Norwood High School Sophomore CP English
2018 - 2019
Course Syllabus
kleavitt@norwood.k12.ma.us
781. 769. 2333 ext. 5354
Course Description (022C)
This course complies with the Massachusetts
Standards through the study of literature,
grammar, and composition. The course content
emphasizes the application of grammatical
concepts to writing and effective communication.
Compositional instruction stresses competence in
the skills and strategies of the writing process and
development of more sophisticated writing
techniques. Various genres of literature, including
novels, short stories, poetry, drama, and essays,
are studied in depth. Readings include A Tale of
Two Cities, Julius Caesar, The Glass Menagerie,
1984, A Separate Peace, and Night. Emphasis is
also placed on preparation for the MCAS exam in
March. Students are required to read one summer
reading selection. Assessment of all grade 10
students includes the summer assignment,
department-wide midyear exam, the MCAS exam,
and the grade 10 final exam.
Mission Statement Expectations: A1, A2
Google Classroom
Using your NHS student email, join Google classroom for
daily homework posts, assignment sheets, and other
important information. Ask for the classroom code!
Parents and guardians, you
can sign up too! Either email
me for the classroom code or
ask your student to provide
you with the code. It’s a great
way to stay updated!
Ms. Leavitt 

Room 354
Extra
Class Materials
- Three ring binder
- Filler paper
- Dividers (4)
- Writing utensil (pens/pencils)
- Sticky notes
- Unit text
Failure to have required class materials will result in a deduction
from Class Contribution grade.
Extra Help
I am always willing to stay after and provide extra help for
students. Extra Help will be available on the designated
English Language Arts Department day, and by appointment.
Please be sure to let me know when you plan on staying after.
Homework Policy
Homework will be posted on the board at the front of the room each
day, as well as on Google Classroom. Be sure to write down your daily
homework assignment, as you will be held responsible for it. To
receive FULL credit for your homework, the assignment must be
completed at the beginning of the class period. Otherwise, you will not
receive full credit.
1. I DO NOT accept late homework assignments. No assignment will
be accepted for credit after I have checked or collected them from
the class.
2. Five points will be deducted each day a project or written
assignment is late and not submit during that class period.
3. If your printer is broken, or you do not have access to a printer,
use one of the following options:
- Print the document at school. The library is open before first
period.
- Email me with your assignment attached (do not copy & paste
it to the body of the email, and do not share it with me). I will
not print your assignment for you - the emailed copy is simply
to demonstrate the assignment is complete. It is up to you to
print the assignment for me that SAME day to receive
credit.
 Grading Breakdown

Class Contributions Major Assessments Minor Assessments

Term 1 Summer Reading
20% 30% 40%
10%

Terms 2/3/4 Class Contributions 20% Major Assessments 40% Minor Assessments 40%

Major Assessments: Tests, projects, major essays/papers. You can expects 3 - 4 major assessments each term. These will be announced
well in advance. Papers are to be typed, double-spaced, and in MLA format. Minor Assessments: Quizzes, in-class writing assignments,
short essays/papers. Class Contribution: Homework, preparedness, classwork, and participation. Your participation is integral to the
learning community of the classroom, and you will receive a grade based on your contribution.

Classroom Expectations Late Work & Absences

1. Work Bell to Bell: there is so much to be done in a class period. For this Late work due to an excused absence will receive full
reason, I expect that you arrive on time, take your seat, and have materials credit ONLY if submitted within one week of your
out and ready to work by the time the bell rings. Please respect my time, as I absence. Be sure to hand in your work during class or
after school to receive credit. I will not accept work from
respect yours. an excused absence after a week’s time.
2. Charged Words: While it may be difficult to do at times, I ask that you
think about the words you use before you speak. We must keep in mind that It is your responsibility to find out what work you missed
while something may not offend us, it could be hurtful to others. This is while you were out. I will not chase you to turn in
assignments or make up assessments that you missed.
especially important to remember when looking at texts from different time
periods that may use derogatory or offensive words. • Refer to NHS Student Handbook regarding the policy
3. Take academic risks: Classrooms are a place of learning and sharing our on absences.
ideas. Failure is an opportunity to learn. Step outside of your comfort zone!
4. Plagiarism: I take issues of cheating and plagiarism very seriously. If a student is found cheating or using work belonging to
someone else, the student(s) will receive a zero for that assignment. Further disciplinary action will be taken depending on the
severity of the situation.
5. Cell Phone Use: I do not tolerate the unauthorized use of cell phones during class time. If you need to use your phone, for
whatever reason, ask me FIRST. As soon as you enter the classroom, your headphones should be out and your phones should be
put into the designated spot in the clear cell phone holder at the front of the classroom. Failure to do so will result in being sent to
the Deans.
6. Bathroom Use: Each student will receive THREE bathroom passes per term. You may only use the bathroom, get a drink of
water, go to your locker, or leave the classroom during instruction time if you have a bathroom pass to use. Be sure to hold on to
these and keep them in a safe place, because once they are issued to each student at the beginning of the term, I will not reissue a
new set if they are lost.
*For students who do not use ANY of their bathroom passes and still have all three at the end of the term, they may be
turned in for 2 extra points to your class average.
7. Behavioral Policy: NHS believes that all students have a right to learn to the best of their individual abilities, and our goal is to
create an environment where that is possible and attainable. Anything that interferes with another student’s ability to learn is NOT
acceptable and will not be tolerated. Therefore, respect the ideas of others, encourage your peers, listen and be engaged with the
speaker, and be prepared for class with a positive attitude each day.

To acknowledge that you and your parent/guardian have received, read, & understand the expectations and information
regarding this course, please sign and date below. This will serve as a contract/reference document during the year.

Student Name: ______________________________________________________

Student Signature: ____________________________________________________ Date: _______________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: _____________________________________________ Date: _______________________________