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
All late work must be turned in accompanied by the Late Work Submission form posted on Classroom and on my Google Site.
MINOR Assessments
5 point deduction for every day late up to 10 calendar days late. After 10 days, the assignment will no longer be accepted.
MAJOR Assessments
1 Day Late -10
Anything after 1 day is a ZERO!
Extended Time
If you need an extension on any assignment, the request must be submitted to me via the Google Form in Classroom or on my Google Site. 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.
Major Readings: The Crucible by Arthur Miller, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, selected short stories and poetry
Daily Mini Lessons: Weekly Do Now Packets to be worked on the first ten minutes of class. These will be collected on Fridays.
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.
At the start of class, no chromebooks will be used. They must remain closed until given the instructions to use them.
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 in a clear plastic bottle.
Cellphones and all other personal electronic devices (earbuds, headphones, smart watches, etc…) 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 any device in class, the following disciplinary actions will be taken as per district policy:
1st infraction = Warning, documented in Genesis
2nd infraction = Parent/Guardian contact; device secured in the main office; documented in Genesis
3rd infraction = Administrative parent/guardian contact; cell phone pouch for 5 school days
4th infraction = Administrative parent/guardian contact; 1 day ACS; cell phone pouch for 10 school days
5th infraction = Administrative parent/guardian contact; 1-2 days ACS; Mandatory parent/guardian conference; cell phone pouch for 20 or more school days
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.