English II
Course Overview
English II is dedicated to the cultivation of writing skills and the practice of deeper reading methods. These practices will ultimately enhance how to think, read, speak and write successfully in a 21st century environment. The class will emphasize various reading concepts that will elicit a better understanding of the structure within different modes of writing. This will be accomplished through analytical reading of a variety of literature.
Required Class Materials
Charged school-issued iPad
Extra charger for iPad
Independent Silent Reading (ISR) book
Texts (Students may be asked to independently purchase a copy of novels or other longer texts for study)
Google Classroom
Westlake High School utilizes the Google Classroom platform to share classroom resources, many assignments, and assessment preparation materials to students. WHS students will receive a classroom code to access these materials, submit assignments, and track any missing work.
Additional Resources
Digitally Submitting Work
All work will be distributed through Google Classroom. Some assignments may be administered through other educational sites, such as albert.io, quizlet, padlet, quizziz, turnitin.com etc. Students should read the assignment description in Google Classroom and attend to class directions to ensure that they understand how to submit an assignment.
UIL Participation
Academics come first; it is a privilege to participate in extracurricular activities and the responsibility of the student to plan ahead. Please be aware of the UIL rules/regulations and the UIL eligibility calendar. If a student is failing (below 70%), or has an incomplete in a course, the student will not be eligible to participate in their UIL activity according to the UIL eligibility calendar.
Attendance
School policy states that students who have more than 3 tardies in a course will not be able to exempt the course’s final exam. Students who attend class for less than half of that day’s class period will be counted absent. No student may leave early without an official pass from attendance. If a student is absent, students are to refer to our class calendar and Google Classroom. If you have additional questions about the work missed please ask in person after class. Work previously assigned is due the day the student returns. Missed quizzes and/or tests are to be taken within two days of their absence unless other arrangements have been made.
Technology Policy
Inappropriate use of electronic devices will be dealt with based on the offense. Please familiarize yourself with the technology policy in the Westlake Handbook. Teaching students to use technology appropriately will be a point of emphasis over the course of the year, which includes and is not limited to recording or taking pictures of people without their consent. There will be no tolerance for misconduct and the offending student will be referred to his or her Assistant Principal.
Honor Code, Dress Code
As a student of WHS, you are expected to abide by the WHS Honor Code, Dress Code, and Electronic Appropriate Use Guidelines. All assigned work is to be completed on an individual basis unless otherwise noted. Plagiarism will not be tolerated and will result in a zero for the assignment and disciplinary action will be taken. Plagiarism is defined as taking someone else's work or ideas and passing them off as one's own. That work could be peer to peer, from internet resources, etc.
Extenuating Circumstances
Life happens. We get it. Please communicate with us. We will do everything we can to help you succeed.