Sophomore Honors English (Great) Expectations

Westford Academy, in collaboration with home and community, provides a safe environment where high expectations advance academic excellence. We are committed to promoting integrity and critical thinking, while fostering tolerance and life-long learning in an ever-changing global society.

Sophomore English Honors – Expectations

Mrs. Kucaj Email: [email protected] Classroom: Room 247/ 257 Website: http://wa.westfordk12.us/pages/westfordwa_teachers/kkucaj/index

Vocabulary Workshop Level E & Prentice Hall Literature: Platinum Level Term 1: Secret Life of Bees – Sue Monk Kidd/ The Namesake – Jhumpa Lahiri The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn—Mark Twain Term 2: The Lord of the Flies—William Golding / Brave New World – Aldous Huxley Term 3: The Catcher in the Rye—J. D. Salinger/ Various Short Stories Term 4: The Tragedy of Julius Caesar – William Shakespeare / Poetry person vs. society

Materials: 3-ring binder with clear plastic pocket in front (suggested), paper, pen, pencil, your syllabus, completed assignments. Bring the current text with you to class every day. You may leave your textbook in your locker.

Homework Policy: Homework assignments are normally graded in quarter increments out of 100 (25/50/75/100). A late homework assignment can be turned in the next day for half credit, after that it is a zero. Be prepared for random homework checks.

Make-Up Work Policy: If an assignment was due the day you were absent you will be expected to turn it in the day you return; the same goes for tests. It is the responsibility of the student to make arrangements to complete missing work. If an assignment is due the day you return and it was on the syllabus you will be held accountable for it. If you are absent ask a friend what you should grab from the Extras folder. If you lose a sheet, copy a friend’s or use the website.

Essay, Project, and Presentation Policy: One day late, an A- becomes a B-. Two days late, an A- becomes a C-. I do not accept assignments after two days.

Cheating + Plagiarizing: If you are caught using materials from online as your own, copying a classmate’s homework or looking at another student’s assessment during a testing period, you will be given a zero for the work and your parents/Administration will be notified.

Bathroom/Leaving the Room Policy: Take the pass and go – no need to ask. Only one student is allowed out of the room at a time. *If I notice a student leaving the classroom every day unnecessarily, bathroom privileges may be revoked.

Extra Help: Please email or ask me for an appointment.

Please Don’t: - Wear hats. - Use your iPod without asking first. - Ask to go to the library to print your paper, homework, etc. - Ask to borrow a pencil from me. - Dress inappropriately for school. Be fully covered and make sure graphic tees are appropriate.

Grading System: Essays 40% Tests, Projects, Presentations 20% Homework & Journals 15% Reading & Vocabulary quizzes 15% Conduct & Participation 10% On Writing: The biggest focus of English 10 Honors will be on writing. Students will write 1-2 essays a quarter (in and out of class). They will be asked to execute proper MLA format, follow 5-Paragraph essay structure, as well as present new, creative ideas in an engaging way. Students will be given time in and outside of class to write, peer edit, and rewrite. They will be able to conference with me in class or after school. Students will learn how to not only present a provocative idea but craft their voice to persuade their readers. They will be introduced to several online writing tools that can be used throughout the writing process.

Tips for Students:

1. Visit my website – In this class, I have opted to put most documents on my website including: homework assignments, PowerPoints, monthly syllabi (calendars), graphic organizers and tips on writing. There are also videos and links to other websites for studying vocabulary and logging in to Buzzword.com. http://wa.westfordk12.us/pages/westfordwa_teachers/kkucaj/index

2. Create a Word Doc with MLA Format - save it as “EnglishTemplate” right on your computer desktop – it will make your life much easier! Every time you have an essay or homework assignment due, simply update the due date and title. I suggest including a Works Cited example as well.

3. Read Actively – This means having a pen and notebook with you while you read. Write down quotations you like, pages where you get confused and evidence to support what we have been talking about in class. Post-it flags are helpful, too. If you want, get your own copy of the text, then you can write directly in the book.

4. Come see me – If you are ever struggling with English or you are concerned about your grade please, come see me or send me an email. I love English so I am happy to explain anything.

Tips for Parents:

1. Visit my website – In this class, I have opted to put most documents on my website. You may want to print the monthly calendar so you are aware of upcoming assessments. Just make sure you know your child’s letter block because all calendars are different. (web address above)

2. Promote self-advocacy – If your son or daughter is struggling in English or he or she has concerns about anything please encourage him or her to contact me or stay after school to talk. This is a great skill for them to develop early!

I have read the following and agree to the expectations specified.

Student Signature: ______

I have read the following and understand my child will be held to the following expectations.

Parent Name(s): ______

Parent Signature: ______