AVID and English III Honors Syllabus

AVID and English III Honors Syllabus Fall Semester 2017 “A book is the most effective weapon against intolerance and ignorance.” -Lyndon B. Johnson Lee Anne Cook [email protected] School Phone: 910-938-2048

Course Description The fall semester focuses on the following AVID components:  The continued use of the AVID fundamentals of organization through the utilization of the binder and agenda.  Cornell note-taking in all academic subjects is required as well as backwards mapping in the agenda of all projects.  There is an emphasis on study skills and the continued development of problem solving skills through twice weekly tutorials.  Students will delve into ACT test preparation through weekly practice sessions and review identified weaknesses in grammar.  Students will focus on developing goals and the steps necessary to achieve goals by creating goals each six week marking period for each class.  Students will complete a college research project. Students will earn an AVID credit for the fall semester. The reading component this semester will require students to independently read a book from the book list provided in class each six week period. Students will have a project each marking period to complete and present to the class on the selected book. This means the book must be completed before the end of the marking period in order for the project to be finalized on time. The writing component of the fall semester will consist of:  Refining essay writing skills  Creating a Resume  Students will select and research a topic for the required senior project. The paper for this project is written during the student’s junior year and the corresponding project is completed during the senior year.  This semester each student will:  select a topic during the fall semester  develop a research question  gather the appropriate sources  read and take notes on these sources  develop an approved thesis, outline, and Works Cited page  The written portion of this project will continue into the second semester of the school year. The speaking and listening component will consist of a variety of class presentations including the AVID speech, class discussions, seminars, and twice weekly tutorials. Community Service: All students will be expected to complete a minimum of 10 community services hours each semester (a total of 20 for the year). The hours form will be due on the last day of each semester. It is preferable that students complete these hours at SAT (an Onslow County scholarship program up to $1000.00) approved sites. Students will learn about this program during class. Grading Policy:  Homework assignments are assigned a 25 point value  Class assignments are assigned a 50 point value  Quizzes are assigned a 100 point value  Tests are assigned a 200 point value Grading Scale: 90-100=A 80-89=B 70-79=C 60-69=D Below 60=F * WORK IS DUE ON THE ASSIGNED DATE AND TIME! TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES WILL NOT BE A VALID EXCUSE FOR A PROJECT OR PAPER NOT BEING TURNED IN ON TIME. * **No extra credit work is assigned. Time that would be spent on extra credit can be better spent studying and preparing for daily assignments, quizzes, projects, and tests. Homework: Homework can be expected nightly and should be written in the agenda. Absences: If a student is absent, it is the responsibility of the student to obtain missed assignments. After an absence, a student will be given the same amount of time to complete work that students who were not absent were given. For example, if an assignment was to be done during one class session, the student will be given one day to complete the work. If this is not done, the result is an F for the assigned work. If a student is absent on the day a major assignment or project is due, the assignment is still due. It should be turned in as an attachment in an email to me or posted as a file on the Edmodo class page. Projects are given out weeks in advance and are due on the due date regardless of an absence. Agendas: Agendas are a requirement of the AVID program; therefore, all students must have one. Students will use the agenda to record homework assignments, upcoming quizzes, tests, due dates for assignments and important upcoming events. This is an important organizational tool and one that must be purchased outside of school. Classroom Expectations: * Exemplify respect by treating yourself and all others with positive words and actions * Display responsibility by arriving on time, prepared with all materials, and stay on task * Project trustworthiness by completing all work on time and to the best of your ability Consequences * 1st-Verbal Warning * 2nd-Student Conference * Continued violations will result in an office referral **Severe behaviors DO NOT warrant warnings and will result in an immediate referral to the office. These behaviors include but are not limited to: blatant disrespect or defiance, injury to another student, outright vandalism, harassment, etc. Cell Phones: * The policy of Jacksonville High School is that students may not use cell phones during class for any reason other than a teacher directed activity. Please review and sign the attached Responsible Electronic Device Usage Contract. Communication: Remind 101: Sign up for email or text notifications about important class information. This is for students and parents. See attached flyer. * Binders: graded assignments are stored in the binder behind the grade sheet. Check your student’s grade sheet routinely. * Agendas: Students will use the agenda to record daily homework assignments, upcoming quizzes, tests, due dates for assignments and important upcoming events. This is an important organizational tool and one that must be purchased outside of school. * Email: feel free to email me with any questions you may have. * Parent Portal: Be sure to sign up for Parent Portal to view your student’s grades as teacher record them in the online grade book.

Technology Plan: Students will use various forms of technology to enhance their classroom experience. Cell phones and netbooks will be used on a regular basis for researching, locating information, studying, and word processing. Edmodo will be utilized for the online portion of the class as well as Office 365. Students will be introduced to a variety of technologies for use in projects, presentations, and creating study guides. Required Supplies: * One Agenda (pick the type you prefer) * One three inch 3 ring binder * Loose leaf notebook paper * One composition notebook-NO spirals please * One pencil bag that can be inserted into the 3 ring binder * Pencils, pens, 3highlighters of different colors, colored pencils/markers ** Obtain these as soon as possible!

Students and parents sign the accompanying page to indicate you have read, understand, agree to the policies and procedures outlined in both the English III and AVID Honors Syllabus and the Responsible Electronic Usage Contract. Responsible Electronic Device Usage Contract

The following JHS Cell Phone Policy can be found in the JHS Handbook: Cell Phones and Electronic Devices (Cyberbullying NC G.S. 14-458.1) Students may not use any electronic devices on campus during instructional time (7:20 a.m.-2:15 p.m.). Students may only use electronic devices during their lunch period. No earbuds, headphones, etc. may be used from 7:20 a.m.-2:15 p.m. (except for lunch). Teacher discretion can be used within his/her classroom regarding appropriate use of electronic devices for instructional purposes.

It is important that students and teachers alike have as few distractions as possible in order to be focused on classwork and instruction.

Mrs. Cook’s Classroom Cell Phone Policy: As students enter the room, there may be no earbuds, headphones, or electronics in use. Students are to place their cell phone (on silent) in the cell phone bin located at his/her table group or in a backpack or purse. Earbuds and headphones are to remain in backpacks (not on the head or around the neck). Cell phones and earbuds are often utilized at teacher discretion during the English II class. Placement of the cell phone in the bin allows for easy access when usage is allowed. Placement of electronics in the bin also prevents unauthorized usage. There are times a student may need to use the phone to text a parent, guardian, etc. Students simply need to ask me and I will allow them to discreetly take care of “business.” If a student uses an electronic device without authorization I will ask for the phone, place it in a secure location, and the student may retrieve the device at the END OF THE DAY. Refusal to turn over the device will result in an office referral per school policy. I have read the syllabus and understand the English II Honors course requirements, policies, and procedures. I have also read and understand the Responsible Electronic Usage Contract.

Student signature: ______

Parent signature: ______