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9th grade English Syllabus

Jane McKillip, room 002

*Technology focus

Textbook: Literature: Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes; Prentice Hall

Novels include:

To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee
Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck
Animal Farm, George Orwell
The Odyssey, Homer
Drama includes: Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare

Course Content: Ninth grade English with technology will focus on literary elements and devices throughout many pieces of literature, including novels, short stories, drama and poetry. The use of technology will be emphasized and incorporated into each unit. Writing is a major focus of the class with an emphasis on preparation for the tenth grade WASL. Students will write essays and papers analyzing and relating to reading materials. Each student will have a folder in class in which to keep all writing materials as we will revise and edit pieces throughout the school year and create a final portfolio of writing. Vocabulary and grammar will be taught throughout the year.

Technology Focus: Throughout the year we will be incorporating the use of technology into our curriculum. Types of technology used in projects include blogging, video editing, power point, publisher, garage band and digital photography.

Class Expectations:
•    Students are expected to be in class on time and prepared every day. Olympia High School follows a strict attendance and tardy policy, which will be enforced in this class.
•    Students are expected to complete all reading and writing assignments on time. A large percentage of homework assignments will be reading novels and other pieces of literature. Pop quizzes will be given to ensure students are completing reading assignments on time.
•    Students are expected to treat others with respect at all times. This includes respecting the learning environment as well as class materials.
•    Students are expected to remain in class for the duration of the period. Students will be permitted to leave the classroom in the case of an emergency and no more than once each six-week grading period.
•    Phones must be turned off and out of sight at all times. The first time your phone is seen or heard will result in a warning. If it is seen or heard again you will be sent to study hall.
•    Proper use of technology equipment is vital for everyone’s learning environment.
•    I will put time and energy into planning creative lessons and assignments. I expect students to receive assignments and lessons with a positive attitude. If you are experiencing any type of problem with an assignment or lesson, or other class procedure, please see me. I will be available to help you before school, by email or by appointment.

Necessary Materials:
•    Loose-leaf notebook paper and at least two pens and two pencils.
•    All novels and textbooks that are checked out to you must be with you in class every day and returned at the end of the unit.
•    A spiral notebook (at least 70 pages) to use as a journal for in-class writing and notes, as well as other various assignments. This notebook will be required to be turned in on occasion and must be used exclusively for this class.

Grading: Students will be graded on the following scale:
93% -100%   = A         78-79.9%    = C+
90-92.9%    = A-      73-77.9%    = C
88-89.9%    = B+      70-72.9%    = C-
83-87.9%    = B        68-69.9%    = D+
80-82.9%    = B-       60-67.9%    = D
                         0-59.9%     = F
Grades will be based on writing assignments, homework, projects, in-class activities, journals, tests, quizzes, and participation. All grades are available on Skyward and parents can access it using Family Access. Call 596-7000 for more information.

Late Work:
•    The only late work that will be accepted are essays, papers, and projects. These major assignments will drop one letter grade (10%) per day for five days. No credit will be given after the fifth day. No late homework or class work will be accepted for credit.
•    All class work must be turned in at the beginning of class the day after it is assigned in order to receive credit.
•    It is very important to keep up in and finish anything not completed in class before the next class period in order to stay current and avoid falling behind.
•    Missing assignments will result in a “zero” in the grade book and will cause your grade in this class to drop significantly. Turn your assignments in on time to receive a good grade.

Making up work after absences:
•    If you have an excused absence you have a grace period equal to the number of days of your absence in order to complete the work assigned in class on those days.
•    Students are responsible for getting their own make-up work from the teacher on the first day back from the absence.
•    Assignments that are due on the date of an excused absence are due the first day upon returning from the absence. You will not be given extended time on previously assigned papers, essays, and projects unless you contact Mrs. McKillip and receive permission.
•    All make up work must be handed directly to the teacher.

Essays and Papers:
•    Papers are due at the beginning of class on the due date assigned.
•    All final drafts of essays and papers are to be typed, double-spaced. If you do not have access to a computer, please hand write neatly in blue or black ink (no pencil), double spaced, and use only one side of the paper.
•    Always keep the original assignment rubric for each major writing assignment. It will be due with your final draft. Grade points may be deducted for lost assignment rubrics.
•    Keep all drafts, including any notes, editing and revision materials. These may be required to be turned in with your final draft.

Student Folders: Each student has a folder in class in which to keep all writing materials and any other necessary materials. Credit may be given for a thorough and organized writing folder.

Participation Points/Classroom conduct:
•    Class discussions and group activities will benefit you greatly on tests and quizzes. You must participate in discussion and activities in order to receive full participation points.
•    Although make-up assignments for excused absences will be given, missing class due to absences may result in missing valuable material generated in class discussions and group activities that will not be able to be made up.
•    Participation points will be used in calculating your grade for the class. Follow the class policies outlined below in order to receive full participation points.
•    Keep the participation points grading scale at the end of this syllabus as a reference. It will be used every six weeks to calculate your participation score. Participation points will account for 10% of your grade in each six week grading period.

            Participation / Classroom Conduct Grading Scale

90-100% A Student is almost always: on time for class, ready with materials, listening attentively, avoiding side conversations, staying in the room for the whole period, having a positive attitude, contributing to discussions, working on task during class

80-89% B Student needs to work on at least one of the following behaviors: attendance, on time for class, ready with materials, listening attentively, avoiding side conversations, staying in the room for the whole period, having a positive attitude, contributing to discussions, working on task during class

70-79% C Student needs to work on several of these behaviors: attendance, on time for class, ready with materials, listening attentively, avoiding side conversations, staying in the room for the whole period, having a positive attitude, contributing to discussions, working on task during class

60-69% D Many times this student contributes to the class in negative ways, by not following enough of these expectations: on time for class, ready with materials, listening attentively, keeping electronic devices in backpack, avoiding side conversations, staying in the room for the whole period, having a positive attitude, contributing to discussions, working on task during class

0-59% F   Behavior may interfere with learning of others, needs to work on the following: on time for class, ready with materials, listening, keeping electronic devices in backpack, avoiding side conversations, staying in the room for the whole period, having a positive attitude, contributing to discussions, working on task during class. Student may have been sent to study hall due to behavior or attendance issues

Cheating
Cheating defeats the purpose of education. In my classroom I want to prepare students for a future in which their achievements are honestly earned and their leadership reputations are not dimmed by past shortcuts. Any and all forms of cheating will result in disciplinary action.

Cheating is taking another’s work and calling it your own so that you derive the benefit.
Cheating includes but is not limited to:
•    Exchanging answers or assignments with others. This includes exchanging answers by electronic or recorded means and then submitting them as “original” work.
•    Using hidden reference sheets during a test.
•    Using programmed material in electronic devices when prohibited (as in on tests.)
•    Submitting someone else’s assignment as your own, in whole or part.
•    Submitting material (written or designed by someone else) without giving credit to the source (plagiarizing information from the Internet or other source or submitting work done by family, friends or tutors.)
•    Taking credit for group work when little contribution was made.
•    Stealing tests, answers, or materials, or having unauthorized possession of such materials.
•    Sabotaging or destroying the work of others.
•    Submitting the same work in more than one course without the knowledge and approval of the teachers involved.
•    Not following the guidelines specified by the teacher during a test (i.e. talking), or for a “take-home” test or exam.

Olympia High School Plagiarism Policy:
    1st offense: Failing (zero) grade on assignment, study hall.
    2nd offense: Failing grade in course, study hall.

Class Policies: Olympia High School attendance, discipline, dress code, and plagiarism policies will be followed in our classrooms.
•    Be on time with necessary materials every day.
•    Maintain a positive attitude; refrain from negative reactions to class activities. Treat fellow students with respect at all times.
•    Raise your hand to speak and do not interrupt others.
•    Electronic devices must be turned off at all times and kept in your locker or backpack.
•    Stay on task. No outside homework or activities allowed. No Internet use without permission.
•    Only water in a bottle is allowed in the classroom.
•    If you are finished with all assignments and homework, read a book of your choice. Do not pack up bags early - work until the end of the period every day.
•    Treat all technology equipment with respect.
•    See Mrs. McKillip with any questions or concerns.
•    Have fun!

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students,
To ensure the success of our students, please read the information on this syllabus carefully. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at any time. Please include a way that I may contact you so that we may have open communication, further assuring the success of all students.