Course Procedures and Requirements

English II

I. Conduct Expectations

A. Participation

1. Definition: to take part <always participates in class discussions> b : to have a part or share in something

2. Meaning for our class:

B. Respectful

1. Definition: thoughtful and sympathetic regard

2. Meaning for our class:

Students will be held to high conduct expectations. All should participate, be prompt, prepared, and respectful during class. School-wide rules and consequences will be upheld in our classroom.

Corrective strategies

1. Verbal reminder of classroom / school rule

2. Assigned one detention with myself and parent phone call

3. Assigned two days detention with myself

4. Reported to the assistant principal

II. Procedures

A. Be seated before the bell and working on the bell activity

B. Return any make-up work or homework at the beginning of class

C. Raise your hand to be recognize unless otherwise noted

D. Class work is passed up toward the inbox

E. Stay seated until the bell rings (I will dismiss you, not the bell.)

III. Attendance and make-up work

When a student is absent, he or she should request the makeup work by filling out a request slip and placing it in the inbox. This should be done on the first day he or she returns. If a student misses a test, he or she should sign up for a date to retake the missed test. All tests should be made up within the same grade period they are given to avoid getting an incomplete for the quarter. All major tests must be passed with at least a 70; therefore, your student may need to retake some cumulative assessments.

IV. Research paper

In September students will be required to write a research paper as mandated by our SC standards. Students will have plenty of in-class time and help to complete this paper. Consequently, simply not turning in a paper is unacceptable; this assignment will be counted under “Power of I”. When the paper is not turned on the due date a one will be inserted and the highest available average will be a 70. Additionally, I realize this may be each student’s first research paper, and I am very willing to take rough drafts home and look them over before the final draft is turned in. Each student should purchase 3x5 note cards for this assignment. A personal memory device to save work may also be helpful, but is not required.

V. Turning in work and extra credit

Students who are aware of due dates well in advance for cumulative assessments should turn them in on time. If a student completes a quality product for a cumulative final assessment and turns it in early (at least a full day in advance), then five extra credit points will be awarded. Any major project not turned in on the day it is due will receive a one, and the “Power of I” process will apply.

VI. Grades:

The designated school-wide grading scale will be used in this class.

93-100 A

85-92 B

77-84 C

70-76 D

0-60 F

The following shows the percentages each assignment will be worth. Parents will be made aware of major assignments via my website. Also, I input grades almost daily, so feel free to check the portal often to keep up-to-date.

Major assignments 65% (End of unit tests, projects, and papers)

Minor assignments 35 % (Class work, homework, quizzes)

VII. Recommended Materials

Pencils and black or blue pens, composition notebook for journaling, notebook paper in a spiral or three ring binder (this will come in handy when inserting handouts), 3x5 note cards for research purposes, a flash drive is recommended but not required.

VIII. Overview of 2013-2014 Syllabus for English II

Core text Examples of supplemental texts Project / Paper assignment

August - September / Antigone by Sophocles / “Oedipus Rex” by Edith Hamilton
“Courage” by Anne Sexton
“Do Not Weep…” by E.M. Forster / Expository Research Paper on ancient Greece
October / Julius Caesar by Shakespeare / “The Possibility of Evil” by Shirley Jackson
“How Much Land Does a Man Need” by Leo Tolstoy
“ We Wear the Mask” by Paul Lawrence Dunbar / Persuasion Paper on the most tragic hero based on Julius Caesar
November / December / Lord of the Flies by William Golding / “To Build a Fire” by Jack London
“Dark They Were and Golden Eyed” by Ray Bradbury
“Deep Survival” by Laurence Gonzalez / Survival brochure
January / Night by Elie Wiesel / “Farewell to Manzanar” by Jeanne Wakatusuki Houston
“Montgomery Boycott” by Coretta Scott King
Selected Holocaust poems / Personal memoir
February / Fahrenheit 450 by Ray Bradbury / “There will Come Soft Rains” by Ray Bradbury
“Harrison Bergeron” by Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
“Take Snow White, Now That’s Scary” by Stephen King / Author’s craft presentation using PowerPoint, Prezzi, or smart board software
March / The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho / “By the Waters of Babylon” by Stephen Vincent Benet
“Blessing the Boats (at St. Mary’s)” by Lucille Clifton
“Ex-basketball Player” by John Updike / Thematic analysis essay
April / Cry, The Beloved Country by Alan Payton / “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker
“A Chip of Glass Ruby” by Nadine Gordimer / Dramatic Reading Script and Presentation
May / Persuasion and Propaganda Unit / Various excerpts from the textbook will be used / Persuasive essay

Common core units are very involved and may take anywhere from 4-6 weeks. Multiple major assessments may be used to assess each unit. Normally a written in class test is given followed by a project. The project / paper for each unit will be given at the beginning of the month so that each student will have adequate time to complete it on his or her own. Each project / paper should be completed and submitted within three days of the unit’s completion. Please review each core text; by signing the parent letter each student and parent is saying that he or she has read this syllabus and course procedures and is in accordance with the curriculum and requirements. Any issues with the curriculum should be taken up before the course of study begins to allow adequate time for alternate arrangements.

Dear Parent / Guardian,

I would like to welcome your child to English II for the 2013-2014 school year. I am very excited about teaching your child. As a parent myself I know that you care deeply about how well your child will be taken care of, and I can promise you that I will strive to give your son or daughter the very best opportunity to experience language arts in a warm and welcoming environment.

I would like to take a moment to introduce myself. This is my eighth year at Palmetto High School. I received my B.A. in English from Presbyterian College and my Masters in the Art of Teaching English at Winthrop University. I am originally from Lexington, SC, but I now call this area my home. My husband also teaches; he teaches South Carolina history at Southwood Academy of the Arts. I guess you could call us a “teacher family.” I have two young sons, a three year old and a 6 month old.

I know that your main concern is for your son or daughter, and he or she means the world to you, so if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call or email me. I see us as partners in helping your son or daughter learn. Email is the most efficient way to contact me, so I encourage you to utilize that method if at all possible. My address is . If you would like to receive regular updates on your child, please just let me know. You may receive updates about assignments and due dates through my website or the online parent portal.

If your child would like extra help, I would be happy to help them. They should set up a tutor time with me either on Tuesday or Thursday before or after school. Also in the past, general tutoring has been offered in the after school program which has previously met in the library from 3:05 to 4:00. This is a great time to catch up on projects or have some extra research / computer time.

I want each of you to understand that I have your student’s best interest at heart. I realize that high school can be a tough time for parents, students, and teachers alike. Each child is unique- not all students make A’s or progress at the same rate. You know your son or daughter best, so please do not hesitate to share any information about your child with me.

Sincerely,

Paula B. Maeger

Palmetto High School

ELA Teacher

I have read and understand the above information.

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