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Dear Parent(s)/Guardians(s),

I feel fortunate to have your son/daughter in my class this semester and hope that each student’s participation in 10th grade English will be a source of inspiration and intense learning. Please read the attached syllabus carefully, make a copy if you wish, and have your child place it in his or her binder. In addition, please complete the following survey and provide as many ways to contact you as possible. I value parent communication highly and will be sending out regular class updates via email. If this is not the best way to reach you, please indicate that below, and I will be happy to contact you by phone.

This class is designed to equip students with the literacy and communication skills they will need to succeed as students and to flourish as individuals who have a voice in today’s society. For this reason, we will be incorporating 21st century technologies as appropriate. During the first week, I will introduce students to our classroom’s Moodle site, a secure location for teachers and students to share content, engage in online class discussions, and access assignments, notes and other information. Our class’s Moodle page is intended to be an additional resource for students; therefore, students’ grades will not be affected if they are unable to get online outside of school. Students should take advantage of the computers in the East Limestone library, and I will make arrangements for students to get online during class as needed. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns regarding this in the comments section below.

During school hours, the best way to contact me is via email at kristen.bergeson@. In the evenings, please call me before 9 p.m. at (256) 457-9849. If I do not answer immediately, leave a message, and I will return your call as soon as possible. I look forward to getting to know you and your student this semester!

All the best,

Kristen Bergeson

Student Information and Receipt Confirmation

Due by Tuesday, August 27, for a 25-point homework grade

Student Name: __________________________________________________ Period: ______________

Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Name: ____________________________________________________________

Home Phone #: ________________________ Alternate Phone # (cell/work): _____________________

Parent Email Address(es): ______________________________________________________________

Please circle your preferred method of contact.

Does your student have access to a computer at home? ____________ Internet access? _____________

Additional questions/comments: _________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

I have received, read, and understand the classroom and departmental guidelines for assignments, grading, and behavior as outlined in the course syllabus.

Student Signature: ____________________________________________ Date: _________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: ____________________________________ Date: ________________

10th Grade English - Syllabus

Teacher: Kristen Bergeson

Email: kristen.bergeson@

Phone: (256) 457-9849

1. Course Description: 10th Grade English (two semesters/1 credit)

This course is designed to develop student competency in English usage and mechanics, oral and written communication, and pre-twentieth century American literature. Topics for class activities, discussion, and presentations include poetry, novels, essays, library research skills, short stories, and creative writing. Students use analytical and critical thinking skills while examining the various literary forms.

2. Course Requirements:

1. Daily bell work (Consists of journal writing, article responses, grammar lessons, vocabulary exercises, etc.)

2. Periodic reading and grammar quizzes

3. Essay and research writing

4. Novel and literary unit tests

5. Vocabulary quizzes

6. A few unit projects

3. Classroom Expectations:

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and productive manner. In addition to all the rules and expectations listed in the student handbook, I expect students to have a positive attitude, treat others with respect, practice self-discipline, and demonstrate responsibility. If these conditions are not met, students can expect one-on-one meetings with instructor, parent/instructor conferencing, and administrative action, if necessary.

Note:

1. The academic misconduct policy of the school will be followed in this course. Plagiarism is considered a major breach of integrity and will result in a zero on the assignment and possible administrative action.

2. The attendance policy of the school will be followed for this course.

3. Any student who receives failing grades during this course is urged to discuss this

with the teacher immediately.

4. Materials and Supplies:

3-ring binder with loose leaf paper, blue or black pens, pencils, and a composition book (Either wide-ruled or college-ruled is fine, but please make sure your composition book is not spiral-bound to keep it from getting caught on other students’ notebooks.)

5. Required Reading:

Textbooks: Holt McDougal 10th Grade Literature textbook and Writing With Power

*A copy of both textbooks will be checked out to each student. Students will also be able to access the textbooks online. I will provide information regarding how to access the textbooks online as soon as possible.

Additional Works Not Included in Textbook: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Awakening, either Lord Jim or The Turn of the Screw, and additional texts as determined by the teacher

Summer Reading Novels: Students are required to read one novel over the summer and complete a note-card assignment. The assignment is due Sept. 2, and students will be tested on their understanding of the novel they selected on Sept. 6. Please refer to the summer-reading handout for more information.

6. Grading Policy:

Major assignments (tests, quizzes, term papers, etc.) will account for 70% of a student’s grade. Homework and classwork will account for 30% of a student’s grade. I use a points system, so not all grades will be out of 100. Therefore, a 20-point quiz will not have the same impact on a student’s average as a 100-point test. I will write the points earned over possible points as a fraction on each assignment (example: 18/20), but please pay attention to the number of possible points when checking assignments and grades on iNow.

7. Make-up Policy:

Tests: Students should make arrangements with me to make up tests before or after school; no make-up tests will be administered during class time.  Students must take make-up tests within ten school days after their return to school.  When students make appointments for make-up tests, the appointments must be kept unless the student notifies the teacher or the school of a valid cancellation.  Students may receive a zero for an unexcused miss of a make-up test.  This policy is for major tests, not quizzes or daily work. An unexcused absence or failure to comply with this policy will result in a zero on the test.

Homework/Classwork: After an excused absence, it is the student’s responsibility to make up all work missed. Homework will be available online daily. Homework should be completed and turned in the day following the student’s return to school. Grades of zero will be given for assignments missed because of unexcused absences. An unexcused absence or failure to comply with this policy will result in a zero on the homework/classwork assignment.

8. Late-Work Policy:

- Major grade assignments (projects, essays, etc.) – a deduction of one letter grade will be taken off every day it is not turned in.

- Daily assignments (warm ups, daily work, vocabulary, etc.) – half credit will be given if turned in one day after the assignment is due. After that one day, a zero will be given for the assignment.

9. Social Media:

In adherence to Limestone County School’s recently amended social-media policy, I will maintain professional online relationships with both students and parents. However, I cannot accept Facebook friend requests or other requests to join or follow social media accounts belonging to students or parents. Should you need to contact me after school hours, you may email me at kristen.bergeson@ or call/text me at (256) 457-9849. Please do not call or text after 9 p.m.

10. Extra Help:

I am here to ensure the success of every individual in my class. PLEASE do not hesitate to come to me for help. I offer tutoring every Tuesday after school until 4 p.m. You must let me know on Monday that you plan to attend.

*This entire syllabus serves as a guide for both the teacher and student; however, during the term it may become necessary to make additions, deletions, or substitutions. Adequate notice will be provided to students of any change.

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