English 9 Honors Course Overview



English 9 Honors Course Overview

Honors English 9 is a required course which has been designed to help students master skills in several key areas of communication, including reading, writing, and speaking. Our philosophy and approach to this course reflects our belief that these are all life skills--among those most vital to success in formal education and the wide world beyond the classroom. At the Honors level, students should expect an increase in rigor in course content and evaluation.

Instructional Focus

Thematic Focus: Me, My Community, The World

o The course is organized around a study of genres, or types of reading and writing: short stories, novels, poetry, drama, nonfiction.

o The House on Mango Street (Tri A) is our anchor text. Non-fiction analysis (Tri B)

o Increased focus on development of individualized communication and study strategies for reading, writing, speaking, and group collaboration.

o Advanced vocabulary study/quizzes

o Independent reading

Students who succeed in Honors English 9, with few exceptions, regularly exhibit these qualities:

o Enjoy reading, writing, and discussing ideas with others

o Have intellectual curiosity and are open to exploring different opinions, ideas, and points-of view

o Work well independently or in a group

o Complete work by deadlines

o Are willing to push themselves for higher quality work

By choosing to enroll in an honors English course, students indicate they are seeking an additional challenge. As such, students should expect homework each night.

Requested Supplies for Students

o one notebook and folder or binder used exclusively for Honors English 9

o pen or pencil everyday

o student planner

o Will need access to the internet (labs available after school)

Absence and Make-up Policy

o Students are responsible for all work missed during an absence

o Work due the date of the absence is due on the date of return to class

o New work assigned on date of absence is due within 2 days of return to class

o All make-up assignments should be clearly marked with the date of absence

Late Work Policy

o On time preparation for class activities and discussions is expected at all times.

o Most late daily assignments are accepted for credit because I believe their final grade should reflect their skill level; however, I also want to teach them to be responsible students so I dock assignments 10% if they are late. If they begin to turn late work in on a regular basis they may be required to stay after school with me.

o Students facing extraordinary circumstances may request an extension prior to an established deadline.

Plagiarism Policy

Cheating on an assignment will result in a zero for the assignment or test. This includes failing to cite outside sources, using notes on a closed book test, turning in another’s work as your own, or working in pairs or groups for an individually graded assignment. Such behaviors also may affect students’ acceptance into National Honor Society.

Behavior Expectations

o At all times, be respectful of yourself, other students, staff, and facilities.

o I have a severe fragrance allergy. Please avoid wearing perfumes, colognes, lotions, etc. Definitely, do not spray or use lotion during class. Also, scented markers trigger a reaction. Thank you so much for your cooperation!

o Positive participation in daily class activities and discussions is expected.

o Be in your seat, prepared with all necessary materials when the bell rings.

o An unexcused tardy requires detention with instructor.

o Remember that all CPHS rules apply inside our class: i.e. no hats, etc.

Grading Policy and Procedures

85% of my grading is based on quality of the final product --not completion, process, or improvement. Grades are broken into the following categories each term: homework (15%), vocabulary (10%), writing (30%), reading comprehension (30%), and communication (15%). Grades will be updated approximately every two-three weeks on AH Connect. To reflect best practice, my gradebook is mostly skills based to help my students understand their strengths and weaknesses in relation to language arts. To understand why a score may have changed, please ask your child to see the rubric (s) in their portfolios. When I distribute a rubric to your child, I will send an email home via AH –Connect to let you know.

Grading Scale

A=100-94% A- = 93-90% B+=89-88% B=87-83%

B- =82-80% C+=79-78% C=77-73% C- =72-70%

D+=69-68% D=67-63% D- =62-60% F=under 60%

Extra Assistance

An important skill in academics, as well as life, is recognizing and asking for help when needed. Students may arrange to individually conference with me after school.

Keeping in Touch

Please email or call with questions or concerns, anytime. I look forward to sharing a productive and challenging semester together!

Sincerely yours,

Lisa Christensen

(763) 506-6985 lisa.christensen@anoka.k12.mn.us

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Please sign and date this form indicating that you understand and agree to follow the expectations for this class.

Student's signature: _____________________________________ Date: _______

Parent/Guardian's signature: ______________________________ Date: _______

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