English 9 Rackowski 2014-2015

ENGLISH 9
Foundations in Composition and the Elements of Text
Mrs. A. Rackowski Portable 9
Email: atrackowski@interact.ccsd.net or rhs.rackowski@gmail.com
Phone: 702-799-7000 ext. 3959
Materials
1-2 inch 3 ring binder with 5 dividers (required) (A notebook & folder will not allow for purposeful
organization)
At least two writing utensils (preferably blue or black pen; please do not use red ink)
Highlighter
Loose leaf paper
3 x 3 (or smaller) Post-It notes (you will probably need about 100 for the semester)
Flash/jump drive or other external electronic saving device

Instructor Expectations
Clark County School District and Rancho High School discipline, dress code, and attendance policies will be strictly
enforced. Students enrolled in this course are expected to:
Come to class on time and prepared to engage in the learning process
Complete all assignments to the best of their ability
Treat everyone with dignity and respect at all times
Ask for help or clarification when needed

Course Scope
This oneyear course (Foundations in Composition and the Elements of Text) provides instruction in the English
Language Arts strands reading, writing, speaking and listening, and language. This course is designed to build on
knowledge and skills acquired in earlier grades but in more sophisticated ways such as mastering the language, structure,
and rhetoric of text; completing more complex writing assignments; reading and analyzing a range of literary and
informational discourse, both classic and contemporary; delivering more extensive oral presentations; and participating in
a variety of conversations and collaborations with peers. This course fulfills one of the English credits required for
high school graduation.

Course Goals
To cite strong and thorough evidence to support an analysis of literary and informational text. [RL.9-10.1, RI.9-10.1]
To determine and analyze the development of the theme or central idea over the course of the text (how it emerges
and is shaped and refined by details). [RL.9-10.2]
To objectively summarize informational and literary texts. [RL.9-10.2]
To analyze how an author unfolds an analysis or series of ideas (including the order in which the points are made,
how they are introduced and developed, and the connections that are drawn between them). [RI.9-10.3]
To determine the meaning of words and phrases in literary text (figurative, connotative, and technical meanings)
and analyze relationships and nuances in word meanings. [RL.9-10.4, L.9-10.5]
To determine and analyze a specific point of view or cultural experience in world literature or informational text.
[RL.9-10.6, RI.9-10.6]
To analyze how an author uses rhetoric to advance his/her point of view or purpose. [RI.9-10.6]
To evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text (assessing whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is
relevant and sufficient to support the claims). [RI.9-10.8]
To write informative/explanatory texts that convey complex ideas and concepts clearly and accurately, using
content that is carefully selected, organized, and analyzed. [W.9-10.2]
To conduct research projects by gathering and synthesizing relevant information from a variety of authoritative
sources to answer a question or solve a problem and narrow or broaden the inquiry appropriately. [W.9-10.7, W.9-
10.8]
To present information clearly, concisely, and logically for the appropriate purpose, audience, and task. [SL.9-10.4]
To strategically use digital media to produce, publish, and update writing products that link to information and
display information flexibly and dynamically in order to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and
evidence and add interest. [W.9-10.6, SL.9-10.5]
To adapt speech for a variety of contexts and tasks, using formal Standard English when indicated or appropriate.
[SL.9-10.6]
To use a variety of strategies to determine the meaning of unknown or multiple-meaning words and phrases. [L.9-
10.4]
English 9 Rackowski 2014-2015

Class Procedures
1. When you enter the classroom each day, you will be assigned an Opener, which you are to begin
immediately when the bell rings. The Opener will always be in the front section of the wire file on the back
wall of the classroom. You will also need to take any handouts that are in the Classwork file as well (the
middle section of the wire file).
2. If you were given an assignment the previous day and it is requested at the beginning of the hour, please
place the assignment in the Inbox (the back section of the wire file).
3. After the Opener has been completed, we will move directly into the class lesson, which may include notes,
class discussion, individual, or group work. The exception to this routine is the event of a formal assessment.
4. At the end of the hour, you may be issued a closing assignment to prove your understanding of the material
taught in class that day. This assignment must be turned in before you leave class or you will not receive
credit.
5. When the class is dismissed, it is your responsibility to make sure that any in-class work is completed in your
binder or is handed in to the inbox for credit if requested.
6. Restroom Policy: This class will be held in Portable 9 for the duration of the year, thus making restroom
access difficult and time consuming. Due to the outdoor location of this classroom, students will only be
allowed access to the restroom for emergency purposes. Please use the restroom facilities while you are in
the main building during passing times or at lunch.

Binder
You will need a 1-2 inch 3-ring binder by Wednesday, September 3
rd
. It must contain loose-leaf paper.
Your binder can be labeled and utilized in the following order*:
i. Openers (spiral notebook preferred)
ii. Classwork
iii. Supplementary readings
iv. Notes
v. Graded assessments (homework, in-class work, tests, quizzes, formal writing assignments)
*This is the suggested order for organization. You may wish to reorganize your binder by
unit as the year progresses
I cannot stress this enough: NEVER THROW ANYTHING AWAY. I refer back to past
assignments all semester without warning so you need to keep all of your assignments and handouts
in your binder for daily reference. You will not be allowed to go to your locker to obtain forgotten
items so please keep your binder neat and organized. If you need assistance with binder organization,
I am more than happy to assist you after school throughout the year.
Each quarter, you will be allowed one free late assignment; in other words, if you forget an
assignment in your locker or could not complete the assignment on time, you will receive another
day to make it up. This is only once per quarter, however, so use this privilege wisely.

Canvas Learning
Beginning in early October, I will be integrating the Canvas Learning Management System in my English 9 classes. This
is, in essence, a website providing in-class notes and videos, a platform for assignment submissions (all formal writing
assignments MUST be submitted through Canvas), discussion forums, quizzes, etc. This website will be an excellent
resource for students who are absent to obtain information missed during class; it will also provide students with both
written and verbal feedback on formal writing assignments and allow for easy peer review and collaboration. Students
will be required to complete an online orientation module to familiarize themselves with the system. More information
will be provided to students and parents/guardians as the Canvas setup is completed.

Remind
If you (and/or your parents) are so inclined, you can get a text from me regarding important information such as
assignment due dates, upcoming projects, etc. Please do not sign up without first asking your parent/guardian. To sign up
for Remind for my English 9 course, please follow these steps:
1. Send a text to (702) 728-4519 with this message: @arack.
2. You will receive a confirmation text.
3. Respond to the confirmation text with your full name (first and last - no nicknames, please).

This works with ANY phone not just a smart phone. No teacher ever sees a student phone number and no student ever
sees a teacher phone number. Standard messaging rates apply.

English 9 Rackowski 2014-2015


There is a Remind app for Apple and Android; you may access the QR code below to immediately connect to the app.

To unsubscribe from all classes, simply reply with the word stop. Thats it! :)
If you would like to learn more about the Remind program, here is link to a short video with additional
information: https://www.remind.com/learn-more


Attendance
TARDY POLICY: If you are not in the classroom ready to work when the bell rings, you are considered tardy.
After your first tardy (and for every tardy thereafter) you will be assigned a teacher detention for 15 minutes after
school. If you continue to be late for class, the detentions will increase in time and may result in administrative
referral and parent/guardian contact.
EXCUSED ABSENCES: If you are absent, it is your responsibility to find out what you have missed. Please do
not disrupt class for your missing work; see me before or after class/school if you have questions. You will have
three school days from the date of your return to make up any and all missing work. All of the days handouts
are placed in the grey file cabinet near the door for a period of 30 days. Most handouts, assignments, and
calendar events can be accessed through the Rancho High School website (which will eventually lead to the
Canvas Learning page). Please visit this website to obtain missing work before you return to keep up with the
pace of the course.

Academic Dishonesty
Plagiarism will not be tolerated; it is considered a form of stealing, which, in the outside world, is a felony. It is also
grounds for immediate dismissal in any post-secondary schools (i.e. colleges, universities). Any of the following acts
will result in zero points on the assignment in question:
Copying another persons work
Allowing another person to copy your work
Submitting work that is not your own
Talking during tests or quizzes
Any plagiarized work you submit will be scanned and kept on file and the offense will be recorded. The Rancho High
School Academic Dishonesty Policy procedures will be enforced:
1
st
offense Parent contact by the teacher and an F on the assignment
2
nd
offense Parent contact by the teacher, counseling referral, and an F on the assignment
3
rd
offense Parent contact by the teacher, discipline referral, and an F on the assignment
Please refer to the CCSD Code of Honor for policies regarding academic dishonesty.

Late Work Policy
Late work is only accepted if the instructor grants prior consent. All other situations will be handled on a case-by-case
basis.

Extra Credit
I do not assign extra credit.




English 9 Rackowski 2014-2015

Grading
The Clark County School District reports student achievement for all subjects in secondary schools (i.e. grades 612) and
computes grade point averages (GPA) using the following symbols and scale:
Grade Percentage Explanation GPA
A 100%-90% Excellent 4.0
B 89%-80% Above Average 3.0
C 79%-70% Average 2.0
D 69%-60% Below Average 1.0
F 59% and below Failing 0
NG No Grade

The Rancho High School English Department has adopted the following school-wide semester grading policy:
Each quarter grade is to represent 40% of the semester grade and the final exam is to represent 20%.

Citizenship Grade Criteria
Listed below are the criteria that will be used when assigning citizenship marks.
O (Outstanding)
Student is a positive role model, who leads quietly or outwardly
Is always respectful of teacher and fellow students
Works to improve the classroom atmosphere
Comes to class prepared and completes all work to the best of ability
Demonstrates personal and academic integrity
Is never tardy
S (Satisfactory)
Student consistently exhibits the following traits:
Contributes positively to the class usually when called upon
Shows respect for others
Occasionally needs reminders by teacher to stay on-task
Is rarely tardy (no more than 2x)
N (Needs Improvement)
Student exhibits the following traits:
Needs frequent reminders by teacher to stay on-task and/or to behave appropriately
Needs improvement in showing respect to teacher and classmates
Often comes to class unprepared or with unfinished work
Has no more than 3 tardies
U (Unsatisfactory)
Student exhibits the following traits:
Is a negative/disruptive influence on the class
Shows a lack of respect for teacher and fellow students
Regularly comes to class unprepared and puts forth little or no effort
Has several missing assignments
Has 4 or more tardies and/or truancies
Has demonstrated a lack of personal and academic integrity (caught
copying/cheating)


Progressive Discipline
Certain actions including violence and harassment will warrant an immediate discipline referral. Students
who choose not to follow the classroom and school rules listed above will face the following consequences:
First Offense Verbal warning
Second Offense Teachers written warning
Third Offense Teacher phone call/ e-mail home
Fourth Offense Deans Referral


English 9 Rackowski 2014-2015

ENGLISH 9
STUDENT-PARENT/GUARDIAN-INSTRUCTOR CONTRACT

PLEASE WRITE LEGIBLY!
Student Name: _________________________________________________
Hour: ___________________

I have read the English 9 syllabus and agree to abide by all rules and procedures listed. I understand that failure to
abide by such rules and procedures will result in appropriate interventions decided upon at the instructors discretion.

Student Signature: _____________________________________________________ Date: _________________________
Students Email Address: ________________________________________________________________________________





I have read my students English 9 Syllabus and understand what is expected of him/her as a member of this class.

Parent/Guardian Signature: _____________________________________________ Date: ________________________


Please provide the following information so that I may contact you if necessary (email is best):
Parent/Guardian Name: ____________________________________________Relationship to student: ___________________
o Email address: ___________________________________________________________________________
o Telephone: ____________________________________________________________
Is this your: home work cell (Circle one)

Second contact:
Parent/Guardian Name: ____________________________________________Relationship to student:___________________
o Email address: ___________________________________________________________________________
o Telephone: ____________________________________________________________
Is this your: home work cell (Circle one)










Please complete and return this form no later than Friday, August 29, 2014.