for ALL major writing assignments in my class. I will cover the details of this style at the start of the year.
How Can Parents/Guardians Check-up on a child’s status?
Milwaukee Lutheran now has on-line grading. Now, parents can check status of their child’s grade whenever they want. It is my intention to make sure that students’ grades are updated within a 2-3 day window of time from the due date. However, some assignments like essays and projects may take longer.
It is understandable that parents/guardians have busy lives and that they may want to be more aware of their child’s grades. Calling me or e-mailing me is a great way to stay abreast of all that is going on. Actually, the e-mail option is preferred, but phone calls are welcomed, too.
School Phone: (414) 461-6000 x. 254
Classroom Management: Consequences For Being Disruptive:
*Know the handbook *Talk with teacher
*Respect all fellow classmates *Phone call /Meeting with parents
*Respect all school personnel *Referral to office
*Come to class prepared, on time,
and ready to learn
Specific Policies
* Absences:
o A student who is absent from class has the responsibility of finding out the assignments, handouts, notes, etc from the teacher or from another student.
o Assignments due the day of the absence, which were previously understood as being assigned, are due when the student returns to class.
o All students who participate in a school-sanctioned field trip will be responsible for all work in the classes for that day. The student is also responsible for the requirements of work given on that day and any other deadlines for projects, quizzes, and tests as established by the teacher in this class.
o Assignments given during the days of absence (including quizzes and tests) will be allowed a days extension per each day of absence.
o Unexcused absences will result in a failure (a “0”) for any assignment (including quizzes and tests) and/or in-class participation points that are scheduled for that day. NO EXCEPTIONS.
o In the instance of snow days and unpredictable school cancellations, if a major deadline is set for the day school is closed, the deadline will be moved to the day classes resume. DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!
* Tardiness:
o This class adheres to the school policy stating that 3 unexcused tardies during a six-week period will result in a tardy referral and Saturday morning detention.
o Tardiness is defined as late entry into the classroom after the sounding of the 2nd bell and/or any action inside of the classroom that disrupts the class from starting on time.
* School Cheating Policy:
o “Cheating is the deliberate or attempted use of unauthorized materials, information, technology, study aids, or unauthorized group work on assignments, projects, tests, or other academic exercises during class or outside of class. The student is responsible for consulting with the teacher concerning whether group work may be permissible. Any attempt to give or receive improper assistance is cheating. Also, Representing or attempting to represent oneself as another or having or attempting to have oneself represented by another in the taking of a test, preparation of an assignment, or any other similar activity is deemed as cheating.
o Examples include the following:
§ Forging a signature for the purpose of credit in a class;
§ Providing access to materials or information so that credit may be dishonestly claimed by others;
§ Creating and distributing copies of one’s own work so that credit may be dishonestly claimed by others;
§ Giving or receiving unauthorized assistance on an assessment (homework, quizzes, tests.);
§ And Falsifying or altering grade related documents, programs, or information.
o Disciplinary measures will be taken as noted in the school policy handbook.
Free Periods:
Semester I : 2nd, 3rd, 4th hour
Thoughts From The Teacher:
First of all, it is a joy and a privilege to have you in my English class. I am looking forward to getting to know you. This is going to be an exciting year. I want to help you appreciate the potential strengths of literature and writing…and have some fun along the way!
Things to Know About Me:
· I am a very approachable person. If you ever need ANY help, please come talk to me-- in class, in the halls, or even at lunch.
· Serving Jesus is my mission. It’s amazing-- the wonders of his work!
· Respect is something very important to me. I will respect each and every one of you as literary scholars and as children of God. Likewise, I would hope that you would respect me.
· I am not here merely to enlighten you to the powers of writing and literature; I am here to minister to you about Jesus and to show you how he is amidst everything we say and do.
· I enjoy all opinions. The beautiful thing about literature is that there are so many ideas, themes, and concepts that can be discovered. I look forward to hearing your ideas. We all bring something different to the class. It would be too boring if we all thought alike!
· I like to challenge people to think…be prepared!
· What else would you like to know