9Th Grade English Course Syllabus Expectations

9th Grade English Course Syllabus & Expectations Ms. Wayne Room 216 Email: [email protected]

Course Overview Over the course of the school year, we will focus on examining fiction and nonfiction texts that will foster a critical analysis of the danger of a single perspective. We will examine how larger forces shape perspective, and how perspective is understood and developed on an individual/personal level and within society as a whole. The main goal of the course is to help you grow, to think deeply and critically about the issues we will examine in class, and to develop a deeper understanding both of yourself and of the world.

The following supplies will be required for every student enrolled in the course, and need to be in class and ready for use by SEPTEMBER 8th:  Writing Utensils  A ten pack of manila folders  Highlighters  One box of small or medium binder clips  Post-Notes (medium sized)  A few packs of loose leaf paper (lined)   Novels: . Looking for Alaska, by John Greene . Legend, by Marie Lui . Monster, Walter Dean Myers (you will need to purchase this novel; further details will be provided in class)   Expectations . Come prepared every day with a writing utensil and paper. . Turn in all assignments on time. . Use class time wisely. . When you must be absent, it is YOUR responsibility to get what you missed. There will be a space in class for missed work. Do not come to me after you see a zero in the grade book and expect to be given the assignment. . Arrive on time. Once the late bell rings, the door is locked. . Electronic devices are not to be visible during class. However, there may be times we use them for class purposes. Unless it is one of these times, keep it on silent in your backpack. I will take it if I see it; after I have to speak to you three times, your parent/guardian will have to come pick it up. . . Late Work Submission Policy . As a general rule, classwork or homework will not be accepted late.  Major Assessments and Minor Assessments may be turned in late with a “Late Work From.” Points will be deducted as follows: o 1 day: 10% deduction o 2 days: 20% deduction o 3 days: 30% deduction o 4 days to one week: half credit maximum o After one week, I will not accept work. . Please understand that the late policy is to help you be successful both in this course and in life. Extenuating circumstances will be discussed on an individual, case-by-case basis. . . The policy for absent students is slightly different. In order to earn full credit for a missed assignment, you must have an excused absence; all work must be made up the day that you return to school or as scheduled with me. It is the student’s responsibility to complete and submit all work in a timely manner and communicate with me to determine what was missed as a result of absence(s). . . Cheating and Plagiarism . Plagiarism will not be tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to, taking from a source without giving proper credit, using someone else’s words as your own, copying from another student, allowing others to copy your work, and using a cell phone during a testing situation. Plagiarism will result in consequences. Please familiarize yourself with the school’s policy on academic integrity if there are any further questions. . . Final Thoughts . Please do not hesitate or wait until the last minute to ask for help; I am here to help you, and I will do everything I can to ensure your success if you are committed to doing your part, willing to work hard, and willing to meet me half way. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to me or email me and we can set up a time to talk about what you are struggling with. . . **See parent letter on reverse side; please sign and return to me NO LATER than September 8th, 2015...... Welcome to 9th Grade English! . . Dear Parent or Guardian, . . I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself and go over a few important details to ensure a successful school year for your child. I love teaching, and I care very much about each of my students. I believe that every student is capable and deserving of the best education—one that allows for diverse perspectives, multiple opportunities to exhibit learning and understanding, and numerous occasions to discuss and consider complex issues, ideas, and questions. . . Over the course of the school year, we will focus on examining reading materials that will foster a critical analysis of the danger of a single perspective. We will examine how larger forces shape perspective, and how perspective is understood and developed on an individual/personal level and within society as a whole. Additional information about the class is provided in the syllabus and on the school website. . . Below you will find information about my late work policy, a supply list, contact information, and a few questions that I have for you that will help me to best meet your child’s needs. Please respond to the questions and return the bottom portion to me with your signature. . . LATE WORK POLICY  As a general rule, I do not accept classwork or homework late.  Major Assessments and Minor Assessments may be turned in late with a “Late Work From” (see syllabus for a sample of this form; points will be deducted as follows: o 1 day: 10% deduction o 2 days: 20% deduction o 3 days: 30% deduction o 4 days to one week: half credit maximum o After one week, I will not accept work. . Please understand that the late policy is to help your student be successful both in this course and in life. If a situation should arise with extenuating circumstances, I am always willing to make reasonable adjustments on an individual, case-by- case basis. . . SUPPLY LIST (These items need to be in class and ready for use by September 8th)  Writing Utensils  A ten pack of manila folders  Highlighters  One box of small or medium binder clips  Post-Notes (medium sized)  A few packs of loose leaf paper (lined) . . . If you ever have any comments, questions, or concerns, I am available for phone calls and meetings (by appointment) each day before or after school. To schedule a meeting, you may contact me via email at [email protected] or by phone at 215.900.8926. . . . . Please answer the following questions and have your student return this portion to me. Thank you! . . Your Name: ______Phone Number & Email: ______. 1. My child has struggled in the area of/may need additional help with ______

. ______.

2. As a parent, I’d like to see my child improve in ______.

3. Is there anything else I need to know in order to best help your student this year?

. Your Signature:

. ______.