I hope your English experience

will be more about what you learn

than what you earn! --Ms. Dunn

Grading Policies---

1. The NC Final Exam at the end of the semester is a state exam and is 25 percent of your total grade in English I.

I take that very seriously, and so should you. A 100/99/98/97 can make a positive impact on your final grade.

2. GPA is serious. The English Department has several standards. I love you---but---I cannot change your 89 to a 90 or your 79 to an 80. Final numbers stand! GPA is one of the main factors colleges consider for admission. Start protecting it this year!

3. There IS NO EXTRA CREDIT at the end of the quarter or semester to change or adjust grades. But if you are diligent about checking the calendar, you may find a few opportunities there!

4. Late work/Make-up work-- You will be penalized for late work unless your issues are serious. Almost all of the day-to-day skill-work is due on the due date. I will not accept it late. Technology issues are almost never a reason not to have work on time. Work ahead; have a Plan B.

Penalties for small assignments are light. You can only be hurt if late work is a pattern and you receive small penalty after small penalty. For large assignments that reflect your mastery of the lessons, you will receive a percentage off of your normal grade. Each assignment will have the late penalty posted.

Get ahead early, and stay ahead. ALL expectations are posted well in advance.

If computer issues pop up: text a friend, come to school early, e-mail me, think of a creative solution rather than an excuse. Excuses, including computer/printer issues are rarely acceptable. Solve these issues. Google Docs can be your friend.

Assignments are due even if you have been absent. Remember that if your issues are serious, I will work with you.

I also will work with you to make up missed work. Missed work sits in the grade book as a "1" and hurts your average. You can remember your make-up work when you see those "1"s. When you DO make up the work, your average will improve. (An actual "0" in the grade book is not missed work; it is a "0" earned, and it cannot be changed.)

5. Grade Breakdowns are standard--- At the 9th grade level honors level, 40 percent of your grade is minor work; 10 percent of that portion is homework/classwork, and 60 percent is made up of major grades.

Homework/classwork (10 percent) starts at a 108, and each time you don't have your small homework or classwork assignments, I subtract from 1-8 points. Definition work/context practice/other minor homework or classwork counts in this category.

Minor grades (30 percent) include reading checks, weekly assessments, creative assessments.

Mastery grades (60 percent) include anything considered as mastery. You will have had numerous lessons preparing you for major grades. Essay tests/mastery tests/major presentations constitute major grades.

6. Most of your work in class will be lesson-based and minor. I want you to have the freedom to make mistakes and learn from them.

Many times daily assignments will be graded based on completion and attention to detail rather than upon how "correct" you were. If you have not made an effort, your HW average will suffer a -2/-3/-4. Otherwise, you will take no penalty.

You have to take risks to learn anything. Ask if you have questions.

7. Take advantage of my SmartLunch study halls and tutorials on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

Other Remarks--

We are in this experience together. I want you to learn and thrive. I hope we can be in a good relationship with your advocating for yourself and my pushing you to do your best. And I am going to push you!

I think you already know how to act in school! So there aren’t a whole lot of rules.

Please know that I often am in touch with your parents/guardians. But remember, I am always on your side. I will be there to watch you all walk across that stage at the end of your senior year!!!

My biggest classroom rule: We are going to have lesson flow every day. I’ll help you understand. But any movement, chit-chat, or activity that interrupts the lesson flow will be an issue we will have to negotiate. And I do expect to start class the minute the bell rings.

dunnd@davie.k12.nc.us

751-5905—You will have to leave a message. Give me a couple of days to respond. This is not a great way to contact me. If e-mail does not work, this is an option.

Website--

The website is the key to everything. If you have no access, it will not be a huge problem, but you have to communicate with me.

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