Parent Information

What will students be learning this year in English?

We will be examining both nonfiction and fiction texts in terms of the literary and rhetorical strategies the authors employ as well as the cultural and historical contexts that influence the writers’ points of view or political agendas. We will often use a class blog as a vehicle for sharing ideas and as a precursor to larger seminar discussions. We will also use the course texts as models of good writing and experiment with the strategies and techniques these writers use. In addition, much attention will be given to the art of argumentation and to crafting language with increasing sophistication and skill. Many activities in this course will ask students to expand their point of view and to have informed opinions about the social, cultural, and political issues that are shaping the larger world today. Students should expect debates, dramatic role-playing, and engaging discussions, as well as writing assignments that push them to analyze and explore thoughtful questions.

What will we be reading in English class?

In this course, we will explore a wide variety of literary genres including short stories, poetry, plays, fiction and nonfiction texts, including articles from academic journals, editorial and professional blogs, and speeches. Literary works of study may include Old School, Othello, Night, Maus, Animal Farm, and The Kite Runner.

** In addition to these works, students will be required to complete one independent reading project each quarter.


English Department Expectations for students in the honors track:

  • High academic achievement and intellectual ability;
  • Self-motivation and self-discipline;
  • Good organizational skills;
  • Excellent written expression;
  • An avid interest in reading;
  • Good oral communication skills;
  • An ability to work independently and collaboratively;
  • Good citizenship and attendance.

Honors students should demonstrate an ability to:

  • identify and formulate problems, and propose and evaluate ways to solve them.
  • use inductive and deductive reasoning, and to recognize fallacies in reasoning.
  • draw conclusions from information found in various sources, whether written, spoken, tabular, or graphic, and defend your conclusions rationally.
  • distinguish between fact and opinion.
  • engage critically and constructively in the exchange of ideas.
  • gather information from primary and secondary sources; craft an original text using research; quote, paraphrase and summarize accurately; cite sources properly.
  • prepare for various types of examinations and to devise strategies for success.
  • read closely, including looking up words or references in the reading that are unfamiliar.
  • show responsibility and maturity, as well as a willingness to listen to and understand perspectives that may differ or may challenge your own point of view.
  • analyze and edit your own writing.
  • experiment with new strategies and techniques as well as a desire to improve writing skills and vocabulary.
  • accept constructive criticism and learn from it.
  • use effective organization and planning strategies to keep up with the pace of instruction and assignments.


What will the final exam look like?

The final exam counts as 1/5 of the final grade for the course. The final will mirror the kinds of literary and rhetorical analysis tasks and argumentative writing that make up the Regents and AP exams that are given in 11th grade. This course is designed to scaffold students' skills so that they will be prepared for those challenges.


What is the attendance policy for this class?

Class attendance policies are in line with the Code of Conduct. Regular attendance is expected. Frequent absences will jeopardize students ability to participate meaningfully in many of the learning activities of an honors classroom. Participation is a part of a student’s grade in the course.

For a full year course, notifications are sent home at the following intervals:

Stage 1: 8 absences

Stage 2: 14 absences

At stage 2, the counselor and grade level principal will meet with the family. See High School Code of Conduct for details.


What if a student is absent from class?

If a student is absent from class, he/she should email me ahead of time to inform me of the absence. If a homework assignment or major paper is due, then the student will hand in the work when he/she returns to school. It is the student’s responsibility to find out what he/she missed in class. Students should be checking the website to find out what we did in class. I will post reading homework and blog assignments on the calendar website, so even if students missed class when the assignment was given, they should complete the assignment and have it completed for next class.


What is the late work policy?

Homework: Homework will only be accepted at the beginning of the block it is due; homework is intricately tied to the day’s lesson and can’t be done after the fact. Homework cannot be made up and it will receive a zero if it is late.

Papers, journals, and projects: Except for students with IEPs and 504s that stipulate extended time, all papers and projects will be collected the block they are due. Late work will be downgraded half a letter grade each day it is late.

Absence: An absence does not excuse you from due dates. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to obtain assignments.

Unplanned absences (sick, family emergency, etc):

If you are not in class the day an assignment, paper, journal, or project is due, the assignment is due when you walk back in the building and should be placed in my mailbox. If you turn in a paper or project to the ERC and I am not there, you must have an adult date, time and initial the piece.

Pre-planned absences (field trip, non-emergency doctor’s appointments, games, lessons,etc.):

If you know you are going to miss class, it is your responsibility to contact me with a specific plan to submit the work in a timely manner.


Can students use their cell phones in class?

Cell phones are NOT to be used in class unless outlined for instruction. I will tell students when they can use their cell phones (i.e. look up words they don’t know). Students know to leave their cell phones in their bags and turned down. Failure to respect this policy will result in immediate dismissal from class. Please see the Niskayuna High School Code of Conduct for reference.

If you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to contact or email me!