Pebblebrook High School

Pebblebrook High School Soaring to Success, We Won’t Settle for Second Best

English Department Fall Semester 2009

COURSE TITLE: 9th Literature and Composition INSTRUCTOR(S): Mrs. Servalis/Mrs. Jordan EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 770-819-2521 ext. 237 [email protected]

SCHOOL WEBSITE: www.cobbk12.org/~pebblebrook/ TEACHER BLOG:

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will compile studies from a variety of genres of literature, including: poetry, drama, short stories, fiction, non-fiction, novel, and epic. Students will be exposed to the rules of grammar, vocabulary, writing, and research.

LEARNING GOAL: This year, our goal will be to focus on improving reading comprehension and written expression. 9th literature will offer a number of opportunities for students to meet these goals through independent, small group, large group, teacher-led, and student-led educational experiences.

GRADING POLICY: Reading and Reading across the curriculum…………………35% Speaking/Listening/Viewing…………………………………15% Writing and Conventions…………..………………………....35% EOCT…………………………………………………………15%

TEXTS/READINGS: Central Text: Prentice Hall Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes Gold Level. Supplemental and Parallel Texts: It is expected that students will participate in sustained silent reading in class and on a regular basis. Students are responsible for selecting their own reading that is school and grade level appropriate.

POSSIBLE FILMS: The Odyssey, Romeo and Juliet, O Brother, Where Art Thou, Heroes in Mythology, and various documentaries and author biographies. *NOTE*: If a parent/guardian has a concern with any book, film, or other material for the course, please contact me so that we can discuss and alternate assignment for your student.

TEXTBOOK ASSIGNMENT: Please be aware that each student will be assigned a textbook from the class set. The text will remain in the classroom at all times. Please note that students are responsible for their textbook. If the textbook is lost, due to any reason, students will be required to pay the fines associated with replacing the text.

EVALUATION/ASSESSMENT: There are many ways to evaluate (grade) your progress in class. Some of the ways in which students will be evaluated are: Informal Assessment:  Class discussion  Teacher-student conferences  Journals, Quick writes, and Summarizing  Voice Lessons (writing exercises)  Graphic Organizers  Exit Tickets  Daily Reflections  Online discussions and activities

Formal Assessment:  Quizzes  Weekly Reading Comprehension  Tests  Essays  Presentations  Projects WRITING: During our time together you will be writing several different pieces working toward creating a portfolio of your writing to share with an authentic audience.  Literary analysis writing  Timed writing  Creative writing  Expository writing  Technical Writing

ATTENDANCE AND MAKE-UP POLICY: A student who is present and actively participates is more likely to be successful; however, if a student is absent, he/she has the number of days absent plus one day to make up assigned work. If the student does not make up the work, a zero will be given for the missed work. All a student has to do is ASK, and I will be happy to designate a time for make-up work. Remember, that IT IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO ASK FOR AND TO MAKE UP ANY MISSED WORK!

TARDY POLICY: The school bell schedule allows ample time between classes for students to travel from building to building (6 minutes), thus, students should keep socializing to a minimum while following their schedule each day. To avoid being tardy, students must be ready for class when the bell rings. Once the bell rings, all classroom doors are locked and students must obtain tardy passes for entrance to class. School policy dictates punishments for tardies and they are as follows: 1 tardy-Teacher warning 2 tardies- Parent Contact 3 tardies- Detention/Parent Contact 4 tardies-Detention/Parent Contact 5 or more tardies-Administrator referral (which may result in Saturday school or in-school suspension)

Assigned detentions for tardies 3 and 4 take place in the afternoons from 3:30-4:00 (please see pink detention slip for date and location). If you are late, even one minute, your detention will be reassigned. If you fail to appear for your detention, you will be referred to an administrator. You will always be given at least one week’s notice of your detention date and location.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: Cheating is considered a serious matter. The parents of a student who has been involved in cheating will be notified and the student will receive a grade of zero for the test or evaluation period, and a grade of U in conduct.

For this course, cheating is defined as, but not limited to, the following acts:  Copying anyone’s answers to questions, exercises, study guides, class work or homework assignments.  Taking any information verbatim from any source, including the Internet, without giving proper credit to the author, rearranging the order of words and/or changing some words as written by the author and claiming the work as his or her own, i.e., plagiarism.  Looking on another student’s paper during a test or a quiz.  Having available any study notes or other test aides during a test or quiz without the teacher’s permission.  Writing test and unit information on desks or any other item viewable to the student during a test (ex. Shoes, hand, clothing, book bag, the back of the chair in front of the student, and small pieces of paper).  Collaborating on assignments when independent work is expected.  Using cell phones, iPods, or any other electronic device to send test answers or information to other students (ex: calculators or paging devices).  Having a parent, guardian, family member, or friend complete research or assignments for you.  Sharing test information with the teacher’s other students

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES: All conferences must be setup through the Guidance Office and will be scheduled before or after school. You can reach the guidance department at 770-819-2524.

POSSIBLE ADDITIONAL FILMS: The Cask of Amontillado and The Most Dangerous Game EXPECTATIONS/CLASS RULES:

1. Be on time, in your assigned seat, quiet, and prepared for class before the tardy bell rings. 2. Be respectful and courteous to everyone. 3. Get permission from the teacher before getting out of your seat, leaving the classroom. 4. NO EATING OR DRINKING IN CLASS. (Water is permitted) 5. Cell phones or any other electronic devices ARE NOT to be seen, used, or heard during class. They will be confiscated. 6. The teacher, NOT THE BELL, dismisses class. NO STANDING AT THE DOOR.

*Note: Passes will not be issued the first and last twenty minutes of class.

LATE WORK POLICY: Unless otherwise specified by me, late work will not be accepted. I will decide when, and if extended time for submitting late class work, homework, and projects will be allotted.

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

 An open mind and a willingness to learn  3-ring notebook  Dividers for 3-ring notebook  Writing utensils (blue/black ink pens, and pencils; no red pens), and paper  Silent reading material  High lighters and post-it notes for reading assignments and note taking

DONATION REQUEST: Due to limited funding, it is requested that parents who are able donate a ream (500 sheets) of paper SYLLABUS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

TEACHER: MRS. SERVALIS/MRS. JORDAN COURSE: 9TH GRADE LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION

PARENTAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:  I understand the academic integrity policy as stated by Mrs. Servalis and Mrs. Jordan in this syllabus.  I have reviewed the class syllabus and understand the grading policy.  I give my child permission to view the listed movies, and any other movies chosen by Mrs. Servalis and Mrs. Jordan at or below a PG13 rating, that are related to the curriculum of the class.  I give permission for my child to read the class parallel readings noted in the syllabus.  I am willing to be contacted by e-mail, phone, and regular mail regarding my student’s progress.  I will contact Mrs. Servalis and/or Mrs. Jordan at any time regarding my child’s progress.

STUDENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:  I understand the academic integrity policy as stated by Mrs. Servalis and Mrs, Jordan in this syllabus.  I have reviewed the class syllabus and understand the grading policy.  I will positively and actively participate in my education and take all make-up work responsibility upon myself to ensure my success in Mrs. Servalis and Mrs. Jorrdan’s class.  I will bring all of the required materials to class (pen, pencil, textbook, paper, and folder).  I will contact Mrs. Servalis and /or Mrs. Jordan at any time regarding any concerns or questions concerning the class curriculum or my personal progress in her class.

*Note: Passes will not be issued the first and last twenty minutes of class.

Student Name: ______(Please Print)

______(Student Signature)

______(Parent Name - Print)

______(Parent Signature)

Parent Home Phone#: ______

Parent Cell #: ______

Parent e-mail: ______

Please place a check in the box if a translator will be necessary for phone contact and list what language will be spoken: □ ______(language)

I look forward to working with your student and communicating with you regularly concerning the progress of your child in my class.