English 10 Syllabus
Hillcrest High School
Cassandra Nalazek, English Dept.
Hillcrest High School
Cassandra Nalazek, English Dept.
COURSE TITLE: English 10
COURSE OBJECTIVES: Everything you do in this class, whether written assignments, group assignments, oral presentations, etc. will focus on meeting a standard and mastering the standard.
PARTICIPATION: ALL students are expected to actively and thoughtfully contribute to class discussions. Student involvement in the learning activities of the course is expected daily from every student. This includes attention to and participation in written and oral exercises, class discussion, being prepared for class, completion of classwork and homework, and show respect to our learning environment by ending your undivided attention to whoever is speaking, whether that person is me or one of your classmates. I tend to err on the side of generosity when it comes to your participation grade, so if you receive a low grade, then it is because your lack of participation was painfully obvious; because of which, these grades are absolutely non-negotiable.
REQUIRED MAJOR TEXTS/READINGS:
*NOTE*: If a parent/guardian has a concern with any text or other material for the course, please contact me in advance so we can discuss an alternate assignment for your student.
MATERIALS NEEDED:
* 3 ring binder and dividers
* notebook paper
* pencils and blue/black ink pens
* highlighters
* Composition notebook (100 pgs)
* assigned reading materials
GRADING POLICY:
One update this year is the shift to standards based grading. As encouraged by the district, the Hillcrest English department is shifting to this standards based grading system for 9th and 10th graders. What this means for Sophomore English is that we will be using a 55%-95% grade scale. No grade lower than 55% will be given. The meaning behind these grades is explained below:
A - 95% - Shows an advanced level of understanding of the standard
B - 85% - Shows a proficient level of understanding of the standard
C - 75% - Shows a basic level of understanding of the standard
D - 65% - Shows a below basic level of understanding of the standard
F - 55% - Shows an insufficient level of understanding of the standard (For example, if a student does not turn in an assignment, a 55% will be given rather than a 0%. This is in an attempt to close the gap between grades and make it so students can always reach basic and above basic levels of understanding of standards.)
There will only be those 5 grades, no plus or minus. Each graded assessment will have a clear rubric with standards outlined. Some smaller assessments will not be counted in the students final grade (as these are practice assessments) and other large assessments (such as tests and essays) will make up their final grade. Students will be able to retake most large assessments and show their understanding of the given standard, as long as previous (practice) assessments have been completed. I will explain this more with each large assessment. It is our goal that this system allows student's grades to truly and accurately represent what each student knows and can do. This also allows us to help students who need help more quickly and ensure that each student has the skills and knowledge they need to move on in high school.
ATTENDANCE AND MAKE-UP POLICY:
A student who is present and actively participates is more likely to be successful; however, if a student is absent, he/she has the number of days absent plus one day to make up assigned work. Work not made up in this timeframe could receive a zero. Making up any assignments and handing it in following an absence is the student’s responsibility. See Wheeler High School Student Handbook for further policies regarding make-up work. If you are present at school during any part of the day an assignment is due, even if you have missed English, you must bring the assignment to the teacher to avoid a late grade penalty.
LATE WORK: Late work may not be given full credit. Work is due when the teacher calls for it. Late assignments receive a 20% deduction for each day they are late. This includes weekends and holidays.
EXTRA HELP: I am available by appointment most days except Fridays. This means that you must reach out to me BEFOREneeding to see me to schedule a time.
PEER REVIEW:
Sharing ideas with your peers is a useful part of the writing process. It allows you to gather feedback on your ideas and writing before you submit it to me for a final grade. Use these opportunities to your benefit by demanding constructive criticism from your partner or group; likewise, bea group member who consistently offers constructive criticism. You are graded on your peer review performance.
REWRITE POLICY:
I allow rewrites on all projects that have been submitted on time. Rewrites must be submitted by the end of that unit. Certain project or papers may not apply.
TARDINESS & ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Class begins when the bell rings, so be in your seat and ready to work just before the bell. Two tardies are permitted each trimester without any serious, negative consequences. Additional tardies result in a before-school or after-school detention, a phone call to a parent or guardian, and a referral to the administration. Keep in mind that if a student is more than ten minutes late, that student is marked absent for the day in that class.It is essential that a student be in class to learn. If there is an extenuating circumstance which requires your absence, please talk to me beforehand so we can make acceptable arrangements. It is school policy that more than 5 absences in a trimester can jeopardize the credit for the class. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to get any missing notes or assignments. It is always the student’s responsibility to make arrangements to make up a test, assignment, or quiz. Arrangements must be made within two school days after returning from the absence. Students have the amount of days missed plus one day to complete any assignments that were due while they were gone. Any assignments given before the absence must be turned in on the day the student returns to class. There are some circumstances where an absence, either excused or unexcused, will result in missing points from a student’s grade. For example, if we are watching a video in class, I cannot schedule a time to view and entire video; therefore, the student will miss those points. If a student only has a handful of absences in a trimester, this should not affect his or her overall trimester grade. However, if chronic absences are an issue, your grade will suffer. When students are late to class they are missing valuable instruction. Being prompt is a skill that can be groomed and should be exercised daily. It shows respect for both the individual and those with whom you associate. Bottom line: BE ON TIME TO CLASS!
CLASS EXPECTATIONS:
My expectations are high for my students. REGULAR ATTENDANCE IS IMPERATIVE; class discussions and lessons are group activities and not easily replicated. Students cannot benefit and learn to their potential if they are consistently absent. These are some guidelines for our classrooms:
* Be kind to one another.
* Be prepared, be engaged, and be ready to learn.
* Respect yourself, one another, and me.
* Listen with sincerity and openness.
* Bring ALL materials to class every day. This includes relevant text, notebook, and writing tools. Failure to do so hinders your ability to participate in class, which affects your work and consequently, your grade.
CELL PHONE POLICY:
Cell phones must be silenced and put away. If it appears that you are paying more attention to electronic devices than to the discussion, you will lose participation points for the entire week.
CONSEQUENCES for not adhering to Class Expectations:
1st- Verbal Warning
2nd- Parent Contact (phone or email)
3rd- Administrative Referral
*Severe disruptions will be referred immediately to parents and administration
Honor Code: Hillcrest High School
“Today I give you two examinations, one in trigonometry and one in honesty.
I hope you pass them both, but if you must fail one, let it be trigonometry.” Madison Sarratt
What is Academic Dishonesty?
The two most common kinds of academic dishonesty are cheating and plagiarism.
The following list identifies some of the activities defined as academic dishonesty:
Cheating: the act of obtaining or attempting to obtain credit for academic work through the use of dishonest, deceptive or fraudulent means.
1. Copying, in part or in whole, from someone else’s test; homework, assignment, or other evaluated material from class.
2. Submitting work presented previously in another course.
3. Altering or interfering with grading.
4. Using or consulting, during an examination, any sources, consulting with others, use of electronic equipment including cell phones, MP3 players, and PDAs, or use of materials not authorized by the instructor.
5. Committing other acts that defraud or misrepresent.
6. Talking during a test without the teacher’s permission; even if your test has been collected.
Plagiarism:representing the work of someone else as your own and submitting it for any purpose.
1. Incorporating the ideas, words, sentences, paragraphs, or parts of another person’s writings, without giving appropriate credit, and representing the product as your own.
2. Representing another’s artistic or scholarly works such as musical compositions, computer programs, photographs, paintings, drawings or sculptures as your own.
3. Submitting a paper purchased from a research or term paper service, including the Internet.
4. Undocumented Web source usage.
Other Specific Examples of Academic Dishonesty
1. Purposely allowing another student to copy from your paper. This includes homework assignments tests of any other work relating to class where the teacher did not give express permission to collaborate.
2. Giving your homework, term paper, or other academic work to another student to plagiarize.
3. Having another person submit any work in your name.
4. Lying to an instructor or administrator to improve your grade.
5. Altering a graded work after it has been returned, then submitting the work for re-grading.
6. Stealing tests
7. Forging signatures on any document.
8. Collaboration without permission of instructor.
The consequences of violating this honor code, even once, are serious. The school policy states:
“Depending on the extent of the plagiarism, a student may receive a reduced grade on an assignment, fail the assignment, be assigned to Saturday school, or be suspended. When an instance of plagiarism is suspected it will be the teacher’s responsibility to use reasonable discretion in assessing the extent and severity of the situation and in designating an appropriate consequence. In cases of repeated plagiarism or complete plagiarism (where the whole or most of an assignment is not the original work of the student), the teacher may inform the administration in order to initiate disciplinary action for academic misconduct” (16).
Depending on the severity of your offense, you may face one or more of the following:
1. After school detention
2. Re-doing the Assignment/Test
3. A referral to the office which can lead to a suspension
4. A failing grade in the class
It is your responsibility to know what constitutes academic dishonesty. If you are unclear about a specific situation, speak to your instructor. Do not just assume that pleading ignorance will excuse your behavior.
Contact your teacher if you have any questions about this code.
*NOTE: Ms. Nalazek reserves the right to change the contents of this syllabus as needed. I am not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged electronic devices or other items. Please sign and return indicating that you have read this paper and you understand the expectations of students in Freshman English.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: Everything you do in this class, whether written assignments, group assignments, oral presentations, etc. will focus on meeting a standard and mastering the standard.
PARTICIPATION: ALL students are expected to actively and thoughtfully contribute to class discussions. Student involvement in the learning activities of the course is expected daily from every student. This includes attention to and participation in written and oral exercises, class discussion, being prepared for class, completion of classwork and homework, and show respect to our learning environment by ending your undivided attention to whoever is speaking, whether that person is me or one of your classmates. I tend to err on the side of generosity when it comes to your participation grade, so if you receive a low grade, then it is because your lack of participation was painfully obvious; because of which, these grades are absolutely non-negotiable.
REQUIRED MAJOR TEXTS/READINGS:
- * To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee)
- * Of Mice and Men (John Steinbeck)
- * Animal Farm (George Orwell)
- * Taming of the Shrew (William Shakespeare)
- * Different short stories and poems
- * ADDITIONAL MAJOR TEXTS/READINGS (These texts may or may not be read depending on the amount of time).
- *An additional parallel book may be read (There will be a choice among several books selected for this course.)
- Other fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and print selections
*NOTE*: If a parent/guardian has a concern with any text or other material for the course, please contact me in advance so we can discuss an alternate assignment for your student.
MATERIALS NEEDED:
* 3 ring binder and dividers
* notebook paper
* pencils and blue/black ink pens
* highlighters
* Composition notebook (100 pgs)
* assigned reading materials
GRADING POLICY:
One update this year is the shift to standards based grading. As encouraged by the district, the Hillcrest English department is shifting to this standards based grading system for 9th and 10th graders. What this means for Sophomore English is that we will be using a 55%-95% grade scale. No grade lower than 55% will be given. The meaning behind these grades is explained below:
A - 95% - Shows an advanced level of understanding of the standard
B - 85% - Shows a proficient level of understanding of the standard
C - 75% - Shows a basic level of understanding of the standard
D - 65% - Shows a below basic level of understanding of the standard
F - 55% - Shows an insufficient level of understanding of the standard (For example, if a student does not turn in an assignment, a 55% will be given rather than a 0%. This is in an attempt to close the gap between grades and make it so students can always reach basic and above basic levels of understanding of standards.)
There will only be those 5 grades, no plus or minus. Each graded assessment will have a clear rubric with standards outlined. Some smaller assessments will not be counted in the students final grade (as these are practice assessments) and other large assessments (such as tests and essays) will make up their final grade. Students will be able to retake most large assessments and show their understanding of the given standard, as long as previous (practice) assessments have been completed. I will explain this more with each large assessment. It is our goal that this system allows student's grades to truly and accurately represent what each student knows and can do. This also allows us to help students who need help more quickly and ensure that each student has the skills and knowledge they need to move on in high school.
ATTENDANCE AND MAKE-UP POLICY:
A student who is present and actively participates is more likely to be successful; however, if a student is absent, he/she has the number of days absent plus one day to make up assigned work. Work not made up in this timeframe could receive a zero. Making up any assignments and handing it in following an absence is the student’s responsibility. See Wheeler High School Student Handbook for further policies regarding make-up work. If you are present at school during any part of the day an assignment is due, even if you have missed English, you must bring the assignment to the teacher to avoid a late grade penalty.
LATE WORK: Late work may not be given full credit. Work is due when the teacher calls for it. Late assignments receive a 20% deduction for each day they are late. This includes weekends and holidays.
EXTRA HELP: I am available by appointment most days except Fridays. This means that you must reach out to me BEFOREneeding to see me to schedule a time.
PEER REVIEW:
Sharing ideas with your peers is a useful part of the writing process. It allows you to gather feedback on your ideas and writing before you submit it to me for a final grade. Use these opportunities to your benefit by demanding constructive criticism from your partner or group; likewise, bea group member who consistently offers constructive criticism. You are graded on your peer review performance.
REWRITE POLICY:
I allow rewrites on all projects that have been submitted on time. Rewrites must be submitted by the end of that unit. Certain project or papers may not apply.
TARDINESS & ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Class begins when the bell rings, so be in your seat and ready to work just before the bell. Two tardies are permitted each trimester without any serious, negative consequences. Additional tardies result in a before-school or after-school detention, a phone call to a parent or guardian, and a referral to the administration. Keep in mind that if a student is more than ten minutes late, that student is marked absent for the day in that class.It is essential that a student be in class to learn. If there is an extenuating circumstance which requires your absence, please talk to me beforehand so we can make acceptable arrangements. It is school policy that more than 5 absences in a trimester can jeopardize the credit for the class. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to get any missing notes or assignments. It is always the student’s responsibility to make arrangements to make up a test, assignment, or quiz. Arrangements must be made within two school days after returning from the absence. Students have the amount of days missed plus one day to complete any assignments that were due while they were gone. Any assignments given before the absence must be turned in on the day the student returns to class. There are some circumstances where an absence, either excused or unexcused, will result in missing points from a student’s grade. For example, if we are watching a video in class, I cannot schedule a time to view and entire video; therefore, the student will miss those points. If a student only has a handful of absences in a trimester, this should not affect his or her overall trimester grade. However, if chronic absences are an issue, your grade will suffer. When students are late to class they are missing valuable instruction. Being prompt is a skill that can be groomed and should be exercised daily. It shows respect for both the individual and those with whom you associate. Bottom line: BE ON TIME TO CLASS!
CLASS EXPECTATIONS:
My expectations are high for my students. REGULAR ATTENDANCE IS IMPERATIVE; class discussions and lessons are group activities and not easily replicated. Students cannot benefit and learn to their potential if they are consistently absent. These are some guidelines for our classrooms:
* Be kind to one another.
* Be prepared, be engaged, and be ready to learn.
* Respect yourself, one another, and me.
* Listen with sincerity and openness.
* Bring ALL materials to class every day. This includes relevant text, notebook, and writing tools. Failure to do so hinders your ability to participate in class, which affects your work and consequently, your grade.
CELL PHONE POLICY:
Cell phones must be silenced and put away. If it appears that you are paying more attention to electronic devices than to the discussion, you will lose participation points for the entire week.
CONSEQUENCES for not adhering to Class Expectations:
1st- Verbal Warning
2nd- Parent Contact (phone or email)
3rd- Administrative Referral
*Severe disruptions will be referred immediately to parents and administration
Honor Code: Hillcrest High School
“Today I give you two examinations, one in trigonometry and one in honesty.
I hope you pass them both, but if you must fail one, let it be trigonometry.” Madison Sarratt
What is Academic Dishonesty?
The two most common kinds of academic dishonesty are cheating and plagiarism.
The following list identifies some of the activities defined as academic dishonesty:
Cheating: the act of obtaining or attempting to obtain credit for academic work through the use of dishonest, deceptive or fraudulent means.
1. Copying, in part or in whole, from someone else’s test; homework, assignment, or other evaluated material from class.
2. Submitting work presented previously in another course.
3. Altering or interfering with grading.
4. Using or consulting, during an examination, any sources, consulting with others, use of electronic equipment including cell phones, MP3 players, and PDAs, or use of materials not authorized by the instructor.
5. Committing other acts that defraud or misrepresent.
6. Talking during a test without the teacher’s permission; even if your test has been collected.
Plagiarism:representing the work of someone else as your own and submitting it for any purpose.
1. Incorporating the ideas, words, sentences, paragraphs, or parts of another person’s writings, without giving appropriate credit, and representing the product as your own.
2. Representing another’s artistic or scholarly works such as musical compositions, computer programs, photographs, paintings, drawings or sculptures as your own.
3. Submitting a paper purchased from a research or term paper service, including the Internet.
4. Undocumented Web source usage.
Other Specific Examples of Academic Dishonesty
1. Purposely allowing another student to copy from your paper. This includes homework assignments tests of any other work relating to class where the teacher did not give express permission to collaborate.
2. Giving your homework, term paper, or other academic work to another student to plagiarize.
3. Having another person submit any work in your name.
4. Lying to an instructor or administrator to improve your grade.
5. Altering a graded work after it has been returned, then submitting the work for re-grading.
6. Stealing tests
7. Forging signatures on any document.
8. Collaboration without permission of instructor.
The consequences of violating this honor code, even once, are serious. The school policy states:
“Depending on the extent of the plagiarism, a student may receive a reduced grade on an assignment, fail the assignment, be assigned to Saturday school, or be suspended. When an instance of plagiarism is suspected it will be the teacher’s responsibility to use reasonable discretion in assessing the extent and severity of the situation and in designating an appropriate consequence. In cases of repeated plagiarism or complete plagiarism (where the whole or most of an assignment is not the original work of the student), the teacher may inform the administration in order to initiate disciplinary action for academic misconduct” (16).
Depending on the severity of your offense, you may face one or more of the following:
1. After school detention
2. Re-doing the Assignment/Test
3. A referral to the office which can lead to a suspension
4. A failing grade in the class
It is your responsibility to know what constitutes academic dishonesty. If you are unclear about a specific situation, speak to your instructor. Do not just assume that pleading ignorance will excuse your behavior.
Contact your teacher if you have any questions about this code.
*NOTE: Ms. Nalazek reserves the right to change the contents of this syllabus as needed. I am not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged electronic devices or other items. Please sign and return indicating that you have read this paper and you understand the expectations of students in Freshman English.