English 9

 Welcome to Grade 9 English Language Arts! 

Course Description:  Students will develop their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills through the exploration of diverse texts, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama. Emphasis will be placed on understanding literary elements, analyzing texts critically, and expressing ideas clearly and effectively. Students will also enhance their vocabulary, grammar, and research skills, preparing them for successful academic and personal communication. This course aims to foster a lifelong appreciation for literature and effective communication while encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and active participation.. 

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:

1. 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…)

2. 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!

Possible Major Readings:  Night  by Elie Wiesel, A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Required Materials for Class

A CHARGED Chromebook (this class is Block 1 - there is no excuse for a device that needs to be charged.)

Classroom Expectations:

1. Be on time - this means you must be IN your seat when the bell rings.

2. Be prepared

3. 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.

4. 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. 

5. 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 Incident: Warning; incident documented in Genesis. 

   • 2nd Incident: Parent/guardian contact; phone/device secured in a the main office; incident documented. 

   • 3rd Incident: Administrative parent/guardian contact; cell phone pouch for 5 school days. 

   •  4th Incident: Administrative parent/guardian contact; 1 day in an alternate class setting and cell phone pouch for 10 school days. 

6. 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.

7. No winter attire (coats, hats, etc…) or Backpacks allowed in the classroom. Leave them in your locker.

8. You are responsible for checking my Google Classroom if you are absent. The daily agenda will be posted iin Google Classroom. See above for all absence policies regarding missing work.

9. All school rules (including lateness and attendance policies) are in effect in the classroom.

10. 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.