Mrs. Gornick and Ms. Hugger English I Course Expectations
Contact Information: Mrs. Gornick Email: [email protected]
Contact Information: Ms. Hugger Email: [email protected]
Check the Following: Check Homework on Google Classroom/calendar and in your agenda. Check Grades on PowerSchool: https://somervillenjk12.powerschool.com/public/
Specific Areas of Study: Do Now: Each day we will begin the class with an activity. The “do now” or the directions to the assignment will be on Google Classroom for you to complete as you come into the classroom. The “do now” will be presented in a variety of ways such as, analyzing quotations, critical thinking response, free write response, grammatical structure, vocabulary exercises, etc.
Reading and Writing: Novels and dramas will be combined with non-fiction reading to address core curriculum standards and provide a balanced landscape of reading. For writing there will be a variety of assignments that include expository, persuasive, narrative, and creative compositions. These writings will accompany each non-fiction/novel/drama unit, vocabulary unit, and PARCC preparatory unit we study throughout the year.
Vocabulary: Vocabulary will be learned in and across the context of our reading. We will also add our own context to each unit of vocabulary through a variety of exercises and activities.
Grammar: Grammar will be taught in the context of writing. A mini-lesson focusing on grammar, usage, mechanics, and sentences will include learning a technique or rule in isolation and then applying it to its overall use in student writing. Grades and Homework: Grades will be based on the following: - Tests/Major Projects - Essays/Writing Assignments - Homework/Class Participation (Unit Work) - Quizzes - Vocabulary The grading is based on a points system. Each individual assignment is worth a specific amount of points. Tests and writing assignments are worth more points than quizzes and homework assignments. At the end of the marking period the student’s earned points are added and then divided by the total number of possible points.
Being prepared on a daily basis leads to better learning, better results on assignments, and ultimately a better grade for the marking period. Like anything in life, your results will directly reflect the effort that was put into the assignment. Positive class participation, homework, thoughtful responses in writing, and overall preparedness for class contributes significantly to your marking period grade.
The amount of homework will vary each night. An average assignment may require 30-45 minutes to complete. When we are reading our novels, the amount of time will depend directly on your reading ability. Homework will be turned in at the beginning of every class. True learning requires a commitment beyond the classroom. The discipline of doing self-directed work in an unsupervised setting is one of the most important lifelong habits a person can acquire.
Plagiarism: The Random House Dictionary defines plagiarism as follows: “The appropriation or imitation of the language, ideas, and thoughts of another author, and representation of them as one’s original work.” The most obvious form of plagiarism is copying directly from printed materials without using quotations marks. A less obvious form, but equally as serious, is summarizing or paraphrasing the ideas of an author without citing the author as a source. Additionally, a third type of plagiarism that students must be aware of is using an editor- whether a friend, family member, or tutor- beyond the point of propriety. In this instance, the student’s paper does not reflect the knowledge, voice, and/or style of the student author.
Improper or inadequate documentation will often lower a paper’s score. In the case of plagiarism, however, no credit is given for the paper in addition to contact home, and disciplinary consequences. Both the student who shares work and the student who copies will be subjected to the same consequences. Homework and other assignments are tools used to demonstrate YOUR understanding of the material, not someone else’s. Teacher Schedule: A student may see the teacher either before or after school for extra help or to make up a test/work that has been missed by scheduling time one day in advance. Mrs. Gornick’s office is located on the second floor in the English Department. Ms. Hugger’s office is located on the third floor in the World Language Department.
Classroom Rules: 1. Be respectful and helpful; this includes your actions as well as your words. 2. Come to class prepared with all necessary materials and be ready to learn. 3. Do not disrupt the learning environments for others. 4. Use your time wisely and be on task at all times. 5. Follow all policies and procedures outlines in the SHS student handbook.
Consequences: Any inappropriate behavior or break in the contracted guidelines will result in:
First Offense: A warning (written or verbal)
Second Offense: A teacher detention will be assigned after school for 15 minutes and contact home will be made if necessary.
Third Offense: A teacher detention will be assigned after school for 30 minutes and contact home will be made.
Fourth Offense: A written referral will be sent to the disciplinary office and dealt with accordingly. Procedures can be found in the student handbook.
Severe Clause: Any student who uses inappropriate language, fights, damages school property (this includes the property of the teacher and other students), or is disrespectful (as defined by the teacher) will be sent to the office IMMEDIATELY.
Materials Needed: - Charged Chromebook - The current non-fiction/novel/drama/reading assignment - A writing utensil (make sure it is readable. If I can’t read it, I can’t grade it.) - Notebook/binder - Homework, projects, reports, or any other assignments that may be due - Your school agenda