Accelerated Literature II

MYP English Language Arts 9th Grade 2016-2017

Instructor: Mr. Wolfe Phone: 970-348-5492 Email: [email protected]

Course Description/Objectives As set forth in the State Core Curriculum, ninth grade English applies strategies for writing instruction as well as appreciation and understanding of literary, informational and functional texts. Greeley West students will implement these strategies through journals, vocabulary study, expository essays, and grammar as a companion to writing, business and/or personal letters, and student presentations. While short stories, poetry, prose, and mythology augment our year's study, literary works may include Romeo and Juliet, Lord of the Flies, Into the Wild, Raisin in the Sun, and The Odyssey.

Course Outcomes Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to  Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze in detail its development over the course of a text  Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text.  Use accurately general academic and domain-specific words and phrases.  Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.  Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

Method of Instructor  You will spend a great deal of time reading various types of literary works both in and out of the classroom. I will choose most titles, but you may be able to choose a novel or two depending on time.  You will work individually, in pairs, and in groups in order to meet all the requirements of this course and the diverse needs of all students.

Grading and Assessments  Because this class will involve diverse instruction, you will be graded on homework, essays, class activities, quizzes, projects, and exams (written and oral).  To pass this class, the student must earn at least a 60% average.  LATE WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED without Mr. Wolfe’s approval.  Attendance will directly influence your success! Be here, and be prepared! Grading Scale A-90%-100% B-80%-89% C-70%-79% D-60%-69% Below 60% earns a failing grade Materials Please bring the following with you to class every day: Interactive notebook for this class highlighters writing utensils (blue/black pen, pencil)novel or other text for leisure reading

Extra Credit-first six weeks only Bring in up to four of the following for five points of extra credit each: large box of tissues dry erase markers scissors sticky notes box of #2 pencils

CLASS POLICIES

Grading and Assessments You will be graded on homework, essays, class activities, quizzes, projects, and exams. Assignments will include reading literature, analysis of literature, reading about literature, examples of literature, writing about literature, and then some more literature. There are no re-testing opportunities. To pass this course, you will definitely need to earn at least of 60% of the total points available. read and respond to all readings and vocabulary. be an active part in class. enjoy each and every moment in this classroom...or at least most of them. LATE WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED without Mr. Wolfe’s approval. Daily assignments and quizzes measure how prepared you are on a daily basis; failed assignments and quizzes cannot be retaken.

Make Up Policy- Any make-up work will be discussed/assigned during Intervention. Excused absences Work due on the date of the absence is due when your foot hits the carpet. Missed class work from an excused absence should be made up within two days of your absence. It is your responsibility to ask for work assigned on the date of absence ON THE DAY YOU RETURN TO SCHOOL. (Or find it in the ORANGE basket) Some activities completed in class are unique to the time and elements in which they are presented, so you may have an alternate assignment to make up the points associated. Missed quizzes must be taken on the date of return, or you will earn a zero for that assignment. Missed tests will be scheduled before or after school. Make sure to stop in and see me on the first day of your return to schedule that test, or you will earn a zero. Late work is the lowest priority in my grading stack. If you have a late assignment, your grade will probably not be updated immediately due the large amount of regular assignments that I grade every day. If you have an extenuating circumstance such as eligibility concerns or parental concerns, please note to Mr. Wolfe when you turn in your make-up assignments. Unexcused Absences Work due on the date of an unexcused absence will be accepted BUT NOT RECORDED IN THE GRADEBOOK. This includes major projects and tests! Work assigned the date of an unexcused absence will not be accepted. If you are in the building but not in class during class time, you must have a school excused absence. In this case, a parental excuse will not allow you to make up the work due or the work assigned during the block you were absent.

Responsibility and Participation Have fun! Have a good attitude! Leave your problems at the door, trust me, I’ll have enough for you solve. I expect you to be here; absences will be a problem in this class. I expect you to do your fair share of group work. Often we have so much to cover that we “divide and conquer” the material. If you don’t do your part, the entire class misses out. We need to be able to rely on you. You will be expected to read, write, edit and share your writing with other students. Peer editors are expected to be thoughtful and considerate of each other. You are expected to come to class each day with all required materials and assignments.

Discipline and Class Rules An atmosphere of respect and a commitment to learning will pervade this classroom; therefore, all rules and procedures of Greeley West High School will be enforced. Any additional rules pertaining to this class will be implemented as necessary. Please don't bring any food or drink (except water) to this classroom! I will be giving you two “late passes” which you may use to turn in any assignment late up to one week late, but you only have two, so use them wisely, Grasshopper. If you choose not to use the passes, they can be turned in at the end of the semester for five points each of extra credit. All late work must be turned in by December 2nd for first semester and May 5th for second semester.

Attendance/Tardies See Greeley West Attendance Policy as stated in the student handbook. Tardies If you find yourself outside the classroom door when the bell rings. You will sign-in on the “Tardysign-in sheet.” Your first two tardies are forgiven when accompanied by an apology, after that, plan on spending your lunches in detention. Absences If you are absent, your parent or guardian has 48 hours to call to excuse you. On the sad occasion that you should accumulate four days (sixteen unexcused blocks) of unexcused absences, you and your parents will be referred to the Weld County Juvenile Assessment Center and/or the Weld County Judicial System. Hall Pass Only one student is allowed to leave the room at a time. I only have one hall pass (with a pretty pink strap). This is a recently enacted school-wide policy. Mr. Wolfe has no say in this, so don’t ask, it just makes you look ignorant. Specific Expectations Be to class on time. Be prepared with all materials. If you fail to bring your materials, you may “take a tardy,” and go to your locker. (see tardy policy above) Do your own work. Cheating will not be tolerated. Plagiarism, copying homework, playing the system in a naughty way and cheating on quizzes and/or assessment tests will result in a zero for you and your co-conspirators, a student/teacher conference, parent notification, and a disciplinary referral. All work is regularly checked to ensure that your work is original and no internet or other materials are being used without proper citations. Treat everyone with respect. Do not disrespect or interrupt class by talking, acting out, or calling attention to yourself. Offensive language, derogatory jokes, or inappropriate comments will not be tolerated.  Cellular phones and other electronic devices are a constant disruption. I don’t want to see your electronic menagerie. Your cell phone should be turned off, out of sight and not a disruption. If the phone rings, you are text messaging, you are taking photos, or you are looking longingly in the direction of your cell phone, the phone will be confiscated until the end of the period (strike 1). If you choose to argue with Mr. Wolfe instead of handing over the device, you will then be asked a second time (strike 2); however, this time you device will not be returned until the end of the day (after the bell rings @ 3:15). If you’re feeling exceedingly frisky and refuse to relinquish said device, Mr. Wolfe will regrettably escort you to the office (strike 3) where you will be prompted by the administration or security to part with your beloved device. Hint: option one is better for all involved! COVER SHEET SIGNATURE FORM English 9

Please sign the student portion of this form, share the information in the cover sheet with your parent(s)/guardian(s), and have a parent/guardian sign the bottom of this form. Return only the bottom half to me by the second week of class and keep the remainder of the cover sheet in your notebook.

PARENT/GUARDIAN PORTION

I have read the cover sheet for this course and will provide any support needed to assure that my son/daughter will succeed both academically and behaviorally. I understand that cell phones are not to be in use during class time. I will leave voice messages for my child which can be listened to at a more appropriate time, or in the case of an emergency I will contact my child through the main office. I understand that if my child uses his/her cell phone in class, it will be confiscated until a parent or guardian claims it. ______Parent/Guardian Signature Date

I have read and understand the information on the cover sheet for this class. I agree to adhere to the policies set forth for the class and acknowledge that I am aware of the penalties for not doing so.

Student Name (Print) ______Block______Student Signature: ______Date: ______