Freshman English 101

Course: English 101 

Teacher: Don Helling  (online/room 255) 

Email: Don.Helling@bellinghamschools.org 

“Readers make writers and writers make readers”  ― Carl McKever

  Welcome to Freshman English!  In this class we will explore our world through literature, stories, poems and plays.  While we read stories and poetry we will work on our reading comprehension, literary analysis and writing skills.  My goal is that you will develop and deepen your appreciation of literature and grow as writers.

Course Description (from the District course guide):  

The study of literature, including novels, short stories, drama and non-fiction, will develop each student’s literacy skills. Student writing will include expository pieces, multi-paragraph essays of persuasion and literary analysis, autobiography/ biography, as well as other forms of narrative writing. At least three major book studies and three major multi-paragraph writing assignments will be incorporated. Projects, products and performances will also be embedded in the course. Continuing development of communication skills is supported through reading, writing, listening, speaking and language experiences.

Behavior: My expectations are straightforward:  I’m looking forward to a fun and rewarding semester for all of us.

• I expect you to behave in a manner appropriate for the high school classroom. 

• Please arrive on time for the class, prepared with the day’s text, your school issued laptop charged up and with Teams open to the class and, of course, an empathetic disposition and a sense of humor. 

• Please respect the rights of your fellow classmates to work in a positive environment at all times. 

• I would like you to have the opportunity to learn in an atmosphere that is non-threatening and comfortable, not one in which discipline is the overriding concern. You will determine this through your actions early on and throughout the semester. 

• Learning is best accomplished when you are intrinsically motivated and enjoy what you are doing, so I encourage you to relax and enjoy yourself while we work to become better writers and explore literature from areas around the world.   

Some general online classroom rules: 

  Respect others always.  I would like to develop a trusting, non-threatening atmosphere in the (virtual) classroom for all students.  Your behavior should never become a negative factor for your learning or for that of your classmates.  (no put-downs)

  Be prepared with your school issued laptop, charged and ready to use with Teams up on your screen. We will also occaisionally be using OneNote for assignments, and Turnitin.com for some major papers. 

  All assignments are due on the due date.  Assignments that are turned in late will need to be discussed over email with the teacher to receive full credit.  Some daily activities may not be accepted late. 

  It is your responsibility to make up any note taking or assignments that you miss due to an excused absence.  Communication with the teacher is the key.   

  Arrive on time for class.  Often the most important information will be given in the first few minutes of class. Come into the zoom meeting ready to engage in the day's activities.

Course Description Specifics to this class:   

• Literature:  We will read a variety of stories, nonfiction pieces and poetry. The authors and works will include a mix of both contemporary and early texts, and will represent a variety of cultures.   

• Composition:  Writing will also be a focus this semester, concentrating on the Washington State Language Arts standards.  There will be writing assignments for each of the units of literature as well as shorter daily assignments and a few in-class timed writing assignments. All final drafts of major papers will be entered into Teams. We may be using Turnitin.com as well for major writing assignments.  

• Texts:  We will not have a textbook for this course, but instead will read pieces online, and check out individual novels connected with our units (no novels in the first 22 day session).   

• Grading: I expect to see your best effort on everything done for this class.  All assignments will be given a point value, which can be graded on the scale outlined below.   

I will be fair and up front in evaluation procedures.  You may communicate with me over email, or set up an appointment to meet with me in zoom or Teams and discuss any concerns.  I am also always willing to (virtually) meet with, or call, your parents if they wish to discuss any aspect of the course.  Email is the most reliable form of communication.   

The final grade will be determined as follows: 

• 60% Graded assignments and projects 

• 30% Daily work/participation 

• 10% Semester final assignment or project 

• All graded assignments will be judged on the point scale below.  The number of points given each separate assignment determines the overall weight in your class grade. 

• 93.0% - 100% = A 

• 90.0% - 92.99% = A- 

• 87.0% - 89.99% = B+         

• 83.0% - 86.99%   = B         

• 80.0% - 82.9% = B-         

• 77.0% - 79.99% = C+          

• 73.0% - 76.99%   = C         

• 70.0% - 72.99% = C- 

• 67% - 69.99% = D+ 

• 61% - 66.99%   = D 

• 60% - Below = F