9th Grade English I/English I Honors



6th & 7th Grade Language Arts I & IICourse Syllabus 2014-20154686300-56388000Mrs. Gillian Browngbrown@Room D205Somerset Academy Mission StatementSomerset Academy Central Miramar Schools promote a culture that maximizes student achievement and fosters the development of responsible, respectful, self-directed life-long learners in a safe and enriching environment.Course DescriptionThis class is structured around the curriculum of the Language Arts Florida Standards (LAFS). This class is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills required for success in college and career. It will prepare a student to successfully communicate through formal writing and presentation utilizing effective grammar and vocabulary skills. More information on the LAFS can be found at: the school year, the course will cover reading, writing, grammar, spelling, and vocabulary. In this course, students will begin expanding their cognitive skills of evaluation and analysis by looking closely at language and how writers use descriptive words and sentence construction to convey specific meaning. As they read the works of various authors, students will start developing their own sense of voice as they write paragraphs, short essays, stories, and poetry that develops their writing skills.Course ObjectivesWith hard work and determination at the end of the academic year, students will be able to:Effectively recognize and communicate literary elementsDistinguish between formal and informal writing and speakingRead and write within the guidelines of Language Arts Florida Standards (LAFS)Increase critical thinking levelsExpand vocabularyIllustrate the ability to deconstruct sentences grammatically.TextbookThis year will be using the Collections Series from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Each student will be assigned a textbook that will be kept in the classroom since it may also be accessed online. Please note that if the student’s textbook is damaged or lost, it will become the financial responsibility of the parent to replace it. Each student will also be assigned a Close Reader consumable textbook which can also be accessed online.Collections, the new ELA Common Core program for grades 6–12, helps students develop abilities to analyze complex texts, determine evidence, reason critically, and communicate thoughtfully—the must-have skills for college and career. With a digital and print approach, Collections transcends the traditional with state-of-the–art features that resonate with today’s students. Learn more about the Collections series at: will also complete a complete study of a literary work each quarter which will include poetry, novels, and plays. Required Supply ListThe following items will be used throughout the school year in school and at home by each student:1” 3-Ring Binder with inside pockets and 5 dividers with tabs2 Composition Notebooks Lined paper Blue/black/red pens (no other colors allowed- red pens will only be used for corrections) A?box of #2 pencils1 pack of?highlighters (different colors, smear free recommended)1 Flash DriveHeadphones or earbuds (should be in book bag at all times) 3x5 Lined Index CardsWhiteout Correction Tape1 Ream of Copy Paper (needed for home and for classroom donation)Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary and Thesaurus (or comparable dictionary and thesaurus)CLASSROOM WISH LISTThe following items will be used throughout the school year to maintain a productive, healthy classroom environment. Please bring items with receipt(s) if you wish to receive volunteer hours. Printer paper (white as well as all other colors accepted)Dry Erase markers and cleaner (for white board)Pens and PencilsHand SanitizerTissues/Paper TowelsClorox Cleaning WipesLysolCollege Ruled PaperEasel/Chart PaperMarkers, Color Pencils, CrayonsGlue SticksScissorsIndex Cards (lined, plain, colored, white)File FoldersInvisible TapeBooks (Grade level novels)Construction PaperComputer and Internet AccessI will utilize many forms of technology and will require students to have a working knowledge of Microsoft Word (or comparable word processing program). Writing assignments will need to be typed; therefore, students must have access to a computer, the Internet for research, and to a printer outside the classroom. Reading PlusStudents will also be required to complete ReadingPlus modules each week throughout the school year which requires that they have Internet access. Students will receive a user name and password. Reading Plus assignments are assigned each week beginning on Monday and ending Sunday at 11:59 p.m. Students must complete all 9 assignments every week. Reading Plus assignments will count as a weekly classwork and homework grade.GradesStudents, you will be responsible for keeping track of your grade. Grades will stem from home learning assignments (worksheets and online), class assignments, tests, projects, quizzes, binder checks, participation, and group work. Home learning assignments will be given each day, with the exception of Friday unless related to a project or studying for a future assessment. Home learning assignments will be due the next class period unless otherwise specified. All homework assignments will be posted on the school website under my webpage. Parents and students are strongly encouraged to subscribe to the teacher’s online homework page. This will automatically send alerts and reminders for home learning assignments, due dates, and other important information.To view the assignments, please follow these directions:Go to on STUDENTClick on CLASSES/HOMEWORKClick MIDDLE/HIGH READING/LAClick on 6th or 7th GRADE LANGUAGE ARTS- GILLIAN BROWNClick ADD TO MY CLASS LIST (bottom left)Follow instructions for account setup if you have not registered; otherwise, you log in.Parents and students are also encouraged to keep track of student progress via Pinnacle online. Parents can set-up an account with Pinnacle that will automatically send e-mail alerts containing any changes in grades, attendance information, etc.To view student grades, please follow these directions:Go to on PARENTClick on PINNACLE PIVPlease note that a “Z” on Pinnacle indicates that the assignment is missing. A “Z” is weighted the same as a zero. “X” means an assignment is excused and does not need to be completed by the student.Grading Policy:Tests/Quizzes 30%Classwork35%Home Learning/Participation15%Projects20%Classroom Rules and ExpectationsI expect all students to come to class on time (seated when the tardy bell rings) and to be prepared to learn with a good attitude throughout the class period. Bellwork 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.Treat all teachers, members of administration, security, visitors, and your peers with respect at all times.Be honest and fair.Obey all school rules. (You are required to read and sign the Student Code of Conduct.)Respect the school’s, teacher’s, and other students’ property at all times.Always be prepared for class which includes having paper, pen, binder, necessary book(s), and completed assignments.Follow all directions given by the teacher.Exhibit behavior which does not disrupt the learning environment.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.)Study for all tests and quizzes. Complete assignments on time as late work completion will be limited.NO eating or drinking in classrooms (includes gum chewing).Always put for your best effort as we are “Striving for Academic Excellence.”Infractions and Procedures If you choose to break a classroom/school rule, the following disciplinary action will be taken: 1st Offense: Verbal warning 2nd Offense: Written warning - student/teacher conference, parent contact3rd Offense: Detention, parent contact, Administration contact4th/5th Offense: Detention or Referral, parent/Administration conference6th/7th Offense: Referral, Saturday detention, parent/Administration conferencePlease be advised that the teacher reserves the right to bypass the order of action contingent upon the severity of the student’s behavior.**Please note that every 3 Unexcused Tardies will result in a Wednesday detention.**Make-up Work Due to AbsencesStudents are expected to ask for make-up work from the days missed. Students are responsible for seeing the teacher to make arrangements to make up tests, quizzes, homework, and class work. The teacher will not remind students to ask for work; they must inform the teacher of the days missed and be responsible for getting their missing assignments. Makeup work must be returned within 24 hours of returning to school or 24 hours per every day absent. Homework assignments due on a day of absence are due at the beginning of the class period of return.Please note that if the required assignment is not turned in when the teacher requests, the assignment grade will be reduced 10 points. Assignments turned in 48 hours after it is due will be penalized 20 points. Assignments not turned in after this time will result in a “0”and can no longer be made up.Restroom/PassesStudents will sign in and out for bathroom breaks. Please save the breaks for emergencies. 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.Assignment RequirementsAll assignments completed this year must have the proper heading and be neatly presented. 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 NamePeriodDateAssignment Type Title/Name of Assignment1.** Please Note: Papers with no name will be discarded into the recycling bin on a daily basis. Students will have a “Z” in Pinnacle for the assignment. **All assignments must have the proper heading. All work must be submitted in dark blue or black ink only.All out of class writing assignments must be typed using the following format:Size 12pt Double Spaced, 1” MarginArial or Times New RomanPrinted in Black Ink on Clean White PaperA Few Words About MisrepresentationPlagiarism 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.6th & 7th Grade Language Arts I & IICourse Syllabus 2014-20154686300-56388000Mrs. Gillian BrownStudent/Parent Acknowledgment FormThis form must be returned and you will receive a homework 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 Friday, August 22, 2014.I hereby acknowledge that I have read and fully understand the requirements of the course as outlined in this syllabus and Somerset Academy Central Miramar’s curriculum guide. My child and I are fully aware of the following:Students must follow all classroom rules.Students using electronic devices will have them confiscated and turned in to the office.Students may use school computers after school for home learning and projects.Assignments are posted daily on the board and on the teacher website. Grades are available on Pinnacle and should be checked on a regular basis.A tardy is defined as “not inside the classroom when the bell rings.”Make-up work is the student’s responsibility.Late assignments will be deducted 10 points. Assignments turned in 48 hours after it is due will be penalized 20 points. Assignments not turned in after this time will result in a “0”and can no longer be made up.Students must complete all 9 Reading Plus assignments each week.Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated.Class Period __________________________________ ________________________________________________Print Student NameStudent’s SignatureDate______________________________ ___________________________________________________Print Parent’s/Guardian’s Name Parent’s/Guardian’s SignatureDatePlease fill in the contact information on the back of this sheet.PARENT/GUARDIAN CONTACT INFORMATIONPlease print legiblyParent/Guardian Name(s) _____________________________________________________________Home Phone _____________________________________Work Phone ______________________________________Cell Phone ________________________________________E-mail(s) ____________________________________________________________________________Parent/Guardian Name(s) _____________________________________________________________Home Phone _____________________________________Work Phone ______________________________________Cell Phone ________________________________________E-mail(s) ____________________________________________________________________________In case of emergency, please contact:Name(s) ________________________________________Relationship: ____________________Home Phone _____________________________________Work Phone _____________________________________Cell Phone _______________________________________E-mail(s) ____________________________________________________________________________Student Name _____________________________________________________________Professional E-mail __________________________________________________________ ................
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