Sophomore English Syllabus 2025 - 2026
Ms. Mary Strnad "There is no end to education. It is not that you
P.O. Box 53 read a book, pass an examination, and finish with education.
114 North Hanover St. The whole of life, from the moment you are born to the moment
Hanover, KS 66945 you die, is a process of learning.---Jiddu Krishnamurti
E-mail address: mstrnad@usd223.org
Welcome to English II 2025 - 2026
This is a comprehensive course incorporating all aspects of the English curriculum aimed at developing experience and expertise in reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Instruction will include but not be limited to the reading and writing of persuasive, narrative, expository, and technical materials; extensive vocabulary development; and introduction, review, and mastery of correct English grammar usage.
Course Objectives:
To expose students to a wide variety of fictional narratives, non-fictional informative, persuasive, and technical reading and writing
To introduce various authors from a variety of historical periods, cultures, and genres
To develop strong written and verbal communication skills
To expand critical and analytical thinking skills
To improve students' English language understanding and usage
To increase vocabulary knowledge and retention
To move toward mastery of Six-Trait writing components
To incorporate new organizational and study skills
To develop research abilities, MLA documentation rules, database and technology utilization
To compile a writing portfolio
To foster an appreciation and desire for lifelong learning
To utilize knowledge already possessed by the student and his/her classmates to further the learning experience To develop intrapersonal and interpersonal skills
To prepare for a variety of local, state, and national tests including FastBridge Academic Progress, Kansas State Assessments, and American College Testing (ACT)
Academic and Classroom Expectations:
Arrive on time to class, ready to begin instruction when the bell rings; bring a pass from your prior teacher, if late.
Demonstrate respect for others and expect the same from your classmates and teacher; we are here for each other.
Ask for assistance as needed. That's why I am here. If you are not making the necessary contact in class, please talk to me before or after class. There are times when one period of class is not enough time for me to reach every student, but I do want to help you. If necessary, say my name aloud rather than holding up your hand. I never intentionally ignore a student.
No food, gum, candy, snacks, or pop in class. Water consumption is encouraged. Please bring water each day, but containers need to be of acceptable and reasonable size with secure lids. No gallon jugs!
Wear appropriate clothing for school. You will be reported to the office in cases of questionable clothing choices.
When school work is due, it is DUE. Academics supersede athletic practice. I will give you a pass to athletic practice once your work is completed, if necessary. All assigned work is due before leaving for an activity. TALK TO ME! Although an absence may be excused, work due that day must be sent via email to mstrnad@usd223.org or placed in my school mailbox.
See the Student Handbook for information regarding attendance expectations, unexcused tardies, and excused or unexcused absences. A student who receives three unexcused tardies in a quarter in my class will receive a detention to be served the following school day. A parent/guardian will be notified if more than four unexcused tardies are documented in a quarter. Detention supersedes any athletic practice. Unexcused absences will result in a zero for any work due that day, including daily work, quizzes/tests, major essays, or other projects.
Cheating, Plagiarism, and AI Usage
Cheating and/or plagiarism on any type of assignment results in a zero. A student who allows someone to cheat by copying his/her paper/information will also receive a zero. Plagiarism is the willful copying of another person’s work without giving proper credit to the rightful author. Teachers are here to help you learn. You learn nothing from copying someone else’s work, and you do not help others learn by providing answers. Assisting someone with an assignment by explaining is not the same as cheating, but there are lines not to be crossed.
Using an Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) generator to produce an assignment is considered plagiarism because the content generated is the result of computer prompts, searches, and algorithms and not original student ideas. Although it is tempting to utilize the productivity of A.I. for school work, it does not develop necessary analytical skills, interpretation, synthesis, critical thought processes, and writing skills required of students. I will often check your work for A.I.-generated materials, and a zero will result if A.I. is detected. This could be devastating to a student’s grade. While there may be times when A.I. use is appropriate, those “times” will require explicit instruction from the teacher. Do not assume it would be approved prior to discussion with Mrs. Strnad. Also, other curricula might use A.I.-generated methods, but these same methods would be counterproductive in English/Language Arts where learning and building specific skills is paramount.
Computer use is a privilege, and we use computers several times per week all year long. Inappropriate use of a computer will result in suspension of that privilege for whatever period of time the teacher and principal deem appropriate, up to the rest of the school year. Computers are to be used only for school work. No games or access to social sites are allowed, including but not limited to Facebook, IM, Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, etc. Additionally, expressed approval to send personal email and text messages must be cleared with the instructor beforehand. The consequences of circumventing blocked websites or damaging equipment will be severe.
Cell phones and other electronic devices are not to be used in the classroom without explicit approval from the
instructor. Keep any such device turned off and in your book bag, not on your person unless permission is given. Any devices confiscated will be turned over to the principal, so he will decide when your phone is returned to you. Talk to your parents about not sending IMs to you during class time. You are here for instructional purposes. In an emergency, a parent should contact the school office, which will then contact you.
I understand that music helps some individuals concentrate better when writing; however, earbuds must not be used during lecture/instructional time or tests. Remember, too, that if you are unable to hear me, you may be missing important instructions that could affect your grade.
Students are expected to use their class period for English/Language Arts only. Once work is completed, a student may work on assignments from another class, BUT ONLY AFTER RECEIVING PERMISSION. (Should you desire to work on English assignments during another class, you MUST receive permission from that instructor first. A student working on an English assignment in another class without permission will receive a zero for the assignment. This includes reading for A.R. Be courteous to each instructor.
I am at school by 7:45 a.m. and usually remain until 4:00 or after. See me if you are having difficulty with an assignment or require clarification on an issue. I want to hear from YOU if there is a problem. Do NOT wait until class time to seek information or explanation regarding an assignment due that day. I do not mind repeating myself as long as you are listening in the first place. (I talk pretty fast, so ask me to clarify or repeat information or slow down, if necessary.)
Parental, administrative, or counselor involvement will be sought as the need arises. Your safety and well-being are our utmost priorities.
If you believe I am unapproachable or difficult in any way, I ask that the parent and student schedule a meeting time with me.
Grading Policies:
Student grades will be available to students and parents on a daily basis via GoEdustar or by request. I rarely give an extra credit assignment or allow students to redo an assignment since considerable time is allowed in class. Maintain productivity when assignments are given. Grades are based on journals, daily assignments, writing assignments, homework, tests, projects, presentations, and other activities.
Each grade in this class is based on the length and difficulty of the assignment. Research papers, other writing assignments, and daily homework grades will vary from 5 to 150 points or more. Updates to grade books are completed each week. Rubrics for major assignments will be provided with the assignments. Questions cannot be answered unless they are asked. Please notify me of any questions you have concerning grades, assignments, or other expectations. I have made mistakes, so don't hesitate to question if you believe a grade has been entered incorrectly. I want the information to be correct, especially if you benefit. SERIOUSLY!
Accelerated Reader
A.R. Requirements
You will be required to complete 15 Accelerated Reader points per quarter. This will comprise 15% of your grade! Grading is based on the number of correct answers received on an A.R. test taken in my classroom or Mrs. Bruna’s classroom (when she is available). In addition to the library (high school and public), there are books in Ms. Strnad’s classroom that may be checked out directly from her. Do not remove a book from the classroom without checking it out with the instructor. Do not hand off any book to another student. It must be checked back in and then rechecked out. This protects you from being responsible for a lost book you are no longer reading. Reading time will be set aside periodically and also unexpectedly. All class members should have reading material with them at all times. This is a great time to read for your A.R. points. Anyone who is found to cheat on an A.R. test will lose ALL points and parents will be notified. Your book title must be written down on a personalized card so the instructor knows what you are reading and what you intend to test on. Novels read in class are often available for A.R. testing.
NOTE TO PARENTS REGARDING A.R. BOOKS: I purchase dozens of Young Adult books each year to add to my classroom library, but I do not READ each of them. You may find them listed among selections on arbookfind.com or Amazon.com, which provide an overview of each book’s content, the reading level, any warnings regarding vulgarity, violence, or sexual content, the point value of the book, etc. I encourage you to take note of what your student is reading, research the book’s contents, and either approve or disapprove the selection for your student. I rarely censor a book based on grade and content, and I am happy to have the student return the book for a different selection. My goal is to develop a love for reading, not to limit the student based on reading level. For instance, many novels have a reading level of 3.5 to 5.5, but the content is labeled UG (upper grades 10-12). I prefer the student chooses a book of personal interest rather than a book within a certain reading level, although I don’t want high school students reading elementary books unless that is prescribed by the special education department. I will do my best to provide guidance. Thanks.--Ms. Strnad
Late Work:
Work is to be completed and submitted on time. The only exception to this will be an excused absence based upon illness or other extenuating circumstances. Communication is key! If you are to be gone for any reason, you must hand in your daily assignment and ask for the next assignment before the absence. This includes all early dismissals for athletics, club activities, doctor or court appointments, etc. It is YOUR responsibility to receive and return the completed assignment ahead of time. No excuses unless I have discussed the issue with you either personally or in class. Do not expect that excused absences marked "Parent Permission" mean you may turn in work upon your return. Plan to email the assignment or to drop it off in my mailbox in the office. Remember: Absences marked "Parent Permission" are not necessarily excused absences.
Assignment Example: If you are to be dismissed early for an athletic competition/extra-curricular activity or a doctor/court appointment, etc., the assignment for that day MUST BE turned in before leaving. If it is not turned in before leaving, you will receive a ZERO on that assignment unless arrangements are made with the instructor.
"Excellence is an art won by training and habituation. We do not act rightly because we have virtue or excellence, but we rather have those because we have acted rightly. We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit."-Aristotle
TOPICS and PROJECTS for ENGLISH II 2025-2026
August-September
What is Common Sense?
Grammar, conventions, language usage, and vocabulary throughout the year
Sentence clarification
"The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" Fact vs. Fiction: A close historical reading and poetry element emphasis
Creative writing: An alternative ending
Culture Unit: Cultural relevance in storytelling and writing; student poetry authorship with cultural references and figurative language examples; non-fiction account, "An Unthinkable Sacrifice"
Student Career Exploration with Xello; Student-Led Conference prerequisites
Recognizing root words to aid in vocabulary development; poster construction; quizzes
FastBridge Testing #1
October
Student-Led Conferences research for future goals continues
Narrative Reading: Magical Realism-Gabriel Garcia Marquez; discussion, "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings"
Narrative Essay: Magical Realism w/selected prompts
Biographical Research Project introducing MLA formatting; writing open-ended interview questions; a biographical interview and essay
Science Fiction and Fantasy Unit with multiple readings, expository writing/author quote analysis; contextual clues; vocabulary development
November-December
Science Fiction and Fantasy Unit continues
Compare and contrast essay of a poem and a fictional narrative: "There Will Come Soft Rains"
Applying science fiction today: technical writing; research, and analysis
Fantasy, fables, tall tales, legends, and trickster tales: selected readings and original student works
Arthurian Legend: "Le Morte d'Arthur" and "Sir Launcelot du Lake," point of view, descriptive detail, dialogue, characterization, diction, and tone
Journalism Project: Children's literature and creative writing; technical and persuasive writing, journalistic, editorial, and letter composition
FastBridge Testing #2
January-February
Novel Unit: To Kill a Mockingbird-Heroes and Heroic Choices; societal changes; vocabulary development; text structure; theme recognition and analysis; figurative language; testing (3 parts)
Expository writing: "All I Ever Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten" by Robert Fulghum
Recognizing historical non-fiction context in regard to novel unit
March-April-May
KSA Testing
FastBridge Testing #3
Shakespeare Unit: Macbeth; historical context; chain of being, divine right of kings, the Gunpowder Plot; belief in the fantastical
Film version of Macbeth
Grammar, conventions, and punctuation exercises are completed throughout the year.
(This schedule is subject to change based on many factors, including testing, school activity changes, lengthened completion time, and overscheduling. The district has purchased new English /Language Arts textbooks, so we will implement and/or substitute several entries from the textbook as we progress.)