Course Description and Policies

Course Description 

Honors English is a full-year course meeting daily. It builds upon the regular English 8 course and is designed to prepare students for honors-level and Advanced Placement work in high school. The main focus of the class is to develop skilled readers, critical thinkers, and competent writers who can meet the rigors of a more demanding secondary curriculum across all disciplines. A commitment to independent reading and writing is essential for success. Students enrolled in this course will receive two percentage points on their average in class for each quarter. This class reinforces the fundamentals of grammar and provides an understanding of more complex usage and mechanics skills to improve writing and speaking. Various types of writing are covered through frequent practice, including formal essays, journals, and components of the research paper. A significant portion of the course is an in-depth study of the genres of literature and types of informational text. Analysis of selected readings will emphasize a thorough understanding of text structures and literary terms. Typical eighth-grade selections will be augmented with additional texts and independent reading selections.

Class Objectives

• Improve writing, reading, listening, speaking, and critical thinking skills

• Build grammar, vocabulary, and spelling skills to improve writing and speech

• Read and analyze various genres of literature

• Practice digital citizenship skills

• Practice interpersonal skills in small and large groups

What Successful Students Do

1. Follow the classroom rules

2. Complete all required readings, homework, and writing assignments

3. Participate in class discussions and activities

4. Use organizational skills to complete and maintain paper and electronic handouts

5. Work both independently and cooperatively

Grades

Grades are based on the number of points earned out of the total number of possible points

• Daily work (homework and graded class activities) is usually worth 3 points

• Vocabulary sentences are usually worth 16 points

• Assessments (quizzes, tests, and writing assignments) are worth between 10 and 40 points.

Extra credit is not offered in Honors English, but students receive two points added to their quarterly report card grades.

Homework

The amount of time you spend on work outside of class will vary weekly. Use the given class time wisely. Written homework must be legible and complete to receive credit. 

There is no partial credit for unfinished work. If you are struggling with a portion of an assignment, email or see the teacher for help before the due date. 

Late Work

Homework is due by 8 a.m. Students have up to one week to turn in late work for partial credit. If you arrive at school late, turn in written work after the first class you attend. Digital work should be submitted on time, even if you are absent. An exception may be made for lengthy illnesses and family emergencies. Email the teacher to request extended time. 

Make-up Work

You are responsible for obtaining and completing assignments when you are absent. According to the Student-Parent handbook, # of days of excused absence(s) = # number of school days permitted to complete assignment(s). Please note that in many cases, digital work will be due regardless of absence. If physical work is due on a day you are absent, you must turn it in when you return to school. If you missed a test or a quiz, you must take the initiative to schedule the make-up within the allowed time. There may be flexibility if there is a good reason why you need more time. See pages 20–23 of the Student-Parent Handbook for the school policies on attendance, partial absence, and tardiness.

Partial Absence

If you are present in school for a portion of the day and miss class, you are still responsible for all due and assigned work. Make arrangements ahead of time if you know you will be arriving after or leaving before class when there is a quiz or test.

Extended Absences

If you will be out for two or more days and know about it in advance, notify the teacher so work can be prepared. Please allow at least 24 hours to gather your assignments. See page 23 of the Student-Parent Handbook for the school policy.

Code of Conduct: Academic Honesty

Students who submit work that is not their own will not receive credit for it and may be subject to disciplinary action. See page 25 of the Student-Parent Handbook for the school policy.

Code of Conduct: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use Policy

(see "About AI Use" Page for more information)

1. Prior Teacher Approval: All usage of AI programs in this class requires prior approval from the teacher. Before incorporating any AI tool into an assignment or activity, you must discuss your intent with the teacher.

2. Responsible Use: AI programs should complement learning, not replace it. Use AI as a tool to assist your understanding and creativity, but do not rely on it exclusively for assignments.

3. Originality and Attribution: All work generated with the assistance of AI programs must be original. Plagiarism, even if AI-generated, is not acceptable. Properly attribute AI-generated content if it is used in your assignments.

4. Academic Integrity: Maintain academic integrity in all AI-assisted work. Any violation of academic honesty will be subject to appropriate consequences.

5. Privacy and Data Security: Respect the privacy and data security of yourself and others when using AI programs. Do not share sensitive information or engage in any unethical activities.

6. Assistance, Not Substitution: AI programs are tools for assistance. They are not a substitute for your own critical thinking and understanding of the subject matter.

7. Verbal Review: Any assignment created with (or supposedly without) the use of AI programs is subject to a verbal review with the teacher. Be prepared to explain and discuss the content of your work without the contributions or assistance of AI. If you can not adequately represent your work, it will be assumed Ai was utilized as a replacement for your learning, and the consequences will be subject to the teacher’s discretion. 

Source:

Tarver, Tyler. “Prompt Cheat Sheet - Classroom AI Policy.” Google Docs, docs.google.com/document/d/1irM63dh_XBIoK4jZkiBYvqAg9UhBYESlBXNFZLEmhUA/edit. Accessed 15 July 2024.

Code of Conduct: Rules for Technology Use and Online Behavior

1. Use school-provided Chromebooks and online platforms responsibly. 

2. Adhere to the DSD Acceptable Use Policy; do not engage in inappropriate online behavior or misuse technology.

3. Use online resources to support, not replace, your learning.

4. Complete online assignments as directed by the teacher, with little to no input from classmates or family members. 

Resources:

• To post a comment: 15 Rules of Netiquette for Online Discussion Boards

• To email the teacher: How to Write a Clear, Polite Email to a Teacher

• To determine if you can use something you find online: 10 Things You Should Know about Copyright (viewable only through the DSD domain)

From 2023-2024 Student-Parent Handbook Regarding Cell Phones

Cell phones/earpods may be brought to school. Phones must be turned off and remain in student lockers. Earpods are to be stored in lockers. Cell phone/earpod use is NOT ALLOWED during school hours. If these items are seen or heard, they will be collected and sent to the office. Failure to comply with a staff member’s request to turn in cell phone/earpods will be subject to the insubordination provision of the discipline policy. Repeated violation of this policy will result in escalating disciplinary action.

Classroom Rules

1. Follow all school rules as outlined in the Student-Parent Handbook, which can be found on the school website

2. Show respect to your teacher and fellow students through positive and appropriate words, actions, and body language; this includes online behavior

3. Arrive on time with the necessary materials

4. Follow directions the first time they are given

5. Pay attention and be engaged in the learning process

Consequences for In-class or Online Behavior Concerns 

1. Verbal or non-verbal warning

2. Second warning

3. Action appropriate for behavior (ex., frequent disruption may result in a seat change; disrespectful tone or language may result in a one-on-one discussion during or after class)

4. Contact with parents

5. Referral to office