Welcome to English 9/10! This class is designed to help students progress in the areas of reading at their own pace, and become more comfortable with the English language – both written and spoken. Together we will survey a variety of literature from various genres, cultures and time periods.
Possible Featured Texts: The Crucible, Arthur Miller Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck The Catcher in the Rye, JD Salinger To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian, Sherman Alexie Monster, Walter Dean Myers Living Up the Street, Gary Soto Speak, Laurie Halse Anderson House on Mango Street, Sandra Cisneros
Google Classroom – Everything you need to know for this class will be posted on my our Google Classroom page. Please use the following codes to log on to the classroom page: Block 1A: cuvhvlo Block 4A: zpgmpav
Please make a strong effort to visit the site daily or weekly for up to date information on class assignments!
Teacher Availability - I am always available and willing to offer opportunities to make up work or get extra help. Please see me to schedule a time to meet during the week. Advance notice is required.
Independent Reading – In addition to reading every night for homework, students will be reading and responding to their books everyday in class. Your reading will be monitored through a response notebook, teacher conferences, and student presentations. Books must be brought to class everyday and taken home each night.
Materials – You are expected to come to class with the materials required for class (pens, paper, books, handouts etc.) You will only be able to leave the class for these items with a ticket (see below).
Food/drink – no food is permitted in the classroom. Only drinks with a lid or cap are allowed.
IPODs/MP3s/Cell Phones – These items are not permitted to be used in class without my permission. There are times when personal listening devices may be used (for example, during independent reading) but I will be the one to decide when and if it is allowed. Inappropriate use of these items or disruption of class is inexcusable and will be subject to a VPO discipline referral.
Lateness - Lateness will not be tolerated. You are expected to be in your seat when the bell rings, or else you will be marked late. If you are late with reason, a pass must be presented to enter the room. Repeated tardiness will be reported to the VPO for further action.
Grading Policy – You will be graded using the points system. Every assignment will have a points value. The point value will vary according to the difficultly of the assignment. Ex: Homework – 10 points Tests – 100 points Quizzes – 50 points Essay or Project – 100+ points
Tickets – Every student will be given 5 tickets per marking period. Tickets may be used to leave the room for a drink, the bathroom* or a trip to his/her locker. Tickets may also be saved and turned in at the end of the marking period for extra credit OR be entered in to a raffle for a prize. Every student has the opportunity to earn tickets throughout the year for exceptional work or behavior. Points will be deducted for unprofessional behavior in class.
*Students with medical requirements will be exempt from this policy with written note from school nurse*