9th Grade Honors English



9th Grade Honors English

CONTENT

The English 9 Honors curriculum is a survey course that requires advanced level reading, writing, and literary analysis. Aligned with the Virginia Standards of Learning, the instruction for this course will be divided into five language strands: oral language, reading analysis, research, vocabulary and writing. Through guided practice, activities, and assessments, students will improve their listening, reading, speaking and writing skills.

The following are novels/stories that may be covered this year:

Selected Short Stories

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Romeo & Juliet by Shakespeare

The Odyssey by Homer

A Separate Peace by John Knowles

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

12 Angry Men by Reginald Rose

Poetry Unit

Mythology Unit

Independent Reading Projects

And others…

Also included in this class are:

Free Writes

Socratic Seminars

Literary Analyses

Grammar

Research Paper

Class Presentations

CLASSROOM POLICIES

HABITS OF MIND – As an Honors English Student, I

1. Read widely and often

2. Foster my spirit of inquiry, seek answers

3. Make connections

4. Reflect thoughtfully

5. Refine my thinking

6. Develop my capacity for analysis

7. Write widely and often

8. Revise deeply

9. Demonstrate originality

10. Work diligently

MATERIALS

You must bring the following to class EACH DAY:

• pencils/pens/highlighters

• 3-ring notebook

• lined paper

• student agenda

• current text

• flash drive (highly recommended)

Coming prepared to class is essential for success.

CLASS RULES

1. Arrive to class on time and prepared. BWHS policy states you are allowed 2 tardies per quarter—the 3rd will result in Saturday school.

2. Respect yourself, respect others, LISTEN and contribute. Class discussion must be conducted in a mature manner. Do not speak when another is talking, do not interrupt or distract, and do not participate in personal attacks.

3. Cell phone use is prohibited during class. Please no eating during class. Plastic water bottles are allowed.

4. There will be no other course work done during English class.

GRADES

Students’ grades will be based on a points system with no more than 60% of the quarter grade being comprised of major assignments. Examples of major assignments include tests, quizzes, essays, and/or class projects and presentations.

In addition to receiving a quarterly interim report, you can access updated grades through CLARITY. Your grades will be based on Loudoun County’s grading scale:

READING ASSIGNMENTS

The most important requirement for each literature unit is that students read every assignment—read it with care and on time. Students will need to plan time in their schedule for more reading than most courses require. Poetry, though usually not long, is dense and complicated and should always be read at least twice. Taking notes (annotating) should be completed with every reading assignment.

WRITING ASSIGNMENTS

WRITING IS A PROCESS! You will be graded on this process. Drafts will be checked for completion and evidence of editing/revising. All writing assignments are due at the beginning of the period. Papers must already be printed, stapled and organized in proper MLA format before turning in.

QUIZZES/TESTS/STUDY GUIDES/TIMED WRITINGS

Quizzes, tests, and/or study guides may be assigned to assess mastery of your course work. Quizzes may or may not be announced. The best way to prepare for assessments is to ensure completion of homework, including all reading and writing assignments.

BWHS ENGLISH DEPARTMENT HOMEWORK POLICY

Homework will be graded for completion and effort, to the satisfaction of the teacher, and is due at the beginning of class. Work that is incomplete will receive reduced credit, and no late homework will be given credit.

BWHS ENGLISH DEPARTMENT LATE ASSIGNMENT POLICY

Major assignments (papers, projects, presentations, etc.) are to be turned in on the due date.

• Only major assignments will be accepted late, for reduced credit, at a 10% reduction per day the assignment is late.

• Assignments must be handed to me in person. DO NOT LEAVE WORK ON MY DESK OR IN MY MAILBOX.

• Papers may only be emailed to me if you are absent from school or if you are given permission.

• Technology issues – please keep in mind that computer/technology issues are not an excuse for late assignments. However, if a technology issues arises, please bring in a signed note from a parent/guardian explaining the issue.

MAKE-UP WORK

If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to get the work you missed.

• Get notes from a classmate and check your class folder for any handouts/assignments that you missed.

• Quizzes, tests, and in-class writing assignments are made up during your study hall block in the testing room OR before school.

• Continually check the class website for upcoming due dates, class notes, and handouts.

The LCPS English Honors Assessment

In Honors English, students are expected to write a great deal and reflect on these writings. The first assessment will have the students gather at least three of these writings that indicate an individual student’s progress as a writer. The student will then write a two page reflection on this progress. This reflection will count as 25% of the final exam grade.

In Honors English, students are also expected to make connections to their learning. The second assessment will be a culmination of an individual inquiry project by each individual student. Students will be required to choose a “Big Question” for the year. Students will reflect on this question through teacher generated activities and through personal inquiry. During fourth quarter, students will write an essay that seeks to answer this question, and this essay with count as an additional 25% of the final exam grade.

CHEATING/PLAGIARISM POLICY

Cheating/plagiarism includes copying another student’s work, allowing another student to copy from your work, and/or copying work from a book, magazine, internet source, etc. without proper citation. Plagiarism and cheating are serious breaches of the student honor code. Any student caught cheating or plagiarizing will receive a “0” for that test/assignment/essay. A referral form will be submitted to the office, and your parents/guardians will be notified.

NOVELS

I can lend a school copy of each work listed above; however, students may find it useful to have a personal copy in order to thoughtfully and actively engage in the reading. Students will learn how to properly and effectively annotate texts this year, so writing in the actual book is very beneficial. I have found that is a great place to purchase new or used books. If students choose to use school copies of works, they will need to utilize post-it notes for the annotations.

Please sign below to verify that you have received and understand the above polices and expectations. Please share this packet with your parent/guardian and have them sign below as well. I am looking forward to a very successful and fun year with each of you! Remember, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” ~Nelson Mandela

Mrs. Hoffman

English 9 Honors Policies and Expectations

By signing below you acknowledge that you have received and understand the classroom policies and expectations for English 9 Honors.

Student Name ________________________________________ Block _____________

Student Signature ______________________________________

Parent/Guardian Name ______________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature ______________________________________

Parent/Guardian Phone (home/cell) ______________________________________

Parent/Guardian Phone (work) ______________________________________

Parent/Guardian Email ______________________________________

PLEASE RETURN THIS COMPLETED FORM TO MS. HALUSKA ON

September 5th (A Day)

September 6th (B Day)

-----------------------

Mrs. Hoffman

Room: 600

E-mail: Keri.Hoffman@

A+ 98-100 B+ 87-89 C+ 77-79 D+ 67-69 F 0-59

A 93-97 B 83-86 C 73-76 D 63-66

A- 90-92 B- 80-82 C- 70-72 D- 60-62

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