Mr. Neff 10Th Grade HONORS

Mr. Neff – 10th Grade HONORS School Phone: ext. 72409 School E-mail: [email protected]

FIRST, we have an important word to consider: hon·or [on-er] noun 1. honesty, fairness, or integrity in one's beliefs and actions: a man of honor. 2. a source of credit or distinction: to be an honor to one's family. 3. high respect, as for worth, merit, or rank: to be held in honor. 4. such respect manifested: a memorial in honor of the dead. 5. high public esteem; fame; glory: He has earned his position of honor.

Please bear in mind that an “honor” is not something you simply sign up for; it is something that must be earned. This class will test not just your knowledge of literary devices, grammar, and writing skills, but also your adherence to this word and all the responsibilities that it carries with it.

Course Objectives: The objectives of this course are aligned with the goals of the PHS English Department as a whole: to aid students in achieving proficiency in composition, literature, speech, and vocabulary skills so that they are prepared for any career path they choose to pursue. Moreover, my personal goal is to do my part to make you a more critical reader, writer, and thinker. As George Orwell once wrote:

“If you can not write well, you can not think well, and if you can not think well, others will do your thinking for you.”

Following is a short sample of some of the literature we will be reading and the skills we aim to develop in this class, as well as the requisite texts.

Syllabus: This year we will be exploring themes from American Literature such as the American Dream, War, and Equality. We will do so through various written activities and by reading short stories, novels, and plays from the early to late 20th century. Following are a few examples:

Reading Novels (min. 5)  The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald  Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway  Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury  Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck  To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee  Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger (summer assignment) Plays  A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry  Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller  Othello by William Shakespeare Poetry  Robert Frost, Langston Hughes, Yusef Komunyakaa, Imagist poetry, and more Short Stories (5+) Writing and Speaking  Research Paper Project (3 pages minimum)  5 paragraph-style Essays (Narrative, Informative, Persuasive)  Journal Entries  Various Writing, Speaking, and Creative Assignments  Graded Class Discussion  General Class Participation Vocabulary and Grammar  Vocabulary Workshop Level E (We will begin by doing 10 words per unit, and move to the full 20 word units over the course of the year)  Grammar and Usage Exercises

Grades: Assignments are graded on a point system with approx. 700-1000 points per marking period.  Vocabulary (Workbook Assignments and Quizzes) (5,10, and 50 points each)  Literature Quizzes and Tests (50-100 points each)  Writing Assignments, Journal, and creative Projects (generally 100+ points)  Homework, Study Guides, and other in-class assignments (10-50 points each)  General Class Participation/Behavior (approx. 50 points per quarter)]

Classroom Materials Pens, Pencils/Erasers, Highlighters – Bring them to class! They are useless if you don’t have them with you!!!!! You will need the pencils for Scantron Quizzes/Tests. 3-Ring Binder and folder – All work will go in a 3-Ring Binder, some handouts can go in the folder, others should go into the appropriate section of your binder. 4 Dividers with Tabs – Your binder should be divided into the following sections: Literature, Writing, Grammar, Journal Entries Notebook paper – Fill your binder with it!!! You’ll need it nearly every day!!!

The Golden Rule in this class is easy – RESPECT Respect Yourself – Do your best, be honest, act with integrity and maturity Respect Others – Classmates, teachers, no bullying, no side conversations, treat others as you would like to be treated! You’re given plenty of freedoms in this classroom, but your freedoms end when they infringe upon any other classmate’s right to learn.

Student Responsibilities:  Arrive to class on time – late students will receive late slips. Come to class prepared to WORK – bring all necessary books, pens/pencils, notebooks, and completed assignments.  As the bell rings, find your seat and begin working on the Bell Ringer activity – DO NOT stand around or sit on top of the desks – it is not the time for chit chatting!!!  Use appropriate language – No profanity, obscenities, or inappropriate conversation!  If you are absent, you are responsible for making up ALL missed work (See Handbook).  If you would like to see me for extra help or to make up missed work simply let me know in advance so we can arrange a meeting time and place.  Turn in ALL assignments on time.  Do not cheat, copy, or plagiarize (See Handbook).  Stay awake – if you’re tired or sick, go to the nurse!  No cell phones, MP3 players, electronics, food, drinks, candy, etc. If I see any of these they will be confiscated, so keep them out of sight!!! (See Handbook)

Classroom Policies: Assignments:  They are due on time! No lame excuses please.  You will lose 10 points (or a letter grade) for each day a major assignment is late; you can receive ½ credit for a late homework assignment. Absences:  You are responsible for making up all missed work (classwork, group work, homework, quizzes, tests, assignments) according to the Handbook guidelines.  See a classmate for missed work, assignments and notes. Don’t ask me – Did I miss anything? If you were absent, you probably missed something!!! Be responsible and take the initiative to find out what you missed.  Any new work not made up within the Handbook guidelines (2 days) becomes a “0”, unless otherwise arranged with me.  ALL work assigned BEFORE your absence is due as originally assigned. If you are absent on the day a major assignment is due (essay, project, etc.) you should bring it in with you the day you return! Otherwise it will be considered late. No lame excuses. If you are absent on the day of a test/quiz you must take it the day you return to class.  According to the handbook: “all work assigned through the student’s last day of attendance is due on the first day of the student’s return to classes or on the previously indicated due date with no extra time allotted. This includes previously scheduled tests, reports, etc.” Late to Class or Cutting Class:  Late students will receive a Late Slip; Cutting class results in a Write Up and a “0” grade for all assignments due on that day – Yes, oddly, enough, EVEN IN MAY! (See Handbook for all consequences).

------

Many of these rules and procedures are easily adhered to by simply behaving like a responsible young adult and treating others the way you want to be treated. If we all work together to ensure they are followed, we’re certain to have a fun and successful year!

Please print and sign your name indicating that you have read my classroom rules. Parents, if you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact me at your leisure at the number or email provided and I will respond as promptly as possible.

______(Print Student’s Name) (Student’s Signature)

______(Print Parent/Guardian’s Name) (Parent/Guardian’s signature)