Harlingen High School South
Practical Writing/Creative Writing Syllabus
Mr. Guerra - jaime.guerra@hcisd.org
Semester: Fall 2026 and Spring 2027
Meeting Days and Times: Monday-Friday, A/B Days
Classroom Location: Room 2103
Course Description
Practical Writing/Creative Writing is designed to challenge students to enhance their reading, writing, and critical thinking skills in preparation for the English I and/or English II STAAR exam. The course emphasizes close reading of complex texts, analytical writing, and effective communication. Students will engage with a variety of literary genres and non-fiction works, developing their ability to analyze, interpret, and respond to texts. The Practical and Creative Writing Course reinforces the skills developed in English courses for success on the English I or English II STAAR exam.
Course Objectives and Expected Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
Analyze and interpret literary and informational texts.
Write clear, coherent, and well-organized essays that respond to specific prompts.
Develop and support arguments with textual evidence.
Master the skills needed to excel on the English I and or English II STAAR exam
These objectives align with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for English Language Arts and Reading, ensuring that students are prepared for both state assessments and future academic challenges.
Required Materials
Supplies:
1 notebook
Pencils/Pens (blue/black: no neon gel pens)
4 highlighters (yellow, orange, green, blue) These are critical for annotation and group peer reviews.
Folder of binder for organizing handouts and notes
Technology:
Students are only allowed to use the Harlingen CISD-provided device.
Grading Policy
Grading will be based on the following components: Minimum of 12 grades per quarter. Minimum of 2 test grades per quarter.
Tests, Essays, and Projects: 25%
Reading Quizzes and Minor Assignments: 75%
Weekly Vocabulary Lists, assignments, and quizzes
Semester Exams: 15% of semester grade
Grading Scale:
A: 90-100%
B: 80-89%
C: 70-79%
F: 69% and below
Assessment Methods
Assessments will include:
Quizzes: Weekly reading quizzes to ensure comprehension.
Essays: Analytical essays on assigned readings, both in-class and as take-home assignments.
Exams: Mid-term and final exams, including multiple-choice and essay components.
Participation: Regular participation in class discussions and activities.
Course Schedule
Quarter 1: EOC Review
Quarter 2: EOC Review/Test
Quarter 3: EOC Review
Quarter 4: EOC Review/Test, Novel Study, & TSI
Classroom Policies
AI Policy:
Students in grades 8th-12th may access AI tools for approved educational purposes under the following conditions:
Parental Consent: Parents/Guardians must provide written consent allowing their child to access generative AI tools for educational use
Teacher Permission: The student must receive prior approval from their teacher outlining the permitted educational task(s) for each use of generative AI.
Responsible and Ethical Use: Students must use generative AI responsibly at all times, adhering to all district technology policies.
Students 14+ may only use AI for approved educational purposes on school devices and district networks. Misuse may lead to loss of access. Harlingen CISD reserves the right to monitor usage, and violations can result in disciplinary action as per Student Code of Conduct.
Cold Calls:
Students will be call on in class to contribute to class discussion. This is to maintain engagement and ensure that all students are paying attention and ready to contribute at any time.
Daily Entry Routine:
Students should enter the classroom, retrieve any handouts, and begin the daily "Do Now" activity posted on the board.
End-of-Class Routine:
Students will be allowed to pack up their materials only when the final 1min of class is announced. No early packing is permitted. No lining up at the door before the dismissal bell. Students will remain in their seats until the bell rings.
Make-Up Work and Retakes:
A teacher may assign makeup work to a student who misses class based on instructional objectives and the needs of the student in mastering the essential knowledge and skills or meeting subject or course requirements. The student will be responsible for obtaining and completing the makeup work within the time specified by the teacher. A student who does not make up assigned work within the time allotted by the teacher will receive a grade of zero for the assignment. The student is encouraged to speak with the teacher if the student knows of an absence ahead of time so that the teacher and student may plan any makeup work.
Retakes for major assessments will follow district policy: mandatory retest if more than 25% of the class fails. Earned grade will be recorded. There are no individual retests. Semester and quarter exams are excluded from the retest policy.
Phone/technology Policy:
All cell phones must be turned off and placed in the student’s backpack. If a student does not have a backpack, they will turn in their phone at the beginning of the day to the library for safe keeping and may retrieve it at the end of the school day. Earbuds, headphones, smart watches, and other internet connected devices that are not HCISD devices, are not allowed. If you have any questions about using your devices, please refer to the student handbook. This is a district policy implemented in compliance with Texas House Bill 1481.
Technology Requirements:
As part of our commitment to fostering digital citizenship and building real-world responsibility, the English Department at Harlingen High School South requires students to come to class prepared with the proper technology and mindset for learning.
Students must bring a campus issued device ready for academic use.
Students may not substitute personal devices (phones, tablets, or laptops) for their school-issued iPad.
Each student will receive one (1) grace pass per quarter for forgetting their HCISD issued device or arriving with it uncharged. On this first occurrence:
The student will receive a verbal warning and may check out a device from the library, if available.
After the first occurrence:
Students must check out a temporary device from the library if one is available.
Time spent retrieving a device will not be credited during class activities or timed assignments.
After three (3) instances of not bringing their district-issued device, a parent-teacher conference may be requested, and the student may be referred to administration.
Online Platforms:
We will be using Canvas for assignment submissions and announcements.
Why This Matters
Just as professionals are expected to arrive at work with the tools required for the job, students are expected to arrive at class ready to learn. This policy is designed not to punish, but to instill habits of preparedness and accountability that will benefit students in college, careers, and life.
District Policies:
All classroom policies align with the Harlingen CISD Student Handbook and Code of Conduct.
Support and Additional Resources
Tutorials:
By appointment
Additional Resources:
Accuplacer for TSI: Online resources for TSI preparation.
School Library: Access to supplementary texts and research materials.
HCISD Approved Online Tools: Microsoft Copilot, No Red Ink, Notebook LM, Magic School, Adobe Express, Curipod, Diffit, Gemini, Khanmigo, Snorkl
Communication Protocols
Teacher Contact:
I can be reached via email at jaime.guerra@hcisd.org. Please allow one business day for a response.
Parent Meetings:
Parents can schedule a Zoom meeting, phone call, or in-person meeting by emailing me directly. Meetings will be held during my conference hours or by appointment.
Behavioral Expectations:
All students are expected to follow the district’s Code of Conduct by demonstrating responsibility, respect, and integrity. Disruptive or disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated and will be addressed in accordance with district policies for student conduct and discipline.
Character Strong Curriculum:
Our classroom will incorporate the principles of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and Character Strong. Students are expected to demonstrate respect, empathy, and responsibility in all interactions. These values will be integrated into our daily routines and class discussions to create a positive and inclusive learning environment.
Tardy & Absence Policy:
Regular attendance is essential for academic success. Students must be in class on time to avoid being marked tardy. Excessive tardies and absences may lead to loss of credit or disciplinary action as outlined in the district’s attendance policy.
Misconduct Policy:
Any form of misconduct—including insubordination, disruption, or failure to follow rules—will be documented and addressed in accordance with HCISD’s discipline management techniques, which may include warnings, parent contact, detention, or office referrals.
Classroom Rules:
Be Prompt – Arrive on time and be ready to learn.
Be Prepared – Bring required materials and completed assignments.
Be Respectful – Treat peers, staff, and the learning environment with respect.
Be Brilliant – Engage fully and strive for excellence every day.
Parent/Guardian Signature Page
Please detach this page and return it to school signed.
I have read and understand the rules and expectations of the class. By turning in this page of the syllabus, students will receive a daily grade. This page will be kept on file by the teacher throughout the school year.
This syllabus can be found on the student’s Canvas page throughout the school year and on my district website page.
Student Name (printed)_______________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name (printed)________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature____________________________________________________________
Date____________________
If you would like to provide a phone number or email address, you may use the space below. Thank you.