English I (9th grade)



English I P and English I HP Curriculum Letter - Mrs. Davidson

Course Description

English I is college preparatory class that is required to graduate, requiring a grade of “C” or better

in both semesters in order to qualify for college admissions. This course follows the strict standards set by California’s English Language Arts Framework for 9th grade and is designed to provide a curriculum

that emphasizes the expansion of reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills. The Cypress High School English I Curriculum Map is organized into curricular units culminating in benchmark tests that assess mastery of the state standards.

Literature

Texts: Prentice Hall Literature: Gold Level and Grammar and Composition

Novels: Night, Farewell to Manzanar, Romeo and Juliet, (additional for honors, and others TBA)

Additional: short stories, essays, poetry, nonfiction, and grade appropriate materials

Suggested Materials

• A 3 –ring loose-leaf English binder/folder with tabs/dividers and paper

• College-ruled loose-leaf notebook paper (8.5 x 11 in.) to be inserted in English binder

• Single-subject spiral notebook for English only (no other classes)

• Report folder(s) to bind and submit unit benchmark packets at the end of every unit

• Cypress High School Planner (must be brought to class every day)

• Several working blue or black ink pens and #2 pencils with erasers

• Yellow, blue, and pink highlighters (for labeling and editing)

• 1 dry-erase board marker – any color

• Post-it notes for active reading notes (medium to large size)

• Colored pencils or markers

• Blank/copy paper

• A book to read for SSR (every day)

• Access to a computer (or the school library’s computer lab before/after school)

• a personal hole-punch and pencil sharpener are nice to have to avoid wasting class time.

Homework Policy

• No late or incomplete work is accepted. Have your work complete and ready to turn in on time.

• Plan to have homework or reading every night. Set up a place and time to do your work.

• Homework should be ready to turn in at the beginning of the period, immediately upon request, on the day it is due. If it is not turned in on time, it will be worth zero points/ F grade. No late work!

• All assignments must be labeled with a heading in the upper right hand corner with Name, Date, Class Period, and Assignment, in proper heading format. No heading = no grade.

Independent Reading Policy

One of the best ways to improve skills in language arts is to read. I would like each student to read at least twenty (20) minutes every day (a total of 30 hours a semester). Honors students are expected to complete at least 45 hours a semester. Students should get into the habit of reading independently at home (daily or weekly). SSR reading time in school supplements reading time at home. Within this independent reading requirement, students are required to read at least one book or novel (appropriate to their reading level and not already read) each quarter. My hope is that they find novels that they really enjoy. You can assist your child by providing them with opportunities to explore books and giving them access to books in public libraries and book stores, in addition to the school library. Please actively partner with your child to monitor the appropriateness of what they are reading, in subject matter and difficulty level. Independent reading will be monitored and graded using reading logs. Students will record their reading, and parents will sign the log for every 5 hours. In addition, independent reading book reports will be assigned throughout the school year.

Attendance Policy

• All school and district policies will be enforced. Please consult your CHS handbook.

• As per district policy, 5 unexcused absences or more will result in a failing semester grade.

• 5 unexcused tardies will result in your semester grade being lowered by one letter grade.

• All tests, quizzes, homework, class work, and presentations, and projects missed with an unexcused absence or tardy (per district policy) will count as a zero or F grade.

• Verified or excused absences will have one day for each day of absence to turn in homework or classwork assignments. (See below) After that, it will be late.

• You must schedule the make-up of your missed test or quiz the DAY YOU RETURN FROM YOUR ABSENCE.

• Missed class time will affect your grade. Please make every effort to be here every day.

Late, Missed, or Incomplete Homework/Classwork

• You are required to complete all the work you miss, and do all of the reading that you missed, during your own time, regardless of the reason for your absence.

• Incomplete work is never accepted

• All homework due on the day you were absent is due the day you return. No exceptions. Please give any work that was due to Mrs. Davidson at the beginning of the period. This is your responsibility; you will not be reminded.

• It is your responsibility to get assignments and materials from the day(s) you missed. Do not wait to do this. Get your missed work on the DAY YOU RETURN to school. I cannot re-teach the lesson, so you must rely on a classmate to get basic notes and unwritten instructions. Make an appointment to ask me more specific questions about your missed work.

1. Ask a reliable classmate first (and get notes from them if needed).

2. Check the homework assignment board for work that you missed.

3. Get extra worksheets - available in the labeled file box in the front of the room.

o Get worksheets before class (not during class please).

4. After you ask a classmate, check the assignment board, and get worksheets that you missed from the box, see Mrs. Davidson to get additional questions answered before or after school, or after class.

o Please do not interrupt the class with questions about what you missed! Please make an appointment with me to answer any further questions.

• You have one additional for each day of excused/verified absence (consult CHS attendance policy) to turn in the assignment. After that, it will be considered late, and worth zero points.

• See Mrs. Davidson for your missed group work assignment for a verified or excused absence.

• Work turned in past the deadline will be considered Late, and be worth zero points.

Missed Tests, Quizzes, Presentations, and Projects

• You may not make up missed tests unless you have an excused absence (per district policy). Repeat offenders (habitually absent on test days) will not be allowed to do make-ups.

• It is your responsibility to request and schedule a make-up quiz or test at the beginning of the period on the day you return. If you do not schedule the make-up immediately, it will be a zero. See Mrs. Davidson at the beginning of the period. You will not be reminded.

• Missed tests and quizzes (excused absences only) MUST be made up within 1 school day of your return. Quizzes and tests that are not made-up in a timely manner = zero points.

• An unexcused absence = ZERO/F on your missed test or quiz!!

• Presentations and major projects will not be accepted late for any reason. Please schedule them in advance of known absences.

Grading Policy

Grading is done using points on a straight percentage scale. Unit homework/class work packets and benchmark tests (large grades) will be graded at the end of every benchmark unit (see planner for dates). Periodic assignments, projects, essays, tests, and quizzes will be graded throughout each benchmark unit and quarter. The English binder, book reports and independent reading will be graded at the end of each quarter. Students will be graded on the following: Participation, Independent Reading, Essays and Reports, Tests and Quizzes, Class Assignments and Homework, Group Work, Presentations, and Projects.

• Participation Grade: Participation in class is vital to learning. This includes writing assignments in your CHS planner, being on-time, keeping an organized English binder, bringing materials to class, doing your homework & classwork, taking part in class discussions, asking and answering questions, listening to and following directions, being polite and respectful, working diligently during time given in class, taking notes, working effectively in groups, and trying your best.

Discipline Policy

The CHS Assertive Discipline Plan is in effect. Students are expected to follow all school and classroom rules and respect the classroom learning environment at all times.

Consequences = warning, 1 hour detention, call home, referral to Administrator, on-campus suspension.

Rules

• Food, candy, drinks or gum are not allowed in the room. Water in bottles is ok.

• Students will be in their assigned seat before the bell rings. Tardies are not acceptable. A signed pass is required for an excused tardy.

• No cell phone use or texting during class. (See Cypress High School’s policy.)

• The teacher dismisses the class. No packing up of personal items until the teacher indicates that class is over. Students will make sure that the area around their desk is clean, and classroom items have been properly put away. Students will remain in their seats until the class is dismissed.

• Students will bring necessary materials every day. This includes assignments/ homework/ worksheets, class notes and work (suggestedly in a folder), text or novels (checked-out to you by the teacher), and other indicated supplies. It is also suggested to come with paper and a writing implement.

• Students will show respect for the teacher, other students, and themselves. Students are not permitted to do classwork or talk during teacher lectures, or student readings/presentations. No cut downs, fighting, aggression, or profanity. No inappropriate/disruptive behavior. No throwing. Vandalism of books and/or equipment is prohibited, and will result in severe consequences.

• Students will follow directions the first time. Students will listen and pay attention to the teacher the first time instructions are explained.

• Students will raise their hand and wait to be called on to ask questions or add to discussions

• Students will not do other class work or personal business during class time. Non-class materials being used inappropriately during class will be confiscated.

• Cheating or plagiarism will not be tolerated on any assignment. Students will receive no credit for the assignment, their grade will be lowered by one letter grade for the semester, and they will be referred to the administrator for further disciplinary action.

Parents, I am available for conferences by appointment. Please feel free to contact me by writing

me an email (through the webpage or to Davidson_j@auhsd.k12.ca.us), leaving a message for me at the main office on my voice mail (714) 220-4144, or writing a note in the planner and sending it with your child. Students, please feel welcome to come see me before or after school to discuss any further concerns. My webpage in the Cypress High School website is a great resource which we will use throughout the year. Thank You! I look forward to a wonderful year!

Mrs. Jennifer Davidson

Student’s Name:_____________________________________ period:_________

English I and English IHP 2011-2012 – Mrs. Davidson

Parent and Student Confirmation and Acknowledgement of

Course Policies and Procedures

Please fill this form out after reading the curriculum letter attached. You will keep the curriculum letter, and return this sheet to me.

I confirm that I am aware of the specific policies for this course regarding each of the following (please initial to indicate that you have read each portion):

Student Initials Parent Initials

Course Description __________ ___________

Literature __________ ___________

Materials __________ ___________

Homework __________ ___________

Independent Reading __________ ___________

Attendance __________ ___________

Late, Missed & Incomplete Homework/ Classwork __________ ___________

Missed Tests & Quizzes __________ ___________

Grading __________ ___________

Discipline __________ ___________

Rules __________ ___________

I have read this curriculum letter in its entirety, and I understand its contents. I am aware that I am expected to have the materials listed, and to follow the procedures, policies, and rules outlined.

Student’s Name (please print): ______________________________________________________

Student’s Signature and Date: ______________________________________________________

Parent’s Name (please print): ______________________________________________________

Parent’s Signature and Date: ______________________________________________________

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