9th Grade English I/English I Honors



9th Grade English I

Course Syllabus 2013-2014

Ms. J. Carvajal

jcarvajal@

Room 309

Course Description

This class is structured around the curriculum of Somerset Academy, the Florida Next Generation Sunshine State Standards (NGSSS), Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and Springboard, the College Board’s Pre-AP program. This class is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills required for success in college-level work. It will prepare a student to successfully communicate through formal writing and presentation utilizing effective grammar and vocabulary skills.

During the school year, the course will cover reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary. As ninth grade marks many important transitions in a student’s life, the theme for this year is “Coming of Age.” Students will learn what it means to “come of age” and also understand how their experiences and the things they are exposed to shape who they are. Throughout the school year, many of our readings, activities, and writings will help the student explore this theme.

Course Objectives

With hard work and determination, by the end of the year students will be able to:

✓ Effectively recognize and communicate literary elements

✓ Distinguish between formal and informal writing and speaking

✓ Read and write within the guidelines of the Florida NGSSS, CCSS as well as the Springboard standards

✓ Increase FCAT scores

✓ Expand vocabulary

✓ Illustrate the ability to deconstruct sentences grammatically

Course of Study

Students will be assigned a Springboard Level 4 textbook that will be kept in the classroom. Students will be reading and reflecting on literature selections from our Springboard textbook, as well as additional novels, complimenting the themes studied in the 9th grade English I course. Should you damage, loose and/or misplace your Springboard text, it will be your responsibility to print the unit(s) from my webpage and store in your binder for future use.

Students are required to purchase novels listed below that will be covered throughout the year. Please note that books can be also obtained from the public library. Also, if you prefer to read the book on a tablet, please be advised that it is your responsibility. No books on cell phones will be allowed.

• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (required purchase)

• No Fear Shakespeare: Romeo & Juliet (required purchase)

• Holocaust novel – (To be determined) Selection will be made before Open House and placed on webpage.

Required Supply List

A box of blue/black/red pens (no other colors allowed- red pens will only be used for corrections)

A box of #2 pencils (for testing only)

1 pack of highlighters (different colors, smear free recommended)

1 Flash Drive 1 Pocket Webster’s College Dictionary (or comparable)

1 Pocket Thesaurus 1” 3-Ring Binder with inside pockets

5 Dividers with tabs 1 Composition Notebooks/Journal

3x5 Lined Index Cards Lined paper (college ruled)

Whiteout Correction Tape 2 duo tang folders (color:________________________)

Sheet Protectors

WISH LIST

There are some items that will be used throughout the school year to maintain a productive, healthy classroom environment. You may donate some of these materials to earn volunteer hours. If you donate items for the classroom, please bring the items along with the receipt(s) to credit your volunteer hours. These materials will be greatly appreciated!

**** Please check my school webpage for a list of these items****

Computer and Internet Access

As the educator, I will utilize many forms of technology and will require students to have a working knowledge of Microsoft Word (or comparable word processing program) and PowerPoint. Writing assignments will need to be typed; therefore, students must have access to a computer, the Internet, and to a printer outside the classroom.

Students will also be required to complete Study Island assignments throughout the school year. Formal writing assignments will be written in class and submitted on My Access for grading and feedback. Please note that writing is a process and one essay may be submitted more than once.

Grades

You will be responsible for keeping track of your grade. Grades will stem from home learning assignments, class assignments, tests, projects, quizzes, participation, and group work. Home learning assignments will be given and assigned to enhance understanding of material covered in class. Due dates for home learning assignments will be listed in the classroom homework board and will be posted on the school website under my webpage.

Parents and students are encouraged to keep track of their progress in this class via Pinnacle online. Please note that a “Z” on Pinnacle indicates that the assignment is missing. A “Z” is weighted the same as a zero.

Grading Policy: Regular Course Honors Course

Tests 35%

Quizzes 20%

Class work 30%

Home Learning 15%

READ (Pds. 4 & 5 Only) 5% taken from homework.

Classroom Rules and Expectations

I expect all students to come to class on time (seated when the second bell rings) and to be prepared to learn with a good attitude throughout the class period. Bell work completion should be in progress when the bell rings. Additionally, I expect all students to practice organization, self- control, self-motivation, and determination and be able to apply the following principles in and outside of the classroom.

1. Treat all teachers, members of administration, security, visitors, and your peers with respect at all times.

2. Be honest and fair.

3. Obey all school rules. (You are required to read and sign the Student Code of Conduct.)

4. Always be prepared for class which includes having paper, pen, binder, necessary book(s), and completed assignments.

5. Turn off all electronic devices during school hours. (Items will be confiscated if seen/heard and will be turned in to the office for parent pick-up.)

6. Raise your hand to ask questions and/or contribute to a discussion.

7. Always put for your best effort as we are “Striving for Academic Excellence.”

Infractions and Procedures

If you choose to break a classroom or school rule, disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with the Student Conduct Code and the Somerset Academy Handbook.

Make-up Work Due to Absences

Students are expected to ask for make- up work from the days absent. Students are responsible for seeing the teacher prior to school starting or at dismissal to make arrangements to make up tests, quizzes, homework, and class work. I will not remind students to ask for work; they must inform me of the days missed and get the missing assignments. Makeup work must be returned within 2 days of returning to school. Homework assignments due on a day of absence are due at the beginning of the class period upon returning to school.

Please note that if the required assignment is not turned in when the teacher requests it, the assignment grade will be entered into Pinnacle as a “Z” and a note will accompany the grade, advising parent and student. Assignments not turned in after the 2 days of return will result in a “0.”

Restroom/Passes

It is vital for all students to remain in class during instruction. Bathroom passes will be given, but keep in mind that excessive use of the bathroom will not be allowed. Health issues will be an exception. The “10-10” rule will be enforced along with teacher discretion. No student is allowed to use the restroom during the first 10 minutes of class and during the last 10 minutes of class. Students should try not to use the restroom during class discussion and presentations to avoid missing instructional time.

Assignment Requirements

All assignments completed this year must have the proper heading. All work must be submitted in dark blue or black ink only; or pencil.

NEATNESS COUNTS! If an assignment is turned in sloppy and not clearly written, you will be required to re-do the assignment. (You always have the option to type all your assignments.)

Required Paper Heading (Written in the upper right-hand corner of paper)

Last Name, First

Date

Period #

Class #

Name of Assignment

** Please Note: Papers with no name will be discarded. Students will have a “Z” in Pinnacle for the assignment. **

All out of class writing assignments must be typed using the following format:

- Size 12pt

- Single Spaced, 1” Margin

- Arial or Times New Roman

- Printed in Black Ink on Clean White Paper

Research papers will be written using the MLA format.

A Few Words About Misrepresentation

Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated or accepted in any way shape or form.

Plagiarism, dishonesty, and misrepresentation are not acceptable. Plagiarism is using someone else’s ideas or writing as your own. It is also not using proper documentation or citation when using another person’s writing such as, when doing an essay.

Plagiarism will result in a zero for the assignment. Repeated plagiarism will be referred to administration.

Cheating will result in a zero for the assignment as well as a detention and an unsatisfactory conduct grade for the semester.

9th Grade English I

Course Syllabus 2013-2014

Ms. J. Carvajal

Room 309

Student/Parent Acknowledgment Form

This form must be returned and you will receive a grade for returning this form completed and signed. This form must be completed, signed by both the student and the parent/guardian, and returned no later than Monday, August 26, 2013.

I hereby acknowledge that I have read and fully understand the requirements of the course as outlined in this syllabus as well as the disciplinary and classroom expectations.

My child and I also understand that plagiarism (cheating) is a serious matter and if my child cheats in any way as stated in the syllabus, he/she will receive a zero for that specific assignment and a detention to be served the next Wednesday after the incident.

Class Period ________

__________________________ ______________________________ __________________

Print Student Name Student’s Signature Date

______________________________ ________________________________ ___________________

Print Parent’s/Guardian’s Name Parent’s/Guardian’s Signature Date

PARENT/GUARDIAN CONTACT INFORMATION

Please print legibly

Parent/Guardian Name(s) _____________________________________________________________

Home Phone _____________________________________

Work Phone ______________________________________

Cell Phone ________________________________________

E-mail(s) ____________________________________________________________________________

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