English 10-2 

• A binder, in order and up-to-date, complete with both lined paper.

• Several HB pencils & pens, eraser, and a few highlighters.

• Post-it Notes, Pencil Crayons, poster paper, and other additional materials may be required for some projects.  Notification will be provided.

• A pocket dictionary and/or thesaurus (recommended).

• Class textbooks, novels, and other materials;

• A positive attitude and a willingness to participate.

• Students will attend class every day, prepared to work, with a writing utensil, an organized binder, and any other supplies or textbooks that are being used for the unit being studied.

• Food may be used responsibly, but teachers have the right to disallow food if garbage, or allergies, become an issue.

• Students will treat the teacher and fellow classmates with respect. Everyone has a right to be heard and to learn in a secure environment.

• Students will treat the property of the school and the property of others in a proper manner.

• Students will not let anything impair their ability to communicate (cell phones, MP3 players, hats, etc.) and the teacher may confiscate the item if it becomes an issue.

Absences:

• It is always the student’s responsibility to determine, and complete, any evaluative activity has been missed. 

Excused Absence:

• An excused absence occurs when a parent or guardian phones the school at 403-948-3800 (24 hours a day) to report an absence. Telephone calls from students are not acceptable, unless the student has “adult status” confirmed by the administration of BCHS. Parents are requested to phone in advance of the absence if possible. If that is not possible, parents must call the day of the absence, or no later than the day after the absence (i.e. within 24 hours) if it is to be excused. Notes received from parents within this time frame are also acceptable.

• If a student is excusably absent from class on days during which an assignment, quiz, examination or other evaluation activity occurs, the student shall be given the opportunity to make up the missed work through either the original or replacement work at the teacher's discretion.

Unexcused Absence:

• An unexcused absence includes those absences for which no phone call or note has been received within 24 hours following the absence.  If the student misses a class where there is an assignment due or a quiz or exam written, the work will be awarded a designation of “NHI” (Not Handed In), which constitutes a zero for the purpose of calculating grades. (Chapter S-3, Part 1.14, School Act, 2000).  

Late Arrival:

• Attendance is taken withing a few minutes of the bell, and then updated once the class has begun to work independently. Do not expect attendance to be adjusted immediately for students arriving late. It will be adjusted prior to the end of the period. Please be patient. 

• Please arrive to class on time.  If you are late for any reason, you will knock on the door and wait outside until it is convenient for your admission into the classroom.

• Repeatedly being late will result in disciplinary action which is specific to the presiding teacher. BCHS policy also applies.

Readability:

• Sloppy or illegible work WILL NOT be accepted.  If it can’t be read, it can’t be graded.

Digital Submissions:

• Assignments may be submitted electronically only at the discretion of the presiding teacher. If the teacher in question does not permit electronic submissions, an assignment submitted in this manner will not be accepted. 

• Teachers are permitted to establish their own practices for electronic submissions.

Assignment Submission Guidelines:

• Assignments are due by 4:00pm on the date noted. 

  • Assignments submitted on time will receive written feedback and comments as soon as possible. 

• Assignments submitted after 4:00pm on the date noted will be subject to the following procedures:

  • The assignment will be logged as Zero ( 0 ) / Missing / Not Handed In in PowerSchool within 48 hours. 

  • Email notifications will be sent to students, parents, and guardians at this time. 

• Late assignments may be submitted until the next CUT-OFF DATE:

  • • Monday, February 27th

    • Tuesday, March 21st 

    • Monday, April 17th

    • Tuesday, May 23rd

  • Assignments will be switched to Late / Collected at the time of submission and zeroes will be removed from PowerSchool. 

  • Late assignments will be graded as time permits, but onus will always be given to assignments submitted on time. As such, it is possible that late assignments may not be graded until the end of the course. 

  • Late assignments will receive a grade. Interested students may seek out verbal feedback from Mr. Smith, time permitting. 

• Assignments submitted after the CUT-OFF DATE will not be accepted and will remain listed as Zero ( 0 ) in PowerSchool. 

  • Students may correct these missing assignments by completing work during the Re-Assessment Period at the end of the term. 

Extensions / Exemptions:

• Extensions on assignments will only be considered if a student makes arrangement at least one (1) day prior to the due date.  An accompanying signature/note from a parent indicating the circumstances of the extension would be welcomed.

• Aforementioned policies for missing assignments still apply - i.e. the assignment will be listed as Missing / Not Handed In until such time as it is submitted. 

  • If the new due date is not met, all policies regarding late assignments will be in play. 

  • Extensions will not be granted across CUT-OFF DATES.

Missed Assignments/Earned Zero Policy:

• When a student has an excused absence, it is their responsibility to contact the teacher about missed work, as they are still responsible for the work covered in your absence. 

• If a task is given that day, the student must contact the teacher to determine a mutually agreeable time for missed assignments to be handed in for marking. Such issues must be discussed with the teacher on the day of the student’s return to classes, or earlier if possible (email).

• If excusably absent on the due date of an assignment, then the assignment is due the day you return to school.

Rewritten Assignments:

• Some assignments qualify for replacement grades, which means the most recent example of student achievement will replace the previous one.

• If the teacher determines that a rewrite on an assignment is appropriate, the following guidelines apply:

1. Corrections are not permitted. Assignments must be re-written (i.e. completing a different question or topic) under the guidance of the presiding teacher.

2. Re-written assignments are due on the date noted by the presiding teacher. Once this date has passed, students will not be permitted to hand in re-writes for the assignment in question.

3. Re-written assignments must be submitted with:

-        The original, marked assignment;

-        The mark sheet for the original assignment.

4. Before a major assignment (such as an essay or another composition) is re-written, the student must discuss it with the presiding teacher one-on-one.

If the noted guidelines are not adhered to, the re-written assignment will not be accepted.

Given the variety of assignments and processes present in an ELA class, no singular method of reassessment is always applicable.  The type of reassessment is dependent on the type of task, the category of the task, the significance, importance, and weighting of the task, and teacher professional discretion. Teachers will communicate whole class opportunities for reassessment to students throughout the term.  It is important to note that not all work in the course can be reassessed and that reassessment does not guarantee a mark increase.

WHEN | prior to a re-assessment occurring:

• The student must complete all outstanding major assignments in the course. If all major assignments in the course to that point have not yet been completed, the student will not be permitted to complete reassessment until first completing missing major assignments. 

• The student must discuss any reassessment with the teacher in person to review feedback and plan for specific ways to improve. This discussion should occur no sooner than one week after the assignment is returned and no later than one month after the assignment is returned. 

• Teachers and students will create a plan for reassessment. Once a reassessment plan is created, students are expected to adhere to the requirements of that plan.

SPECIFICS | notes on specific assessment types:

• Compositions - Re-write on a new topic and possible new source. No risk re-write; highest grade kept.  

• Non-Compositional Assignments - Re-write on a new topic / question and source. No risk re-write; highest grade kept.  

• Reading Comprehension Quizzes - Quiz re-writes available. No risk re-write; highest grade kept.  

• Novel / Text Study Quizzes - Multiple quizzes written, drop the lowest score (i.e. keep best 2/3 scores). 

An educationally functional electronic device as outlined by Bert Church High School policy is an asset.  If such a device is to be used, it is expected that students will bring their device to class with charge sufficient for use throughout the period.

Cell phones do not replace the use of a Chromebook/Laptop, and significant research reveals that such devices are significant distractions to student learning and impediments to success. As such, cell phones, tablets, and other non-educational electronic devices should not be used in-class unless expressly directed by the teacher. 

Cell phones and other electronic devices may be out during individual student work time. They must be away and out-of-sight during all other times unless specific permission is granted by Mr. Smith. Students violating this request will be given a warning. Following this warning, students who continue to violate this guideline will be asked to place their cell phone in their locker. 

Cheating includes but is not limited to informing others of the contents of a test or using notes or unapproved resources on a quiz or test.

Plagiarism is when one student passes off another individual’s work as his or her own; the other individual in question may be a peer or an artist, author, or writer. Plagiarism is the most serious academic offence and will not be tolerated under any circumstances. 

For any task, assignment, quiz, or test that is presented with evidence of cheating or plagiarism, a grade of zero (0) may be awarded.

• This includes minor alterations to ‘cut and paste’ items as well and DUPLICATION (i.e. submitting a task or assignment, in full or a portion thereof, in multiple classes; in other words, when a student plagiarizes his or her own work).

• Students will be instructed in the proper use of, and how to cite secondary sources throughout the course.

• If in doubt, check with the presiding teacher as soon as possible, absolutely before the assignment is submitted.

CHEATING & PLAGIARISM within MR. SMITH’s CLASSROOM

CHEATING:

• If evidence of cheating if found or witnessed, all students involved will be awarded a grade of zero for the quiz or test in question. If an appeal (with Mr. Smith or the administration) is successful, students will be required to write an alternate assessment.

PLAGIARISM:

• • 1st Offence – The student receives a grade of zero for the assignment in question. The teacher will discuss the issue with the students’ parents or guardians by phone or email. If it is agreed that the student may have a second chance to complete the assignment, they will be given an alternate prompt and source to begin the project again during re-assessment time at the end of the semester. 

• • 2nd Offence – The student receives a grade of zero for the assignment in question. It cannot be made up under any circumstances. The teacher will discuss the issue with the students’ parents or guardians by phone or email, or possibly in person.

• • 3rd and Successive Offences – The student receives a grade of zero for the assignment in question. It cannot be made up under any circumstances. The teacher discusses the issue with the student, his or her parents or guardians, and one member of the BCHS administrative team. Further disciplinary action, such as suspension or expulsion from the course, may be levied.

CHEATING / PLAGIARISM THROUGH THE USE OF CHATGPT OR SIMILAR RESOURCES:

• If a students has been found to have cheated or plagiarized work produced by ChatGPT or a similar AI program, replacement assignments will only be accepted if complete by pencil and paper, in class. By committing such violations, students lose the privilege to complete work in a time and place of their choosing. 

• It is highly recommended that students complete and document their planning, drafting, revising, and editing for all compositions in order to demonstrate that such programs have not been utilized. 

For further information on appeals, see the BCHS student handbook.

• Mr. Smith is available for assistance outside of class Tuesday and Thursday at lunch. Other times may be available schedules permitting. To ensure Mr. Smith has not already scheduled time with other students, it is recommended that students speak with Mr. Smith to confirm such times. 

• Work time in class remains the best time to seek out assistance from Mr. Smith. 

ASSIGNMENTS:

• Assignments will appear in PowerSchool as "Collected (✓)" or "Missing (0 / NHI)" within 48 hours of an assignment due date. 

• If an assignment has not been submitted at this time, students and parents will be notified by email. 

• EXTENSIONS - The only thing asking for an extension does is prevent Mr. Smith from labelling an assignment as "Late" in PowerSchool. Assignments not submitted on time will still be listed as "Missing (0 / NHI)" until they are submitted. 

• EXEMPTIONS will only be granted after a discussion, ideally face-to-face if possible. 

LATE ARRIVALS:

• Attendance is taken withing a minute of the bell, and then updated once the class has begun to work independently. Do not expect attendance to be adjusted immediately for students arriving late. It will be adjusted prior to the end of the period. Please be patient. 

• If you do not talk to Mr. Smith at some point during the period after arriving late, you are not present. 

• Even if your seat is in the front row, DO NOT WALK IN FRONT OF MR. SMITH OR ANY OTHER PRESENTER WHEN ARRIVING LATE. This is a small but important habit that will serve you well in all future workplaces. 

LEAVING EARLY:

• Mr. Smith does not have the authority to allow you to leave early for any reason (even work) without parent/guardian permission. 

• To leave early, it must be listed as such in PowerSchool (i.e. your parents / guardians phoned and spoke to the office staff), I must receive confirmation from the office staff, or I must speak to your parents directly. 

PARTICIPATION IN CLASS:

• I'm going to call on you occasionally during class discussions even if you don't have your hand up. It's perfectly fine to say you're not sure or to decline to comment. I will not think less of you in any way. 

• If, however, you're on your cell phone during discussions, I'm definitely going to call on you.

• There will be at least one presentation requirement during this class. If you do not wish to present in front of the class, other options will be made available, but ultimately, your work will have to be shared with the class. Speaking and presenting are part of the English Language Arts curriculum. 

The FOUR P's:

• Be PRESENT

• PUT AWAY THE PHONE

• PAY ATTENTION

• PARTICIPATE

1. DO THE READING:

1. • The entirety of this course contains as much reading as the first four to six weeks for the average post-secondary student. This is a great time to develop reading management skills. 

   • Additionally, develop a daily reading habit. Twenty minutes a day of something you enjoy without electronic distractions will go a long way to furthering your critical reading skills. 

2. WRITING IS AN ART, AND ART IS A PROCESS:

• Failure is part of the process. Sometimes you won't know what doesn't work until you've tried it. This is why you have to plan, complete rough drafts, revise and edit, and sometimes do all that more than once before you have a serviceable final draft. 

• Beyond that, anything you can do to develop your writing skills will go a long way to developing your critical writing skills. 

  • Write letters to a romantic partner, post reviews online, write to your grandparents, start a Wattpad account and write bad fanfiction, etc. 

3. KEEP ENGLISH CLASS SACRED / CLASS TIME IS WORKING TIME:

• The only true homework I assign is reading. Other than that, you will receive A LOT of work time in class. Use it. Put away the cell phone, save the inappropriate stories for times when the adults are not around (I have excellent hearing), and get the work done in the time you've got.

• Similarly, this is not the time to work on assignments for any other class. English class is for English work. 

• "Do your work on time. " (Mentioned by 25 students)

  • • "It sucks to write essays in January on stuff you read in September."

    • "When stuff is handed in on time, you get great feedback from him."

    • "The only thing that makes this class hard is procrastination."

    • "Do not procrastinate!!!!!" 

    • "Deadlines are your friend."

• "Ask lots of questions. Ask for help. Ask for feedback." (Mentioned by 19 students)

  • • "He is a very critical marker, so be sure to ask for feedback before handing stuff in." (Mentioned by 2 students)

    • "Revising and editing is the key to good grades on essays."

    • "Email him when you have questions, even if it's 3:00am." 

• "Do the work." (Mentioned by 16 students)

  • • "He'll make sure you pass if you do the work."

    • "The work seems hard, but it's not once you do it."

    • "He gives you so much time to work. I can't believe how much time I wasted this year."

    • "Just do the work, it's not as bad as it seems."

    • "Try your hardest. Your effort will be seen."

• "Pay attention." (Mentioned by 13 students)

  • • "Actually pay attention in class. He went over your question already."

    • "Take notes in class in class. Take notes when you read. Just take notes."

• "If you are nice and respectful to him, he will be nice and respectful to you." (Mentioned by 12 students)

  • • "He's an honorable guy but don't make him mad."

• "Do the daily grammar." (Mentioned by 6 students)

  • • "Might not like the daily grammar, but it really helped my writing."

• "Participate in class." (Mentioned by 5 students)

  • • "This dude is super boring, but he'll talk to you about anything. Get him distracted and you won't have to do any work."

    • "Getting engaged in the class makes it more fun."

• "Audio books are how you will pass this class. If you don't read, listen." 

• "Sparknotes are a great secondary tool." 

• "Be kind to those around you." 

• "Stop gaming until 4:00am." 

• "Sit with people who are smarter than you."

• "Dude likes his poetry. Get used to it."

• "Wear sunglasses. Sometimes the shine off his bald head is shocking."

• No relationships. If you and your romantic partner are in this classroom together, you break up as you enter the room. Whether or not you get back together as you exit is not for me to decide. 

  • A single course constitutes approximately one hundred and twenty-five hours, which means your relationship is about a week younger than you think it is. Adjust your anniversaries accordingly. 

  • If you would like to work an EX into your writing, change their name. Mr. Smith does not need to know personal details about students he may encounter later on in his career.

• No licking. If you come to class with an ice-cream cone, I expect you to bite it. 

• No spitting.

• No sticky water (i.e. pop, juice, etc.) on Mr. Smith’s floors.

• No tattooing in class, whether permanent ink, impermanent, ink, invisible ink, henna, or any other medium. This includes tattooing on skin or clothing. 

• No giving or receiving massages. Plutonic, romantic, or otherwise. 

• No giving or receiving piercings.

• No using books as table, chair, or shelf supports. YOU WILL RESPECT LITERATURE IN THIS COURSE. YES, EVEN BAD LITERATURE. 

• No parkour. 

• No sitting on laps. Human, animal, or otherwise. 

• No discussions of how much of a hipster Shakespeare would be if he was alive today.

• No discussions of an author’s poor work habits as a means to justify your own poor work habits. 

• No multilevel marketing schemes.

  • With respect to school fundraisers, the first student to ask Mr. Smith is the sole student he will support if the product being sold suits his interests. 

• No spoilers within fourteen days of a film’s release or one month of a book’s release.

• No discussions about how you could have written a better book / poem / screenplay / dramatic script without evidence.   

• No marriages. With parental permission or otherwise. 

• No conceiving children, being pregnant, or giving birth in the classroom.

  • If you actually are pregnant, you are still welcome in the classroom, but for discussion purposes, you just had a really big lunch. 

• No threatening to “kill yourself,” ironically or otherwise. 

  • If this is a serious thought, talk to me.

  • If you tell someone else to “kill themselves” you will be asked to leave. 

• No fire. 

• No cremations. Of people, animals, insects, or anything else. 

• You make a mess, here or anywhere else, you clean it up.

• No touching Mr. Smith’s head for luck.