Writing Workshop
Semester II – 2009-2010
Instructor: Mr. Guilford
Email: jguilford@milwaukeelutheranhs.org
Course Description:
Writing Workshop concentrates on variety of expository and narrative essays; at the same time, it also helps refine students’ grammar, editing skills, and research techniques. Students are expected to successfully complete a term paper; portray appropriate discussion and formal speaking skills; and deliver several presentations for peer review.
Supplies:
For each class, the student must be prepared with…
· 3-ring binder with pockets for handouts and loose-leaf paper for notes
· Dividers with tabs separating 3 different sections:
- notes taken in class / handouts given in class
- vocabulary words
- writing selections
· Completed homework
Content
o Major Compositions
• Personal Narrative
• Business Letter
• Literary Analysis
• Persuasive Essay
• Expository Essay
• Final Portfolio
• Mini-compositions and/or in-class timed writes
• Character Sketch
o Grammar
• Complements
• Subject/Verb Agreement
• Pronoun Antecedent
• Phrases
• Clauses
• Punctuation
Grade Composition: Percentage Basis Grade Scale
Participation = 5% A (95-100) C (79-82)
Homework = 20% A- (93,94) C- (77,78)
Quiz = 30% B (91,92) D (75,76)
Test = 35% B (87-90) D (72-74)
Final Exam = 10% B- (85,86) D- (70,71)
----------------------------- C (83,84) F (0-69)
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, writing assignments, reading assignments, vocabulary assignments, journal responses, etc. will be recorded as homework grades.
Quiz:
Quizzes will be given throughout every six-week grading period. They will consist of essays, grammar, etc. Quizzes may be planned, or they may be surprise.
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.
Retake Policy:
1.) Homework—Any homework that is not turned in at the requested time on the requested date will be considered late. For each day that a homework assignment is late, it will be docked 10 percentage points. Therefore, after 10 days a zero will be added to the grade book. However, depending on the assignment, I will allow the homework to be submitted for at least half credit (50%) Please note that some homework assignments that are turned in later during the period or later during the day will still be docked 10 points. Therefore, the “I left it in my locker” excuse will not be permissible.
2.) Quizzes—Most quizzes can be retaken at a later date. It is up to the student to ask for a retake date and period. Before a retake is commenced, I will need to talk with the student to see if further aid is needed so that he/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.
Anyone who makes below a passing grade (70%) on any quiz will be required to retake a quiz. No child should settle for a failing grade.
Retakes are optional for any student who makes above a 70%.
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/her test score, he/she would need to set up a conference with the teacher to decide what this added work would encompass.
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.
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.
Even though MLHS has on-line grading, teachers will still provide progress reports. During every six-week grading period, a progress report will come home with the student. On the progress report, the parent(s) will see assignments and the current semester average. The following is a list of those days that progress reports will be going home:
1st = October 15th
2nd = December 2nd
When progress reports go home, it is important that a parent/guardian sign the report and return it with the child. A 100% will be given for a homework grade. After the grade is recorded, the student can bring the report back home so as to post it on the refrigerator for all to see!
It is understandable that parents/guardians lead 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 current of all that is going on. Actually, the e-mail option is preferred, but phone calls are welcomed, too.
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.
Confidentiality
o To ensure the safety and well-being of all, students may not identify specific names as they discuss, write, etc. Students are asked to respect their classmates by actively listening, remaining open-minded, cooperating in discussion circles, etc. As an educator, I am legally required to report any conversation, writing, or situation, which may be potentially harmful (topics include, but are not limited to: abuse, rape, self-cutting, and the use of drugs and/or alcohol).
Free Periods:
Semester I - 3rd , 5th , and 6th
Things to Know About Me:
· I am a very approachable person. If you ever need ANY help, please 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; 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 writing is that every one of us has a unique writing voice. I want to help some of you discover yours and polish it up. Every one of you is capable of becoming a good writer.
· I like to challenge people to think…be prepared!
· What else would you like to know?
Writing Workshop 2009
Classroom Syllabus Student Agreement
I, ______________________, have read and understood the above listed classroom rules and procedures. I am aware that I will be held responsible for any violations of these rules and procedures. By signing my name below, I am indicating that I will follow the classroom rules and procedures to the best of my ability.
______________________________________ __________________
Student Signature Date
Classroom Syllabus Parent/Guardian Agreement
I, ______________________, the parent of _____________________________, have reviewed the entire syllabus with the student listed above. I understand the above listed classroom rules and procedures. By signing my name below, I am indicating I am aware that he/she will be held responsible for any violations of these rules and procedures.
______________________________________ __________________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date