Class Assignments

  1. Literature (The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, Night by Elie Wiesel, Maus: A Survivor’s Tale by Art Spiegelman, And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie, Inherit the Wind by Jerome Lawrence, The Help by Kathryn Stockett, A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks, and Peak by Roland Smith)
  2. The focus will be on literature covering different cultural and social issues of the time.
  3. The time period and author’s life will be studied to analyze their influence on the novel.
  4. Tests/quizzes, essay writing, and projects will reflect the understanding of the text.
  5. Film will also be used to aid in the understanding and enjoyment of literature.
  6. Edmodo: Various daily assignments will be submitted through the Edmodo app on the iPads. Students will be required to do a daily free-write with Famous Opening Lines as a writing prompt. Then students will do a reflection/comprehension activity about their assigned reading.
  7. Newsela: Students will be assigned a news article at the beginning of the week to improve reading engagement and critical thinking skills. Assignments will be submitted through the Newsela app on the iPads.

Classroom Expectations

  1. General Rules
  2. Be respectful of peers, teachers, and school property. Insults to peers and teachers and damage to school property will not be tolerated. Consequences will depend on the situation and its severity. Be prepared for the consequence whatever it may be.
  3. Pop and candy will not be allowed in the classroom unless it is approved beforehand. Gum will be permitted, but I don’t want to see it or hear it. No blowing bubbles or snapping gum.
  4. Cheating will result in a zero.
  5. If more than one person is involved, all people involved will receive a zero.
  6. Talking is cheating (during a test). If you talk to another classmate during a test, I’ll consider it cheating. If you have a question, ask the teacher and not a classmate.
  7. Plagiarism (literary theft—work that isn’t cited): Any copying of another person’s work (published or unpublished) will result in a zero.
  8. Cell phones: Students are asked to be responsible citizens by practicing social etiquette with regards to cell phones. Students may use their cell phones during class time for educational purposes with the teacher’s permission. Otherwise, phones must be silent during class. The use of a cell phone is a privilege. If cell phone privileges are abused, consequences will follow on a case-by-case basis.
  9. Late Assignments
  10. Students who are absent get two days to make-up work for every day missed.
  11. Unexcused late assignments will be half credit whenever they are completed.
  12. Tardiness
  13. Students are expected to be in their desks when the bell rings.
  14. If you think you might be late, ask permission beforehand, e.g., going to the bathroom or finding an assignment.
  15. Once class begins, don’t assume you’ll get permission to leave the classroom.
  16. Materials: Bring a pencil, folder, notebook, and a charged school-issued iPad to every class.

Grading Policies

  1. Grading Scale: A (94-100%), B (88-93%), C (80-87%), D (76-79%), F (75% and Below)
  2. Grading System:
  3. 70% for Tests and Larger Assignments (Projects and Essays)
  4. 30% for Daily Assignments (Edmodo, Newsela, Etc.)