¨       Homework almost every night, especially reading or writing of some kind.  Be alert if you hear, “I did it in class.” Check under Homework at  www.speakwrite.net for verification.

¨       Major tests as scheduled:  Students should review materials for tests on language, writing or research skills, vocabulary, or literature, depending on the unit we are covering.  Tests are announced at least two days in advance.

¨       Papers:  Work on these assignments is to be done almost entirely outside of class, so look for your son or daughter reading a book or working on an assignment.  Information concerning these assignments is given out at least one week in advance and posted on the website.

¨       English notebook, containing vocabulary work and classwork/homework assignments.  If your child does not have these items regularly at home, you need to contact me for a conference.      

¨       Textbooks: we have three main textbooks—Everyday Use, Signet Book of American Essays, and Elements of Literature—along with several other books issued for readings in additional literature.  

Ø       Start-up Activity:  When the tardy bell rings to being class, you will do a short warm-up assignment given on the board, overhead, or possibly handout.  You may be asked to correct some sentences, do a brief writing exercise, or write a response to a thought provoking question.  You are expected to keep this work in a separate section at the front of your notebook, each activity identified by the date (highlighted).  Your notebook will be checked periodically and a grade given for the start-ups.

Ø       Vocabulary:  We will cover approximately 10-20 vocabulary words every week. Most vocabulary words will come from the literature we read. Vocabulary work should be kept in the second section of your notebook.  Keep up with vocabulary words because this material will be included on literature tests, the midterm test, and the semester exam.

Ø       Language Skills:  We will cover short units on the mechanics and grammar of writing, focusing on aspects needed for passing the Graduation Exam and improving your writing style. 

Ø       Literature:  We will read American and world literature, with an emphasis on understanding the development of our culture and its literature.  We will also emphasize how writers make rhetorical choices in literature, including nonfiction. There will be tests and writing assignments on the literature we study.

Ø       Writing and Rhetoric:  Our primary emphasis will be on developing an understanding of rhetoric as it relates to our roles as writers. We will emphasize the process of writing—prewriting, writing rough drafts, revising, and proofreading.  Final copies of writing assignments should be submitted in the appropriate form and style after revision and proofreading.  We will cover these procedures in class.

Ø      Special Projects:  Each nine weeks grade will include projects and papers on major literary works, some of which will involve research.  Students will be given instructions in class explaining these assignments about one week before the due date; most of the work will be done outside of class, with the exception of the research paper. Written instructions will be available on the course website at www.speakwrite.net.    

1st Nine Weeks          

2nd Nine Weeks

Pens (blue or black ink) and pencils (required for most tests).   

*       Loose leaf paper--Do not use paper torn out of spiral notebooks for any assignments.       

*      Three ring binder with index dividers--This is necessary to keep work neat and in order.  Label five dividers in this order:   Start-Ups, Vocabulary, Language, Literature, Writing  

*      USB flash drive (AKA jump drive or memory stick)

     Suggested, not required: Highlighter pen (any color), liquid paper/correction pen, colored pencils/markers.     

¨       Making up daily work:  When you return from an absence, look up the Classwork and Homework on the website for the day(s) you missed and make whatever notes are necessary.  You can use the classroom computer in the back for this purpose. Some of the make-up work will involve material that was on a transparency, handout, or the board; remember to ask for this information at an appropriate time.  Please do not interrupt class for explanations of make-up work.   For notes on new material, get help from a reliable classmate or see the teacher at a convenient time (after class, not at the beginning of class).  Remember to have your written make-up work graded or checked as soon as possible, no later than ten class days of your return to class.  This is your responsibility!

¨       Making up tests:  All tests can be made up during class or by appointment before or after school.  If you miss a test because of excused absence, you should try to take that test as soon as possible, no later than ten class days of your return to class.   All tests are announced at least two days in advance; you must take a test if you were present when the test was announced. It is your responsibility to remind the teacher that you need to take a make-up test. 

¨       Making up long-range assignments:  Assignments such as essays and projects are assigned at least one week in advance.  If you have an excused absence (not field trip) the day a major assignment is due, bring it the next class you attend.  There will be no make-ups on these assignments because most of this work is done outside of class; exceptions are made only in case of a prolonged family emergency or medical problem.   Late major assignments are penalized 10% each day late if the absence is unexcused.

Each time you are tardy to class, you must sign the Student Accountability roster by the door.  Also, each unexcused tardy is the equivalent of one third of an absence when I am considering exam exemptions.

ü      The first week of the semester, students will receive warnings for unexcused tardies.  After the first week, you will receive a warning for the first and second unexcused tardies, then detention and parent phone call for the third unexcused  tardy and every tardy afterwards.    

ü      Excused Tardies:  If a teacher or school official delays you, ask that person to write you a pass or note.  Verbal excuses are not accepted.  You must bring the pass with you when you enter my classroom late, or your tardy will be considered unexcused.  You must sign the Student Accountability roster and turn in the pass for me to mark the tardy excused.

ü      You are required to be in this class at the designated time unless absent.  Do not remain with another teacher or stay at some other location on campus without my permission and knowledge of your whereabouts.   I am legally responsible for knowing where you are during this class time.

Respectful conduct is expected and required from each student at all times.   Respectful conduct means no loud talking/yelling, no profanity, no horseplay, and no running.

Ø     Bring paper, pens, pencils, notebook, and any other necessary materials to class each day.  If you fail to do so, I will assume you do not plan to participate appropriately.  I will not supply you with pens, pencils, or paper—that is your responsibility.

Ø     One way of showing respect is to keep your hands and belongings away from other people and their belongings.  Another way is to avoid verbally cutting down or belittling others.

Ø     Do not touch anything on the teacher’s desk or in/on cabinets, except the tissues when appropriate.

Ø     The computer in the back is for student use by permission of the instructor only. Students may use the computer on the back table, but please ask first.

Ø     Leave television, windows, blinds, and heating/air conditioning unit alone.   I will adjust these items as I consider necessary.   

Ø     Each student is responsible for keeping the room and desks clean. 

Ø     Students should not close their textbooks or put away materials until told to do so.  Also, please stay seated while waiting for the dismissal bell to ring. 

Ø     Rudeness or arguing with the teacher is considered disruptive.  When a teacher makes a request of any kind, please respond positively even if you don’t agree.  Protests such as “I wasn’t talking” or “He was doing that, too” are considered disruptive because you are arguing with the teacher rather than participating appropriately.  If you disagree or have a problem, discuss the issue calmly with me after class.

Ø     Write your name legibly on all assignments.  Classwork/homework with no name will be penalized 50%; major assignments and tests with no name will be penalized 10%.

Ø     You are expected to do your own work for your own credit, unless instructed to work in a group activity.  Copying another’s work instead of doing your own is cheating; you will be given a zero.  Also, allowing another to copy your work is cheating and will result in no credit for that assignment.  This policy holds true for homework as well as any kind of classwork.

Ø     Refusal to complete work in the manner and/or time instructed will be considered disruptive behavior.

Ø     If you finish work early, be considerate of those still working by not talking.  Work on another assignment or read something.  If you can't find something appropriate to do, I will be glad to provide you with meaningful work.

Ø     Avoid working on assignments from other classes.  I will take up materials from other classes if you are working on them instead of English (such items will be returned at the end of class).

Ø     Sleeping in class or putting your head down prevents you from participating as you should.  Get proper rest at home.  Keep your head up off the desk or make plans to attend detention.

Ø     Applying makeup, combing/brushing hair, and other grooming behaviors are not appropriate in the classroom (Exception: picture day).  Also, do not apply lotions, perfumes, or any type of spray in the classroom; the smell lingers long after you leave!

Ø     Leave valuables at home, or at least out of sight of those with sticky fingers.

Ø     No playing cards, hats (including PHS team hats), magazines, CD's, tapes, or toys are to be brought into my classroom unless you keep them completely out of sight in your book bag.  If visible, they will be confiscated and not returned except at a parent's request by phone.

Ø     Possession or use of electronic devices or tobacco products is an intermediate offense.  I will write an office referral and confiscate the items to be turned over to an assistant principal for release to a parent or guardian only.

Ø     Food, drinks, and gum are not allowed. It does not matter who sold it to you; consume it in the designated snack area or lunchroom.   If you have unfinished snacks or drinks, put them in your book bag and keep them out of sight. Exception:  I do allow students to bring in and drink water from a container that can be sealed, such as bottled water.

Ø     If you are selling items for a school fundraiser, you may do so only between classes. The selling and/or distribution of candy or food items will not be permitted during class time.    During class, all sales brochures and items must be kept out of sight as much as possible.

Ø     Inappropriate clothing as designated by the dress code will not be tolerated.  You will have to go to the office to be sent home to change.  If you miss my class because of being sent home, the absence or tardy will not be considered excused.

Ø     Cheating will result in a zero, detention, and parent call.

Ø     No talking or excessive movement during a test, even if you are finished.  You risk getting a zero for such behavior, even if your test has been turned in.  At very least, you will be assigned extra work to help you learn not to disrupt class during a test.

Ø     If you have a question, raise your hand and I will come to you.  Do not speak out during a test.

Ø     Homework:  late homework is accepted up to two class days after the due date and is given half-credit.  It is the student’s responsibility to have the work checked in a timely and appropriate manner.

Ø     Classwork:  no late work accepted.  If you are in class, do it.  If you have an excused absence, follow the policy for make-up work.   If you have an unexcused tardy or absence, you will not receive credit for make-up work, but if the work is part of an on-going assignment, you still need to do it to avoid getting behind in the course material.

Ø     Long-range assignments:  10% off each day late unless you have an excused absence (not field trip).   If going on a field trip, try to turn the paper in before leaving or give to another student to turn it in for you.  Turn in all late work directly to me so I can make a note of it or talk to you about it if necessary.