Junior High English
Instructor - Mrs. Tobias
[email protected]
Welcome to Junior High English! This is a course designed to guide students to express themselves clearly in writing and speaking, to engage thoughtfully and critically in a wide variety of literature, and to deepen their understanding of our richly diverse world.
Course Description: Students will gain experience in reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking while studying a range of diverse literary works. This course will also introduce the beginning writer to elements of the composition process (prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing). The goal is for students to better understand and analyze the multiple dimensions of the human experience by examining this experience through literature.
Goals:
1. Identify parts of a sentence.
2. Perform the writing process in multi-paragraph essay format.
3. Perform grammar and mechanics exercises
4. Work effectively in a group.
Materials:
• A three-ring binder (exclusively used for English & Reading) with notebook paper (college or wide-ruled)
• Four dividers labeled: Notes, Handouts, Writing, Vocabulary
• Four Highlighters (Pink, Yellow, Green, Blue)
• Writing utensils (pencil, pen - only for grading purposes)
• Planner (the school will provide this)
Class Rules:
• Be respectful and kind
• Participate
• Listen
• Be Punctual
Class Expectations: Although the class rules cover most areas, here are some specifics to help you reach success in this class.
Behavioral Expectations:
• Be Respectful: Respect school property, the teacher's property, others' personal property and yourself. Please don't touch the project, candle warmer, etc. Always keep your hands to yourself. Profanity is not tolerated in speech or in writing.
• Participate in class and do the required work.
• Listen: Do not talk when another is talking. Listening will allow you to follow directions and complete the assignments correctly. Do not sharpen your pencil or get up when the teacher is talking. If you are not able to refrain from strange noises, arrangements will be made for you to complete your work in Mr. Grint’s office.
• Be Punctual: Being on time is important not only in the classroom, but in all that you do. If you repeatedly forget supplies or homework in your locker, you will receive a tardy for each offense. Three tardies equal a detention.
Assignments and Grading Information
• Curriculum: This course content can be divided into four major areas: Composition (writing), Grammar, Vocabulary, and AR.
• Grading Tools: You will be evaluated on quizzes, writing assignments, vocabulary work and tests, group activities, oral presentations, Accelerated Reader and other assignments. The grading scale is the same one used throughout the school.
o All assigned writing will be typed using double space, 12 pt. font, Calibri or Times New Roman. All papers/ assignments will be headed with format as follows:
Student Name Example: Johnny Q. School
Date August 19, 2015
Class English 7/8
Assignment All About Me Paragraph
• Late Work: Late work in this class is anything turned in after I've collected an assignment - even if the work is turned in later that period, it's still late! You get one "temporary insanity" (late pass) per quarter without consequences, pass MUST be turned in with work. Late assignments after that will result in a detention and 10% grade deduction each day it is late, with no submission after four days and a zero on the assignment.
• Tests, Essays and Projects: Major papers will not be accepted late. Back up your files on a jump drive or Google Drive within Schoology, email it to yourself, or save it to the server. Computer crashes, deleted papers, printers malfunctioning are not acceptable excuses. Plan ahead and SAVE everything. In-class essays should be written in pencil and double-spaced. If I can't read it, I can't grade it.
o Warning: Any assignments not turned in, untaken tests/quizzes will receive a zero.
• Accelerated Reader counts for ten percent of your overall quarter grade. You should be reading within your ZPD. You will know what your zone is after you take the STARS test. Please pick books that will challenge you and are grade-appropriate. The point value requirements to receive an "A" per quarter are as follows: 7th grade - 15 points, 8th grade - 20 points. Adjustments on required points per quarter may be made on an individual basis as needed, but will based on previous test scores. Summer AR points earned will count toward 1st quarter points.
• Cheating and Plagiarism: These will NOT be tolerated and each will result in an automatic zero. Cheating (see handbook for definition) or submitting papers with borrowed phrases or position arguments will receive a zero. Paraphrases, statistics, summaries of information, and quotations from any source other than general knowledge must use MLA citation with a Works Cited page.
• Absences: You are responsible for make-up work after an absence. I will collect worksheets and quizzes for you, but it will be your job to check Schoology and/or check with me for any additional missed assignments. In regards to class assignments, you will be given two days per each day you have been absent to make-up assignments. If the absence is planned, all work MUST be completed before you are gone.
• Class Notes: Always be prepared to take class notes. You will be held accountable for class discussions.
• Handouts: Save, save, save! If information is worthy of a handout, it is worthy of an exam question. When in doubt, save it! All information that is covered in class may be seen again on quizzes or tests. Store all of this information in a three-ring binder or English folder.
• Neatness counts: If I cannot read what you have written on your homework and tests, it will be counted wrong.
• No "F" for Effort: If I see that you are putting forth a true and genuine effort (before school, after school, lunch, study hall, etc.), you will not fail this class.
Other Class Policies:
• Class Supplies: Bring the necessary supplies to class each day. You will need to bring these items to class each day: three-ring binder/folder, notebook or loose leaf paper in binder, writing utensils/highlighters, AR book, class textbooks/novels, and planner.
• Passes: Try to take care of any 'business' before entering the classroom. If you must leave the room due to an emergency, a wooden pass will be issued and you need to sign out. Only one person may leave the room at a time.
Final Words
I have high expectations for this year. We will work hard, learn lots and have some fun! A positive attitude is worth a great deal! Remember that you are ultimately responsible for your behavior, decisions and learning! I am not going to be your cheerleaders - but I will challenge you, make you think, frustrate you, and help you to grow.
Parents, you may contact me by email ([email protected]) or phone (527-4119) for any questions or concerns.
I agree that I have read this syllabus, and I understand and am bound by the policies outlined above.
Signed _________________________________________________________ Date ______________________________________
(student)
I agree that I have read this syllabus, and my child is bound by the policies outlined above.
Signed ________________________________________________________ Date _______________________________________
(parent)
(Optional): Parents, write a brief paragraph about your child. How can I best help your son/daughter learn and achieve success in the classroom? Is there anything else I should know about your son/daughter? You may use the back of this paper or a separate sheet.
Expectations:
1. Being prepared is a sign of brilliance; bring necessary materials with you each day.
2. I appreciate manners and respect. Please use them. If you don’t, you will serve detention before or after school with me.
3. When in my class, work on my class work and projects. You should have planned ahead and worked on other class homework before this class started.
4. There will be no leaving my classroom. My classes are so exciting that you won't want to leave anyway! To use the restroom during class results in 10 minutes of time owed to the teacher before school the next day. No locker passes. If you forget something, you suffer the penalty.
Technology Policies:
1. When I say "lids down," I mean shut your Chromebook now and turn your attention to the front of the room.
2. Digital cheating is the worst kind. I give zeros for copying and pasting answers from the Internet. I also give zeros for plagiarism and copyright violation. I also give zeros for file sharing, which is just like copying a person's paper, only worse. (You didn't even take the time to hand write the answers forcing you to think a little bit about the material.) But I promise to change how I ask questions so that you are forced to think for yourself anyway. That way you won't be tempted to cheat.
3. Surfing inappropriate sites during my class will result in me taking your Chromebook away for the rest of the class.
4. I will collect paper assignments at the beginning of class. This is the same for submitting assignments digitally. You need to submit them (via Schoology) when I ask so they are time stamped during my class period, not later - you might forget.
5. Internet safety is key. Never reveal your name or personal information on the Internet. Don't even give any clues that could allow to lead to you.
Consequences:
1. If behavior becomes an issue, student will serve detention. Detentions are 30 minutes long and will be served immediately after school or the following morning at 7:30 sharp.
2. If the student is still experiencing problems in the classroom, he or she will be referred to the administration.
Other tips for achieving success in this class:
1. There's no such thing as a dumb question, or a dumb answer.
2. None of us are perfect.
3. Take risks. Try new things.
4. If you don't understand, ask.
5. If you don't agree, say so, and then explain your thoughts.
6. No teasing, put-downs or sarcasm.
7. Disagree with ideas, don't criticize people.
8. Have a mind of your own.
9. Enjoy and learn!
Instructor - Mrs. Tobias
[email protected]
Welcome to Junior High English! This is a course designed to guide students to express themselves clearly in writing and speaking, to engage thoughtfully and critically in a wide variety of literature, and to deepen their understanding of our richly diverse world.
Course Description: Students will gain experience in reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking while studying a range of diverse literary works. This course will also introduce the beginning writer to elements of the composition process (prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing). The goal is for students to better understand and analyze the multiple dimensions of the human experience by examining this experience through literature.
Goals:
1. Identify parts of a sentence.
2. Perform the writing process in multi-paragraph essay format.
3. Perform grammar and mechanics exercises
4. Work effectively in a group.
Materials:
• A three-ring binder (exclusively used for English & Reading) with notebook paper (college or wide-ruled)
• Four dividers labeled: Notes, Handouts, Writing, Vocabulary
• Four Highlighters (Pink, Yellow, Green, Blue)
• Writing utensils (pencil, pen - only for grading purposes)
• Planner (the school will provide this)
Class Rules:
• Be respectful and kind
• Participate
• Listen
• Be Punctual
Class Expectations: Although the class rules cover most areas, here are some specifics to help you reach success in this class.
Behavioral Expectations:
• Be Respectful: Respect school property, the teacher's property, others' personal property and yourself. Please don't touch the project, candle warmer, etc. Always keep your hands to yourself. Profanity is not tolerated in speech or in writing.
• Participate in class and do the required work.
• Listen: Do not talk when another is talking. Listening will allow you to follow directions and complete the assignments correctly. Do not sharpen your pencil or get up when the teacher is talking. If you are not able to refrain from strange noises, arrangements will be made for you to complete your work in Mr. Grint’s office.
• Be Punctual: Being on time is important not only in the classroom, but in all that you do. If you repeatedly forget supplies or homework in your locker, you will receive a tardy for each offense. Three tardies equal a detention.
Assignments and Grading Information
• Curriculum: This course content can be divided into four major areas: Composition (writing), Grammar, Vocabulary, and AR.
• Grading Tools: You will be evaluated on quizzes, writing assignments, vocabulary work and tests, group activities, oral presentations, Accelerated Reader and other assignments. The grading scale is the same one used throughout the school.
o All assigned writing will be typed using double space, 12 pt. font, Calibri or Times New Roman. All papers/ assignments will be headed with format as follows:
Student Name Example: Johnny Q. School
Date August 19, 2015
Class English 7/8
Assignment All About Me Paragraph
• Late Work: Late work in this class is anything turned in after I've collected an assignment - even if the work is turned in later that period, it's still late! You get one "temporary insanity" (late pass) per quarter without consequences, pass MUST be turned in with work. Late assignments after that will result in a detention and 10% grade deduction each day it is late, with no submission after four days and a zero on the assignment.
• Tests, Essays and Projects: Major papers will not be accepted late. Back up your files on a jump drive or Google Drive within Schoology, email it to yourself, or save it to the server. Computer crashes, deleted papers, printers malfunctioning are not acceptable excuses. Plan ahead and SAVE everything. In-class essays should be written in pencil and double-spaced. If I can't read it, I can't grade it.
o Warning: Any assignments not turned in, untaken tests/quizzes will receive a zero.
• Accelerated Reader counts for ten percent of your overall quarter grade. You should be reading within your ZPD. You will know what your zone is after you take the STARS test. Please pick books that will challenge you and are grade-appropriate. The point value requirements to receive an "A" per quarter are as follows: 7th grade - 15 points, 8th grade - 20 points. Adjustments on required points per quarter may be made on an individual basis as needed, but will based on previous test scores. Summer AR points earned will count toward 1st quarter points.
• Cheating and Plagiarism: These will NOT be tolerated and each will result in an automatic zero. Cheating (see handbook for definition) or submitting papers with borrowed phrases or position arguments will receive a zero. Paraphrases, statistics, summaries of information, and quotations from any source other than general knowledge must use MLA citation with a Works Cited page.
• Absences: You are responsible for make-up work after an absence. I will collect worksheets and quizzes for you, but it will be your job to check Schoology and/or check with me for any additional missed assignments. In regards to class assignments, you will be given two days per each day you have been absent to make-up assignments. If the absence is planned, all work MUST be completed before you are gone.
• Class Notes: Always be prepared to take class notes. You will be held accountable for class discussions.
• Handouts: Save, save, save! If information is worthy of a handout, it is worthy of an exam question. When in doubt, save it! All information that is covered in class may be seen again on quizzes or tests. Store all of this information in a three-ring binder or English folder.
• Neatness counts: If I cannot read what you have written on your homework and tests, it will be counted wrong.
• No "F" for Effort: If I see that you are putting forth a true and genuine effort (before school, after school, lunch, study hall, etc.), you will not fail this class.
Other Class Policies:
• Class Supplies: Bring the necessary supplies to class each day. You will need to bring these items to class each day: three-ring binder/folder, notebook or loose leaf paper in binder, writing utensils/highlighters, AR book, class textbooks/novels, and planner.
• Passes: Try to take care of any 'business' before entering the classroom. If you must leave the room due to an emergency, a wooden pass will be issued and you need to sign out. Only one person may leave the room at a time.
Final Words
I have high expectations for this year. We will work hard, learn lots and have some fun! A positive attitude is worth a great deal! Remember that you are ultimately responsible for your behavior, decisions and learning! I am not going to be your cheerleaders - but I will challenge you, make you think, frustrate you, and help you to grow.
Parents, you may contact me by email ([email protected]) or phone (527-4119) for any questions or concerns.
I agree that I have read this syllabus, and I understand and am bound by the policies outlined above.
Signed _________________________________________________________ Date ______________________________________
(student)
I agree that I have read this syllabus, and my child is bound by the policies outlined above.
Signed ________________________________________________________ Date _______________________________________
(parent)
(Optional): Parents, write a brief paragraph about your child. How can I best help your son/daughter learn and achieve success in the classroom? Is there anything else I should know about your son/daughter? You may use the back of this paper or a separate sheet.
Expectations:
1. Being prepared is a sign of brilliance; bring necessary materials with you each day.
2. I appreciate manners and respect. Please use them. If you don’t, you will serve detention before or after school with me.
3. When in my class, work on my class work and projects. You should have planned ahead and worked on other class homework before this class started.
4. There will be no leaving my classroom. My classes are so exciting that you won't want to leave anyway! To use the restroom during class results in 10 minutes of time owed to the teacher before school the next day. No locker passes. If you forget something, you suffer the penalty.
Technology Policies:
1. When I say "lids down," I mean shut your Chromebook now and turn your attention to the front of the room.
2. Digital cheating is the worst kind. I give zeros for copying and pasting answers from the Internet. I also give zeros for plagiarism and copyright violation. I also give zeros for file sharing, which is just like copying a person's paper, only worse. (You didn't even take the time to hand write the answers forcing you to think a little bit about the material.) But I promise to change how I ask questions so that you are forced to think for yourself anyway. That way you won't be tempted to cheat.
3. Surfing inappropriate sites during my class will result in me taking your Chromebook away for the rest of the class.
4. I will collect paper assignments at the beginning of class. This is the same for submitting assignments digitally. You need to submit them (via Schoology) when I ask so they are time stamped during my class period, not later - you might forget.
5. Internet safety is key. Never reveal your name or personal information on the Internet. Don't even give any clues that could allow to lead to you.
Consequences:
1. If behavior becomes an issue, student will serve detention. Detentions are 30 minutes long and will be served immediately after school or the following morning at 7:30 sharp.
2. If the student is still experiencing problems in the classroom, he or she will be referred to the administration.
Other tips for achieving success in this class:
1. There's no such thing as a dumb question, or a dumb answer.
2. None of us are perfect.
3. Take risks. Try new things.
4. If you don't understand, ask.
5. If you don't agree, say so, and then explain your thoughts.
6. No teasing, put-downs or sarcasm.
7. Disagree with ideas, don't criticize people.
8. Have a mind of your own.
9. Enjoy and learn!