When reading is assigned for homework, students will have reading checks to hold them accountable for the material. Reading checks consist of the following:
Unannounced reading quizzes
Annotation checks (specific pages)
Responses to reading (short answer/paragraph written responses)
In-class discussions
SEMESTER TWO
Tests - 30%
Writing & Alternate Assessments - 25%
Quizzes - 20%
Formative Assessments (homework, classwork, practice, etc.) - 15%
Final Exam - 10%
SEMESTER ONE
Tests - 30%
Writing & Alternate Assessments - 25%
Quizzes - 20%
Homework & Reading Checks - 15%
Classwork & Practice - 10%
As an honors student, you'll notice that only 10% of your grade is based on your work inside of class. This means that you may need to learn to study and develop some different habits! Please let me know if you need help coming up with a study schedule or ideas to help keep you on track.
Because the majority of work will be done in class and can be turned in online, I expect work to be submitted when due; take care to click “turn in” or “submit” on Google Classroom unless directed otherwise.
Typically, you will lose 10 percent of possible points per calendar day for late work. For major grades (tests, projects, papers), the MOST you can lose is 50 percent of possible points deducted from your earned score (the cheating policy has separate consequences). For minor grades, you can lose full credit if the work is not submitted within 9 calendar dates.
I am willing to evaluate unique circumstances to allow a lesser consequence if you are communicating quickly, consistently, and effectively without taking advantage or making a habit of it. Once per semester, a student may request per teacher discretion to have an extra day to study for a *quiz if he arrives terribly unprepared; this will cost ten percent. All other quizzes must be taken as scheduled.
*Reading comprehension quizzes cannot be made up once we have discussed the work, often immediately after the quiz (excused absence = exempt; unexcused absence = zero).
Be a servant leader
Honor God
Love others
Walk in Truth
These four principles from the Mount Paran Mission Statement will guide our classes each day. Nearly every generic "class rule" falls under these guidelines. Do everything as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23).
American literature authors cover mature themes. As a high schooler, you are expected to handle these themes with maturity. If your parent would like you to read an alternate text, please have them contact me. There is no penalty, and I am happy to help come up with alternate assignments.
Films and film clips in our class will be, at most, rated PG-13. Alternate assignments to viewing these films are also available at no penalty to you. Please have a parent contact me if you'd like this option.
Cell phones should be off or on airplane mode and placed on the cell phone table right as you enter the classroom. If there is an opportunity to use cell phones for academic purposes, I'll let you know. Until then, we should not see or hear your cell phone.
If a student finishes their work early, they may do one of the following activities:
English homework
Read
Vocabulary.com practice
IXL.com practice
Homework for other classes
Computer games as a "downtime" activity will not be permitted and will result in a write-up.
Seat Hours:
On your 7th absence, you will have to make up seat hours. Seat hour makeups happen before or after school.
Tardies:
If you are tardy to English more than 3 times in a semester, you will serve detention .
Exemptions:
You may exempt the final exam in May (worth 10%) if you have no more than 5 absences or 5 tardies and an 89.5% or higher in the class.