Colonia High School
Teacher: Stephanie Platko Grade Level: 11
Course: English 3R
Course Description: The English 3 course is designed to build stronger reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language skills. The curriculum navigates through American nonfiction and fiction allowing for a framework of analysis. Our four units of study over the course of the semester will take us from an analysis of the past into our current state of being allowing us to explore multiple perspectives in criticism and onto our future and where we hope to be.
Grading Procedures: 50% of your grade will be comprised of Minor Assessment grades including all classwork, homework, and quizzes. The other 50% of your grade will be comprised of Major Assessments including all major projects, tests, and writing assessments.
Late Work Policies
MINOR Assessments
1 Day Late -10
2 Days Late -20
3 Days Late -30
4 Days Late -40
5 Days Late -50
Anything after 5 days is a ZERO!
MAJOR Assessments
1 Day Late -20
Anything after 1 day is a ZERO!
Extended Time
If you need an extension on any assignment, the request must be submitted to me in writing via email. The following conditions must be met in order to have an extension granted:
Since most work can be completed during class time, you must have used the time allotted appropriately. (i.e. working consistently, not on your phone, not watching videos/playing games, etc…)
You must communicate in your email the date the assignment will be completed and if you fail to hand in the assignment by that date, you will be denied extensions on assignments for the foreseeable future.
Absence Policies
If you are absent on a day something is assigned, you will have two days without penalty to complete the assignment after your return to class.
If you are absent on a day something is due, you must hand in the assignment upon your return to class.
ALL WORK WILL BE POSTED IN GOOGLE CLASSROOM DAILY SO THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR NOT KNOWING WHAT WE DID IN CLASS THAT DAY!
Office Hours
I am available in Room 248 from 7:20-7:40am daily and after school by appointment only. Email me at stephanie.platko@wtsdnj.com to arrange any extra help.
Possible Major Readings: The Crucible by Arthur Miller, Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
Daily Mini Lessons: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday = Proofreading Practice; Thursday = Grammar Skills Worksheet; Friday = Review Quiz
Required Materials for Class
A 3 subject notebook to be solely used for this class, a folder for handouts, A CHARGED Chromebook (this class is Block 1 - there is no excuse for a device that needs to be charged)
Two different colored pens; pencil; highlighters
Classroom Expectations:
Be on time - this means you must be IN your seat when the bell rings.
Be prepared
You are expected to listen, pay attention, only speak when you are called on, participate, keep your head up and your eyes open, complete all class and homework assignments and respect each other as well as yourself, the teacher, and the classroom.
No food or drink in my classroom. You may bring water to class. If you enter the classroom with food or a beverage, it must be consumed by the end of announcements and ALL garbage must be disposed of.
Cellphones and smartwatches must be turned to silent and stowed away in the caddy at the front of the room as soon as you walk in. If you are caught with your cell phone in class, the following disciplinary actions will be taken:
1st infraction = warning
2nd infraction = warning and phone call home
3rd infraction = write-up, phone taken and administration will take disciplinary action
No earbuds or headphones are to be worn in class. If an assignment requires you to watch a video, I will give you permission to use them.
No winter attire (coats, hats, etc…) or Backpacks allowed in the classroom. Leave them in your locker.
You are responsible for checking my Google Classroom if you are absent. The daily agenda will be posted in the Stream tab. See above for all absence policies regarding missing work.
All school rules (including lateness and attendance policies) are in effect in the classroom.
Be Honest and communicate your needs
Plagiarism Policy and AI
While AI tools can be incredibly powerful, it's crucial to use them responsibly in an educational setting. For this reason, I strongly encourage students to rely on their own critical thinking and creativity rather than AI-generated content. To ensure academic integrity and genuine learning, I will be utilizing advanced checker tools to detect and address any possible AI-generated submissions. These measures are in place to maintain a fair and honest learning environment where students can truly showcase their individual skills and knowledge.
Please note that any AI-generated work will be handled according to the plagiarism policy as set by the WTSD.