Class Overview

Course Synopsis

Students will engage with many forms of literature, including short stories, fiction and non-fiction novels, film, and poetry. Students will learn how authors use elements of writing to create captivating, intriguing, and intelligent works of literature. In this class, we will discuss not only the author's purpose and themes within the literature, but will go beyond the pages to explore how these ideas are relevant in our current world. Writing will be a critical aspect of this class, and we will continue to hone our skills as writers. Vocabulary, grammar, and comprehending nonfiction will also be taught throughout the year, as they are crucial to the expansion of our understanding of the English language.

Required supplies

Folder
College-Ruled Spiral(s)
Composition Notebook (For Journaling)
Pens/Pencils
AR Books

Expectations

Be Ready:
- Physically and mentally.
- Complete assignments and hand them in on time.
- Be punctual and come with all necessary materials.

Be Respectful:
- To yourself, all teachers and staff, and your peers.
- To the items in the classroom and of others.
- Raise your hand if you have a question.
- Bullying of ANY kind will not be tolerated!

Be Open:
- We will hear from a lot of voices, from the present and the past. You do not have to agree with what you hear or read, but be open to accepting that others might feel just as strongly about an opposing idea as you do about yours!
- Be kind and thoughtful in your conversations on our topics of discussion.

Be Responsible:
- For you and your actions – I don’t put grades in the grade book – YOU do!
- Use your time wisely. We will have in class time allotted for many of your assignments. Take advantage of that!
- Do not be disruptive to others. If you finish early, pull out your AR book. If you have a questions, raise your hand.

Technology is a tool, not a toy:
- Your school issued computer must be synced to your school profile during class use. Please make sure your computers are charged or you have a charging cord.
- Your cellphone, smart watches, i-pods, i-pads, air pods, headphones, ear buds, etc. need to be put in the cellphone bin at the beginning of class. NO EXCEPTIONS. THIS IS A NEW SCHOOL-WIDE RULE. If you’re using it in class, you will face the progressive discipline actions outlined in the student manual, as well as in the letter sent home to parents ahead of the school year.

Consequences for Behavioral Issues During Class

Verbal Warning
Meeting with student
Parent email or call
Detention
Visit to the office
Meeting with parents

Severe disruptions will result in an immediate visit to the office.

Scoring and Grade Breakdown

Assignments in this class will be on a whole point scale.

That means, ALL your work matters and is equally important. If you decide not to turn in your homework several times in a row, your overall grade will be affected.

A+: 100+

A: 95 - 100

A-: 90 - 94

B+: 87 - 89

B: 84 - 86

B-: 80 - 83

C+: 77 - 79

C: 74 - 76

C-: 70 - 73

D+: 67 - 69

D: 64 - 66

D-: 60 - 63

F: Below 59

Plagiarism, Cheating, and Academic Integrity

Plagiarizing is defined as taking ideas and writings of another and passing them off as one’s own. Students caught plagiarizing will earn a ZERO for the assignment. Some examples of plagiarism include:

- Turning in someone else’s paper as your own.
- Copying homework answers from anyone or anywhere.
- Failing to cite a source.
- Copying an author’s exact words or content from a website and passing them off as your own.

Cheating is defined as fraud or dishonesty in an academic assignment. Some examples of cheating include:

- Using AI Bots (e.g., ChatGPT, Kommunicate, etc.) of any kind to complete or partially complete assignments.
- Giving illegal help on an individual assignment.
- Receiving (copying answers) illegal help on an assignment assigned as self-work.

All forms of plagiarizing and cheating on any assignment are considered serious offenses. You will receive a ZERO for that assignment, which will significantly affect your grade. Please refer to the Student Code of Conduct booklet for additional information.

Late, Missing, or Incomplete Assignments

Homework will be considered late once I have graded the assignment for the class. Any work handed in after that assignment has been graded for the class will be marked down by one point per day for homework sheets, or 5 points per day for writing related/AR assignments. Students must also fill out a "Late Work" form and staple it to the assignment before handing in.

Absent Work

It is the responsibility of students to ensure their grades do not suffer due to absences. It will be up to the student to complete his or her absent work. If an assignment is missing due to an absence, the student will receive one day for each day he or she is absent to make up the work and hand it in. For longer absences, the student must meet with me and discuss a plan for making up the work.

Second Chance Learning

If a student scores below a 65% on a major test or paper, he or she will need to make arrangements with me, and we can go over what was misunderstood.

Extra Help

If you are having difficulty with a particular aspect of this course, please seek me out for extra help. I am available during 7:30am – 8:05am (before school), 9:43 – 10:29AM (3rd hour), during lunch, and after school until 3:35pm in room 113. I can also make myself available earlier before school or later after school if necessary.

Minnesota Academic Standards

"Nothing will work, unless you do." - Maya Angelou

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