WELCOME TO MS.

SHARIFIS FRESHMEN
ENGLISH CLASS!
Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of
counselors, and the most patient of teachers.
Charles William Eliot
Hello and welcome to my classroom! Freshmen English 1-2 is essential to a students
high school career. This class is designed to set students up for success for the rest of their
English classes that follow. Students are introduced to important and exciting classic literature
such as The Great Gatsby, To Kill a Mockingbird, and many more! The literature can be
challenging but I will prepare my students to tackle these texts and win the battle! I want to show
students reading and writing can be fun and exciting with the right teacher and tools to guide
them. I look forward to spending the year learning and growing alongside the students in my
classroom!
Contact Information:

Email: asharifi@puhsd.org

Classroom Phone Number: 623-855-3167

Parents feel free to email me at my school email if there are any questions about my
classroom assignments or any concerns about your student. There is a guaranteed
response within 24 hours, but usually there will be a response by the end of the school
day if I am contacted before the school day is over. Phone calls are welcomed; if I am
teaching or not present in the classroom to answer, please leave a message and I will get
back to you as soon as I can. Students, I will be available on campus in my classroom
from 7:30am-4:00pm. Feel free to come into my classroom if I am in there or make any
appointments for tutoring.

Daily School Schedule for 2015-2016: Hours are 7:00am 3:05pm

Period 0: 7:00am 7:50am
Period 1: 8:00am 8:50am
Period 2: 8:55am 9:45am
Period 3: 9:50am 10:40am
Period 4: 10:45am-11:35am
Lunch: 11:40am 12:30pm
Period 5: 12:35pm 1:15pm
Period 6: 1:20pm 2:10pm
Period 7: 2:15pm-3:05pm
Course Description:
English 1-2 is an exciting class to participate in because of the broad topics we
will be covering! We will be reading classic American literature while learning basic writing

skills to prepare for future English classes. Authors such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Emily Dickinson,
Harper Lee, and J.D. Salinger are all going to be joining our classroom curriculum. The
classroom curriculum will be a combination of writing, reading, watching videos, creating visual
representations of exciting scenes from novels, and creating multimedia presentations! By using
a combination of visual aids and different approaches to teaching, I plan to create a welcoming
classroom environment for all learners.
Important Events: Throughout the year students will be required to read four different books,
two the first semester and two the second semester. Books will be provided to students and they
will be responsible for returning them.
1. For every book, there will be a specific kind of writing assignment given after the student
has finished the book. For example persuasive, argumentative, book reports, and other
essay formats will be paired up with one text.
2. Quizzes and smaller assignment will be given in between assigned readings to check for
understanding of the text and also ensure the class is reading the book.
3. Opportunities for extra credit will be given at my discretion where I see fit for an
opportunity for the entire class.
Homework Policy: The majority of the homework assigned will be readings given to the
students. Occasionally if students run out of time to finish an in class assignment, they will be
given the opportunity to take it home and turn it in the next day. All questions or extensions for
homework can go directly toward me. In extreme cases, some type of documentation for multiple
absences may be needed.
Late Work Policy: Class work that is not completed can be turned in the next day. If the
assignment is not turned in the next day, students should come and see me about the reasons why
they are not completed. I am happy to help with tutoring and am open to extensions as long as
they are discussed with me. Only projects and essays will be considered as assigned homework.
Students will know weeks ahead of time of expectations of the assignment and when they will
turn it in or present to the class. For presentations, unless they have an excused absence no
extensions can be given. An alternative assignment for points can be given for students who miss
presentation due dates, although it may not be the same amount of points as the original
assignment. If privileges are abused and students are choosing not to turn in presentations, then I
reserve the right to revoke these privileges.
Make-up Work/Tests: Make-up work and quizzes can be given to all students who did not turn
in assignments or were absent. Quizzes can be made up after school or before school, students
will need to schedule an appointment with me. I am almost always available before and after
school to help students. Tests can be made up also after school or before school. Although there
will probably be very few exams/tests given, so make-up exams will most likely not be
necessary. For every 15 assignments and quizzes given, I will take the best 10 scores.
There will be no make-folder. Students will just turn the assignment into their classroom
assignment box. Again students will be reminded I will take the best 10 scores out of 15.
Assignments turned into the assignment box will have the title of the assignment and any
numbers I will give such as Quiz #1 or Quiz on Chapter 15. Students may access the

assignment box before class, after class, or any time where I am not standing up speaking
to the class.
Make-up tests or quizzes must be scheduled with myself within a reasonable amount of
time. Students can make-up assignments until the end of the quarter where official grades
will be entered, but they are encouraged to do so before then. Notified absences
beforehand can come make a scheduled time with myself to take the quiz earlier than the
other students, preferably the day before or the day after their absence is acceptable. It is
the students responsibility to schedule make-up tests! Again, there is leeway with makeup work. I will take the best 10 out of 15 quizzes and smaller assignments.
All writing assignments can be turned in for a higher grade after I grade the essay and
return it to the student. Students will have opportunities to edit the essays and provide a
brief paragraph summary (5-7 sentences) on what they have learned from redoing their
paper and what they can change in the future.
Homework Assistance: I will be available before school and after school for students. Period 0
begins at 7, however my first class of the day isnt until 2nd period. Many students do not have a
period 0 class therefore I will be available any time before 2nd hour. I will also be in my
classroom after school until 4pm except for Thursdays. Appointments can be made if those times
do not work. My door is always open feel free to see me with any questions or concerns! My
goal is to help any and all students!
Communication: At the end of every month a progress report will be printed out and given to
students to show their current grades and a list of missing assignments. These progress reports do
not have to be signed and returned, it is the students responsibility to show these reports to
parents/guardians. Grades can also be accessed online on the schools website with your students
login information. Parents feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns about grades.
Grading: Grades will be posted online as soon as assignments are finished being graded.
Quizzes will be returned and graded no later than one week maximum after they are turned in.
Usually quizzes will be given back earlier than one week. Presentations and essays will be given
back graded up to two weeks maximum after they are turned in, most likely they will be given
back after a week. Students can see me and ask about their grades any time as long as they are
not disrupting class. Early progress reports (before the usual time at the end of the month) can be
given at the request of students or parents.
Attendance & Participation (includes Bell Work)
10%

Quizzes on Readings
Presentations
Essays

10%
30%
30%

Miscellaneous Assignments (Shorter, In Class)

20%

Grading Scale:

90%-100%
80%-89%

A
B

70-79%
60%-69%
Below 60%

C
D
F

Class Rules and Discipline: These classroom rules have been created to keep a fun and
respectful learning environment for all students. Throughout the semester we will be discussing
literary themes, symbolism, and several topics that students may have strong opinions of. These
rules are designed to ensure everyone in the classroom is respectful of others opinions. With the
right tools, I believe a classroom can be a safe and effective learning environment for all students
to succeed in. These rules will be explained and displayed for all students throughout the first
week of school. If there are any questions or confusion, I will be happy to continue reviewing the
classroom policies every few weeks as needed.
1. Respect Yourself, Respect Others, Respect Me. During discussions on books, students
will respect the opinions of others and only discuss school appropriate topics. If the
teacher or another student is speaking to the class, please be respectful and wait until they
are done to respond. Positive language should be used when talking to others.
2. Class begins as soon as you walk into the door. Please turn off and put away electronic
devices. When the bell rings the students should be seated quietly and ready to begin
class in a positive way! Bell work or any classwork from the previous day should be
taken out. 50 minutes is not very much and I would love to take advantage of every
second I have in the classroom.
3. Stay in assigned seats unless otherwise directed. If students need to leave the room,
raise your hand and ask. For questions on restrooms, sharpening pencils, or getting up to
get a certain paper, please raise your hand before you get up. Students can get up and stay
inside of the classroom during independent time. If a student needs to get a copy of
handout, sharpen a pencil, etc. then they are free to move around when I am not
addressing the entire class. If I am teaching the class please raise your hand if you are
going to get up, or wait until I am done speaking to get out of your seat. Always ask to
leave the classroom.
4. Raise your hand for any questions, comments or concerns. During class please do not
shout out answers. By raising hands, I can ensure all students are heard and can voice
their opinions! For any personal questions or comments such as asking about grades,
asking for tutoring, or anything students would not want the entire class to hear feel free
to come up to my desk without raising your hand. Students can come up to my desk
during independent work time, before or after class, and any other time I am not
providing instructions to the rest of the class.
5. Care for books as if they were your own. Assigned readings will most likely consist of
texts and short stories that are provided to students. All books will be provided to students
for free, but they must be returned after their presentation and essay on that book. A log
will be kept of students who have certain book numbers. Please respect the books as if
you bought them yourselves! I love books and I would like to keep them in the best
condition as possible.
Classwork Policy: Classwork can be turned into designated trays along the wall next to the
entrance. Each class period has their own designated tray labeled as Period 2, Period 3, Period 4,

Period 5, Period 6 and Period 7. Work will be collected at the end of the school day from the
trays and packed up so I can grade them at home. Students will always have a chance to finish an
assignment in class for a certain amount of time. If they need more time no worries, take it home
and turn it in tomorrow!
Entrance Policy: Students will enter the class quietly and will most likely be greeted by myself
at the door. Any handouts needed for the day will be placed on the table right next to the door.
Students will sit in their assigned seats, take out any supplies or paperwork they may need, and
begin the Bell Work posted on the board. If students need to speak to me, they can walk up to my
desk or seem me before the bell rings. As soon as the bell rings, they will either need to raise
their hand in class or wait until I am done speaking to the entire class. By the time the bell rings,
students should be seated and either starting their Bell Work or already almost done with it. After
the Bell Work is completed, please stay quiet until all students are done and further instructions
are given.
Dismissal Policy: I will always dismiss the class, not the bell. I understand students are eager to
pack up so they are not late for their next class. I will always try to set aside at least 3 minutes for
students to pack up their items and get ready to exit the class. For lessons that take longer and
there is no time available for students to pack up, they must wait until the bell rings and I let
them know to begin packing up. When time is given to students they may pack up their items but
they must stay in their assigned seats until the bell rings and I dismiss the class. Hovering by the
door is not safe in case of emergencies. All entrances and exits should always be clear for safety
reasons.
Bell-work Policy: Bell Work will always be posted as soon as students walk into the classroom.
Bell Work will be completed in journals. Journals will be collected at the end of the semester for
participation points and will be given back after I have read through them. The Bell Work prompt
will be read out loud after students have had 3-5 minutes to complete the prompt. I will ask for
any volunteers to share and occasionally I will call on a few people. I will only forcibly call on
people if I see they are not following directions and not writing in their journals.
Bathroom Policy: In every class period I will allow two girls and two boys to use the restroom.
For anyone who abuses this policy and repeatedly uses the bathroom every single day, I will
have a discussion with them and this privilege will be revoked. Please do not ask to go to the
bathroom during times in class when I am giving instructions or a lecture. I will ask students to
wait until I am done speaking just in case they miss any important information. Bathroom passes
will not be given the first ten minutes or the last ten minutes of class. For any bathroom
emergencies or medical reasons please see me and I can make exceptions in extreme cases.
Consequences: There are four steps to the consequences I enforce when a rule is broken in my
classroom. I reserve the right to skip steps based on the severity of the violation. For example, if
a student gets into a physical altercation with another student during class I am forced to call
security and send them to the office with an Administrative Referral. For documented school
rules, I will follow any school procedures listed in the handbook.

1. First Offense- Warning/Conference with teacher

2. *Second Offense- Call home
3. *Third Offense- Detention
4. Fourth Offense- Administrative Referral
For school rules violated such as Dress Code, I will be forced to enforce consequences that are
listed in the school handbook.
*Teacher reserves the right to skip steps based upon the severity of the violation.
Required Reading:
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (First Quarter)
The Great Gatsby by F.S. Scott Fitzgerald (Second Quarter)
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger (Third Quarter)
Other selected readings of poems, short stories, etc. (Fourth Quarter)

My Vision: It is my goal to guarantee that all students who pass through my classroom have a
better understanding for American Literature. I want all of my students to feel confident leaving
their freshmen English class ready to conquer their Sophomore English course materials.
Through my incorporation of different teaching styles, technology, and projects into traditional
literature, I can guide students to a better understanding of the world around them. By
understanding literature and basic writing techniques, students can enjoy higher levels of
literature and feel at ease while looking at future writing assignments.
How parents can support their students: I encourage all parents to contact me with any
questions or concerns. My classroom door is always open, I am available by appointment or the
specified times I discussed above. Parents can assist students in their studies by checking
progress in homework, checking progress for an essay or presentation, and simply promote the
fun of learning in the household.
I am very eager to have a new set of minds in my classroom and I look forward to making sure
all students succeed in my classroom!
____________________________________________________
Teacher Signature: __________________________________
I understand the policies and procedures that Ms. Sharifi has outlined for her Freshmen
English 1-2 Language Arts Class, and my student and I have received a copy of the class
syllabus and calendar for the 2014-2015 school year.
Students Name: ___________________________________ Class Period: _______________
Parents Signature: ________________________________________
(Please detach and return to Ms. Sharifi by the due date specified)