Creative Writing

Ms. Lacey, Lab 204

tlacey@ycsd.york.va.us
http://mstlacey.weebly.com
2014-2015 Course Syllabus

Course Description:
This course extends students prose writing techniques. Emphasis is placed on a variety of
prose models that include short stories, essays, and dramatic scripts. This course also
develops poetic writing techniques. Emphasis is placed on lyric and narrative style,
traditional poetic form, tone, and allusion. This course provides students with the
opportunity to work on the production/publication of a school literary magazine.

This syllabus will be adjusted by the teacher as needed to best meet the class learning goals.












Materials Needed:
1- Composition notebook (this is your journal; it is important that you have it by the
second class meeting or you will lose participation points)
1- 1 -2 inch binder designated for Creative Writing (this will be used to store your
handouts, notes, and returned work)
1- folder with pockets (this will be used to turn in assignments)
1- thumb drive
Pens (blue or black ink)
Donations of tissue boxes and/or hand sanitizer would be greatly appreciated.

Grading
YCSD Grading Scale Weighted Breakdown for Creative Writing

A 90-100
B 80-89
C 70-79
D 64-69
F 0-63

Academic Dishonesty
In accordance with all YCSD policies, instances of academic dishonesty will be taken very
seriously. Any situation involving copied work or answers, discussing test or quiz
questions, or otherwise misrepresenting someone elses work as your own will result in a
referral to an administrator and/or a zero on the assignment in question.


1
st

Quarter
Prose Focus: Elements of a story, creative
nonfiction
2
nd

Quarter
Poetry Focus: Genre, form
3
rd

Quarter
Editing and publishing Focus: Independent projects, Literary
Magazine, Developing a critical eye,
publication design and organization
4
th

Quarter
Editing and publishing Focus: Cumulative independent projects,
publication design and organization,
publish and sell literary magazine.
Daily Participation 15
Process Writings/Quizzes 35
Writing Portfolios 50


Late Work and Absences
Turn in your assignments on time or your grade will be reduced. Discretion will be used for
extenuating circumstances. It is the responsibility of each student to make up any work he
or she misses whether an absence is excused or unexcused. To help students keep up with
make-up work, assignments will be posted on the class website. Students should not display
avoidance of test or any major due dates for papers, projects, etc.; this will result in being
given an alternate assignment. All students should have equal time to complete and/or
prepare for assignments.
Contact and Extra Help
Email me with your questions, and I will get back to you as soon as I can. You may also sign
up to receive text message reminders using Remind. Visit Remind.com, register as a
student, and enroll in your class. Please use your own name. Students and/or parents may
subscribe. Messages will go out to the entire class and this program does not allow students
to respond. Visit the class website for the number and class code. Please do not wait until
the last minute to ask for assistance or schedule an appointment.

Classroom Guidelines
The guidelines are as follows:
1. You must be on time. That means you are in your seat and working on bell work when
the tardy bell rings. GHS tardy policy will be followed.
2. You must be prepared. That means you will bring all your books and materials to class
and take them with you when you leave. You are responsible for your personal items.
3. You must be courteous. That means you will follow directions the first time given. You
will treat each person in the class with respect and dignity. In addition, you will treat
the room and the property of others with respect. You will throw away your trash and
leave the room neat and orderly.
4. You must follow all policies and procedures. That means you will follow all
procedures and policies outline in the GHS and York County Public Schools handbooks.
A word about BYOT: Cell phones and any other electronic devices can serve as a
valuable tool; however, they can also be a distraction. Misuse of your device will result
in confiscation and consequences.

Procedures
1. We will open most classes with a writing warm up, which is to be completed in the
composition notebook. Students will be expected to share their writing regularly.
2. This class meets every day for 55 minutes. The class will rotate between teacher-led
lessons and activities and independent writing workshops. During workshops,
students may write independently, share and respond with classmates, or participate
in student/teacher conferences. The nature of workshop time will vary depending
on the content of the course.














Parent/Guardian Contact Information

Thank you for taking time from your busy evening to review this information so that
together we can help your student be successful this year. Please sign below to
acknowledge that you have read and understand the policies and procedures outlined on
the syllabus for Advanced English 9. In addition, please fill out the following form and
return it with your student, and feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

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2. Parent/Guardians Name: _________________________________________________


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3. Technology Survey: Does your student have:
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b. A cell phone with text messaging capability_____________________

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