English I

Instructor: Stephanie Kitts (Burkett) Phone: 817-299-2600 2:35 3:00 by appointment E-Mail Address: stephanieburkett@misdmail.org Room: 2019 Tutorials: Tues. /Thurs.

Course Description: This course covers grammar, literature, composition, vocabulary development, and spelling. Development of reading skills, writing, and language concepts are stressed. Students focus on various types of literature including plays, novels, and poetry and develop writing skills through multiple compositions. Required Texts: Romeo & Juliet by: William Shakespeare (provided) Holt McDougal Literature Grade 9 (provided) Note: Please visit
http://www.mansfieldisd.org/curriculum/english/pdf/ApprovedReading/En glish1.pdf

for the Approved Reading List. Any of these texts are possibilities for reading during this course. Resources: Online Textbook: www.my.hrw.com (login & username provided) Writing Tips: www.owl.english.purdue.edu Vocabulary/Word Stems: http://www.learnthat.org/pages/view/roots.html Materials: (You will need to bring the following every day) 1. A 1 three-ring binder for notes, paper, handouts, etc. 2. Set of five dividers 3. Pens (blue or black and red) 4. Highlighters: yellow, green, and pink 5. Loose leaf notebook paper, college ruled 6. 100 page Composition book (no spirals) for critical writing journal 7. (2) packets of Notecardsfor vocabulary 8. (2) boxes of Kleenex 9. White Out; bottle, pen, or tape 10. Colored pencils 11. Pencil bag 12. An agenda These supplies need to be obtained NO LATER THAN 08/29-30/11. Grading: Following district policy: Daily Work 15% Quizzes 20% Projects/Tests 30%

Writing 35%

End of Course Exam: Mansfield ISD will comply with state law and begin EOC testing in the 2011-2012 school year. First year 9th graders and any middle school student taking courses for high school credit will take EOC tests this year. These EOC exams are English I, Algebra I, Geometry (first time 9th graders only), Biology, and World Geography. Semester grades for these courses will be calculated as stated in the Grading Policy section above. The EOC exam will count as 15% of the final course average and will be calculated as follows: First semester grade = 42.5% Second semester grade = 42.5% EOC exam = 15% Class Participation: Students are expected to come to class prepared to actively participate in classroom discussion and activities. Students will begin class by working in their critical writing journalsthese journals will be graded by me each week for a journal participation grade. Additionally, students will be graded on their participation in classthrough involvement in class/group discussion and being ontask. Students will daily receive either a grade of 100, 80, 60, 40, or 0. At the end of the six weeks, each students class participation average will be counted as a quiz grade. Students will be provided a rubric outlining clear expectations of what it means to be a responsible and active learning in our English I class. Late Work/Makeup Work All assignments are due on their given due date.

Late homework may be turned in for an automatic 30-point deduction the very next class day. After the next class day, late assignments will NOT be accepted. Makeup work must be personally submitted to Ms. Kittsat the beginning of class. DO YOUR OWN WORK. Any instance of cheating or plagiarism will result in severe consequences.

Extra Credit: There will be one extra credit assignment provided at the beginning of each six-weeks. Students will be given clear expectations and due dates to receive extra credit for the assignment. Re-Take Policy: I will provide students the opportunity to be successful. In the event students fail to exhibit proficiency on the major assessments or tests, they will be

encouraged to participate in the re-teaching/re-testing process designed and determined by the teacher. Students will be allowed to demonstrate proficiency of learning objectives by means of a re-test. Students will receive their actual grade with the highest grade being a 70. Students will have to make arrangements with the teacher to retake or redo a major test/assessment during my tutoring hours. All retakes must be completed prior to the end of each six week grading period. Students are encouraged to go to tutorials. Midterm or final exams are not to be included in the retake/retest policy.

Absences: Per district policy, students will be allowed the number of days they were absent plus one to complete make-up work. Missed Assignmentsany assignment not made up within the allotted time will earn a zero. Any work that is given as a component of a longterm assignment, being covered over three (3) class periods, prior to the absence is due on the due dateno exceptions. It is the students responsibility to find out what work he or she missed. I am not responsible for reminding students of missing work. Missed Tests students may make-up a missing test during my next tutorial session. Any test not made up within the allotted time will earn a zero. Tardies: See student handbook. Additionally, students will be considered tardy if they are not in their seat actively working on their critical writing prompt when the tardy bell rings. Hall Passes You will receive one hallway pass per six weeks. It is to be used for the restroom, counselors office, nurses office, or any other destination outside my classroom. Once it is used, you will not be permitted to leave my classroom until you receive your next six weeks pass. Hint: Take care of your personal matters BEFORE class. Outline of Class: Fall: Short stories, word stems, non-fiction, novel study, poetry, writing process, revision/editing, writing: short story, writing: poetry, writing: expository, research, and poetry analysis. Spring: Speeches, novel study, word stems, drama, epics, media literacy, writing: persuasive, writing: script, multi-media presentation, revising/editing, writing: procedural, research, writing: conventions. Guidelines for Coursework: Follow directions at all times Write in ink. Blue or black only, please. Pencils will only be used on scantron exams.

Use loose-leaf paper for handed-in assignments. Paper torn out of a spiral is not acceptable. Use the proper heading on all papers. Write legibly. Maintain a one-inch margin around the top, bottom, and both sides of your paper. Do not skip lines between paragraphs. Be aware of when assignments are due.

Cheating/Plagiarism: I will follow the Academic Dishonesty Policy of the district, included in the student handbook. A grade of zero will be given for work on which a student has cheated. Cheating includes such acts as: copying during a test, sharing answers or test questions with other students, copying information on any assignment in which an individual grade is give, or plagiarizing. Cheating will not be tolerated in this class. Classroom Guidelines of Conduct and Procedures: Our classroom has four expectations of student behavior: 1. Be polite Treat others the way you want to be treated; obey the behavior guidelines listed in the student code of conduct. 2. Be promptComplete and turn in all assignments by assigned due dates. Be seated and actively working in your critical writing journal by the tardy bell. 3. Be preparedBring all necessary materials, supplies, and assignments to class each day. It is recommended that each student have a personal agenda or calendar to keep track of his or her assignments and projects. 4. Be productiveUse class time effectively by actively participating in your education. This includes but is not limited to: no personal grooming or off task activities (cell phones, iPods, sleeping, etc.) during class time. Any violation of these rules will result in consequences enforced at my discretion. Consequences: verbal warning, confiscation of inappropriate items, parent contact, office referral, D-Hall Student name: ______________________________________________ Block: ______________

INFORMATION SHEET
Parent/guardian: REQUIRED: This form must be completed, signed, and returned to the teacher by the end of the 1st week for a daily grade of 100. A zero will be given after the 1st week until it is turned in. Ten points will be deducted each week that the information sheet is not turned in. BONUS: Also, please email me at stephanieburkett@misdmail.org with your students name and class period in the subject line. An email stating that you have read the syllabus will earn your student a free 100 on a daily grade. Parent/Guardian Name: ________________________________ Relationship: Parent/Guardian(s) ___________________ Phone Number: which of work ___________________________________ these is the home___________________________________ (*Please indicate

Parent/Guardian Name: ________________________________ Relationship: ___________________ Phone Number: which of work ___________________________________ best contact Comments: ___________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ STUDENT INFORMATION School Activities/Clubs/Athletics: _________________________________________________________ Any information I should know: ___________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ Advisory teacher: _______________________________________________________________________ Parent/guardian signature: ________________________________________________________________ Student signature: ______________________________________________________________________ these is the home___________________________________ (*Please indicate