Eng 3 Syllabus
English III
Ms. Metcalf • North Brunswick High School • 2023-2024
Office Phone: (910) 371-2261 Planning: 4th Period
Extension: 11063 Room #: 132
E-Mail: kmetcalf@bcswan.net Tutoring: Flex Block or by appointment
Website: https://sites.google.com/bcswan.net/msmetcalf/home
Course Pages: Canvas
I’m so excited to work with you this semester and get to know you as both a student and a person. I hope you will find our classroom a place where you feel comfortable, safe, and open to express yourself, challenge yourself, and learn new things.
Course Philosophy:
In this English class, students will embark on a journey through a rich tapestry of American literature, exploring the intricate narratives of revolutionaries, change-makers, and ordinary citizens while developing critical analysis skills and engaging in thoughtful discussions about texts and society. By delving into various literary works and examining their socio-cultural contexts, students will gain a deeper understanding of the human experience, empathy, and the power of words.
Students in English III analyze US American literature as it reflects social perspectives and historical significance. The emphasis in English III is the critical analysis of texts through accelerated reading, writing, speaking, listening, language, and using media. The extent of this course will encompass selections in all genres along with extensive
reading and writing opportunities; this work will build upon previous English coursework and will provide strong preparation for English IV. All assignments and due dates will be found in the Canvas Learning Platform.
Course Organization:
Through grammar instruction, small prompt writing, research writing, Socratic seminars, small group discussions of literature and writing, and one-on-one instruction, students will be able to master many important college and career readiness skills, including:
Recognizing themes, character development and cultural contexts in writing
Understanding the interplay between historical contexts and societal issues as depicted in literature
Using critical analysis skills to analyze texts and explore underlying social, political, and economic issues
Engaging in meaningful discussions that bridge reading texts with broader societal conversations
Developing advanced communication skills through writing essays, presenting ideas, and participating in group discussions.
Writing Assignments: Students will be given adequate time to complete the research and writing in class. Feedback and writing instruction will be performed through whole-class instruction/assistance, small-group instruction/assistance, and one-on-one instruction (provided via writing conferences with the instructor).
Primary Texts: For a full list of possible texts, please refer to the Brunswick County Approved Book List
Semester Texts
*Texts awaiting approval by the Media Advisory Council
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Beautiful Little Fools by Jillian Cantor (excerpts only)
Audacity by Melanie Crowder*
Company K Directed by Robert Clam (based on a book of the same title by William March)
Selma Directed by Ava DuVernay and Written by Paul Webb and Ava DuVernay
Good Night, and Good Luck Directed by George Clooney
Me (Moth) by Amber McBride
Historical Documents
“Declaration of Independence” by Thomas Jefferson et al.
“United States Constitution” (including the Bill of Rights) by James Madison et al.
“Joint Address to Congress Leading to a Declaration of War” by President Woodrow Wilson
“Wilson’s Fourteen Points” President Woodrow Wilson
If there is a text that you do not want your student to read, please inform me as soon as possible so that an alternate text can be provided.
Supplies Required Daily:
Composition Notebook
Pen or Pencil
Folder with pockets (2x)
Computer (school issued)
Charger
Grading:
Each Nine Weeks:
Artifact Assessment: Classwork/Homework/Participation/Quizzes – 30%
Mastery Assessment: Tests/Essays/Projects – 70%
*When is the appropriate time to discuss grades? You may discuss grades with me by setting up an appointment, emailing me, or during FLEX Block. Only then will I be able to give you my full attention.
Late Work Policy
Students are not penalized for non-academic behaviors in a standards-based learning & grading environment. A Work Habits Rubric will be utilized to communicate non-academic behaviors (class preparation, collaboration, late work, etc.) to students and parents/guardians.
Students are to be assigned to Flex Block to complete any assignments that are not completed and/or turned in on time.
A numerical grade of “1” will remain in PowerSchool until the assignment is made up.
There will be no penalty for late work as long as it is made up prior to the end of the quarter.
Assignments not made up by the end of the quarter will will earn a grade of “1”
Common Mastery Assessments (CMA)
Students will be taking “final exams” this year. Exemptions from CMAs are intended to reward students who demonstrate consistent academic performance and regular attendance throughout their course duration. However, high school students must take all end-of-course (EOC) tests, Career and Technical Education State Assessments (CTE Post-Assessments) required by the State Board of Education and performance-based assessments (e.g. Fine Arts, Advanced Placement, JROTC).
Any absences, whether excused or unexcused, count towards the limit for the CMA exemption. Exceptions include absences resulting from school-sponsored field trips, school-approved activities, religious holidays, or school system-approved medical hardship waivers.
For semester courses: A high school student may be exempt from the CMA if the student either
(1) Has an "A" average and no more than seven absences
(2) Has a "B" average and no more than five absences
(3) Has a "C" average and no more than three absences
For year-long courses: A high school student may be exempt from the CMA if the student either
(1) Has an "A" average and no more than fourteen absences
(2) Has a "B" average and no more than ten absences
(3) Has a "C" average and no more than six absences
E-Hall Pass
Hall passes will be issued electronically with a program called E-Hall Pass. This program can be accessed through the Clever portal on your Chromebook or on a designated computer in the classroom. Instruction on working the program and school wide procedures will take place during homeroom Flex Block.
Cellphones & Electronic Devices
Per BCS Policy 4311 Electronic Devices are not to be activated, used, displayed, or visible during the instructional day in any part of the school campus. Following this policy i s of utmost importance to the learning process; therefore, no cell phones, airpods, or headphones are to be visible during class time. Students who access their phone or wear earbuds during the instructional time will be written up in the Educator's Handbook.
Students will be expected to place their cellular devices and earbuds into an assigned parking spot (drawer) in the 30 stall cell phone parking garage and will not be allowed to access their devices until the end of the instruction period. Students can access their phone during non instructional periods: in between classes and during lunch.
Cheating and Plagiarism:
Plagiarism and cheating have no place among students who have character and integrity. Every student in this class will learn about the pitfalls of plagiarism and cheating, how to recognize them as well as steps to avoid them. Any student who violates the plagiarism and cheating contract will receive a failing grade on the assignment. YOU WILL NOT BE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO REDO WORK THAT IS PLAGIARISED OR WHERE CHEATING IS DETERMINED. In a college setting, choices to indulge in these behaviors often result in being expelled/thrown out. Additionally, NBHS Policy mandates that your teacher complete a write up of the cheating episode..
Tardies:
If you are late to class without a pass, I WILL mark you tardy, every time.
Bathroom Policy:
You must ask before you leave the room! Do NOT ask in the middle of instructions or presentations.
Only one person will be allowed out of the room at a time. NO EXCEPTIONS!
You must take the hall pass! You may NOT take your phone/electronics with you.
No one is allowed to leave the room the first 15 minutes or last 15 minutes of class.
If you have a medical problem, please see me in advance. Note: All medical issues must be documented through the school.
Students who take longer than necessary or do not go straight to the bathroom and back will be written up for skipping.
General Classroom Policies:
Be in your seat by the time the bell rings. If you are not present in the classroom when the bell rings, you will be marked tardy.
No cell phones. This is your only warning! If I see it, I will take it. The first time, I will hold on to it until the end of the period. The second time, you may pick it up at the end of the day (2:40 pm). If I have to take it a third time, it will be turned over to an administrator.
Respect each other and me! I will not tolerate the bullying of others. Should you have an issue, question, or problem with someone else or me, please see me at an appropriate time to discuss it.
Per school policy, there is no eating allowed in the classroom. It causes a disruption and creates a mess.
Do not pack up until I say so. I will inform you when to pack up.
Stay awake in class. If you need to stand at a podium, please ask.
Do not make derogatory comments. Do not use prohibited language in my classroom.
Clean up after yourselves! I am not able or willing to clean after young adults who are more than able, so please clean up after yourself.