Name:______

9thGrade Literature/CompositionSyllabus

Mrs. Shuman

912.754.6404

Rebel Creed: I am proud to be a student of EffinghamCountyHigh School. I promise to conduct myself always as a lady or gentleman and as a good citizen of my school, community, state, and nation. I shall strive never to commit an act that may disappoint my family, friends, and school.

Course Description and Common Core Georgia Performance Standards (CCGPS):

In 2012-2013, Georgia joined forty-four other states and three territories to implement a nationally benchmarked set of performance standards in the areas of English Language Arts (reading, writing, and grammar) and mathematics. The Common Core Georgia Performance Standards (CCGPS) include an instructional focus relevant to the developing global marketplace and twenty-first century skills.

Instruction and assessment in English/Language Arts classrooms will require students to write frequently. They will also be reading more texts that are informational in nature as opposed to literary in nature. Students will read with pen in hand to record their reactions to the content and to record evidence for use in responding to writing prompts. Students will engage in fewer “traditional” grammar, vocabulary, and spelling activities because instruction in these areas will be embedded in study of texts being read rather than as separate activities. For example, vocabulary lists will be developed based on texts read and personal vocabulary journals that the students create.

CCGPS Units of Study for 9th grade Literature/Composition:

August-October Unit 1: Trials and Triumphs: The Hero’s Journey

Extended text and focus: The Odyssey by Homer

October-DecemberUnit 2: Defining Courage

Extended text and focus: Day of Tears by Julius Lester

January-MarchUnit 3: Paradoxes of Life and Language

Extended text and focus: Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare

March-MayUnit 4: Human Rights around the World: Symbols of Alienation

Extended text and focus: Night by Elie Wiesel

A complete copy of the unit plans can be found at:

Textbook/Novels Policy:

A class set of textbooks will be available for students to use in class. They are NOT required to take this book home.

It is recommended (not required) that students purchase a copy of the novels for their individual use. There will be a lot of annotating, note taking, highlighting, and homework that requires the use of the text in all of the units.

Recommended (not required) Novels to Purchase:

Day of Tears by Julius Lester (ISBN # - 13: 978-1-4231-0409-4)

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros(ISBN# - 13: 978-0679734772)

Romeo and Juliet: Shakespeare Made Easy(ISBN#-13: 978-0-679-73477-2)

Night by Elie Wiesel (ISBN # - 13: 978-0-374-50001-6)

Classroom Policies:

Each student is expected to:

  • Enter classroom on time and quietly begin Smart Starter activity every day.
  • Bring all materials necessary for active learning, including pens, pencils, notebook, paper, and especially a positive attitude.
  • Respect the teacher, self, other students and their property, and all school policies.
  • Participate and pay attention in class.
  • Complete all assigned work.
  • Keep our classroom neat!
  • Students will NOT be permitted to eat or drink in my class!
  • Wait for Mrs. Shuman to dismiss you at the end of class! I dismiss you, not the bell!
  • Cheating and Plagiarism will NOT be tolerated. Students will receive an automatic zero for the assignment and will NOT be able to make it up. If the cheating is habitual, students will be referred to the discipline office for further action.
  • Since the school will be on a seven-period day with only 50 minutes per class period, students MUST use the restroom between classes. There is not enough time during instructional time unless it is an extreme emergency. Please use your time wisely and use the facilities between classes.

NEW Behavior Management Tool – Citations

Students are not going to be allowed to misbehave and hinder others’ learning, as well as their own. Therefore, I will be implementing a “Three strikes and you’re out!” policy for infractions. I have attached a copy of the citation that students will receive in the event they misbehave.

Grading:

Grades are calculated according to the policy set forth by the Effingham County Board of Education. All students are required to take a State End-of-Course Test, which will comprise 20% of the student’s final grade average. The remaining 80% of his/her grade will be the student’s class average. For the English Department, class averages will be calculated as follows:

Exams – includes essays, projects and reports……….….………….…….45%

Classwork………………………………………………………...….……20%

Homework ……………………………………………………………...... 10%

Quizzes……………..……………………………………………………..25%

Tutoring

In order to help all of my students be successful, I will be offering tutoring sessions every Tuesday after school from 3:40-4:30. I will also be available each morning from 8:00-8:25 for quick questions/explanations/make-up work.

Assignment Make-up Policy:

The student is responsible for work missed due to an absence from class. If the absence is excused, any work due on the day the student was absent must be submitted within three days of the student’s return. Points will be deducted for work not turned in. Tests and/or long-term assignments that were assigned prior to the student’s absence will be made up the first day the student returns to class. If the student is absent the day before a test/quiz, the student will take the assessment on the regularlyscheduled day with the rest of the class. Tests will be announced well in advance.

Make-up work should be discussed before or after school only, not during my class! If/when you are absent, you should call one of your RELIABLE classmates to find out what you have missed AND check the make-up work folder for your particular class period.

Classmate: ______Phone Number: ______

Attendance Make-up Policy (SaturdaySchool):

Students who miss seven (7) unexcused or excused days of class will be asked to make up the time in SaturdaySchool for the next occurring absence.

Late Work Policy:

I will NOT be accepting any late assignments this year, except for extenuating circumstances (i.e., excused absence)! In this case, the student will have 3 days to turn in the missed assignment(s). If an assignment is graded in class, it CANNOT be made up! Also, should a studenthave a suspension, he/she will be encouraged to complete all missed work but will not be able to receive full credit. For example, a student who completes the work with 90% accuracy will receive 90 x .70 or a grade of 63, and a student who completes the work with 60% accuracy will receive 60 x .70 or a grade of 54.

Remind 101:

This website is a safe way for me to keep in contact with students and their parents after school and send reminders about homework assignments, upcoming projects, and class announcements. If you have an e-mail address or can receive text messages, you can start receiving reminders with a special code. More information will go home during the first week of school.

Edmodo/Twitter:

Edmodo is a social media website, similar to Facebook, designed for students to interact with their teacher/peers, have class discussions, and upload assignments and projects. Students will be using this educational tool throughout this school year. More information and permission letters will go home during the first week of school. Also, I will offer students to “follow” me on Twitter, as I will be sending out occasional “tweets” (motivational quotes, current events, etc.).

Notebooks

In order for you to be organized, your notebook should be divided into the following six sections:

  1. Smart Starter (DOL, DGP, EOCT Prep, etc.)
  2. Vocabulary
  3. Literature Notes/Classwork
  4. Writing Notes/Classwork
  5. Graded Papers
  6. Extra

*Students will be required to keep a notebook for this class and will have notebook quizzes every nine weeks! This syllabus should be the FIRST item in your notebook!

Supply List:

  • Large 3-ring binder (2-3 inch notebook)
  • jump drive
  • 10 notebook dividers with tabs
  • Wide-ruled (preferred), 8 ½ x 11” notebook paper
  • Medium blue or black ink pens
  • Mechanical pencils (preferred)
  • RECOMMENDED- a personal copy of the class novels (hard copy or electronic)

Wish List: (You wouldn’t think so, but 9th graders use A LOT of these items during the year!) 

Cough Drops

Kleenex

Band Aids

Hand Sanitizer

Please sign the attached form and return indicating that both the student and parent understand the syllabus and classroom policies. I look forward to an exciting, challenging, and “learning-filled” year with your child!  Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns!

“Remember, you can have SUCCESS or you can have EXCUSES, but you can’t have BOTH!”

- Anonymous

Teshe Shuman

Student Name ______Period ______

I understand and agree to follow Mrs. Shuman’s syllabus and classroom policies.

I understand that the CCGPS units are rigorous and require student and parent involvement for success. I also understand that the units require a great deal of reading and writing outside of the school day.

Lastly, I understand that it is my responsibility to bring all supplies needed for class daily.

Student Signature/Date:______

Parent Signature/Date:______