HILTEX 9 (English Language Arts and Reading)

Washington-Lee High School, 2015-2016

Ms. Suzanne Stratmann,

Room 2017

Welcome to HILTEX 9! This course should be both challenging and exciting as you embark upon the exploration of Literature and Oral and Written Communication. I look forward to working with each of you this school year.

Program of Studies Course Description/Overview

  • Oral language focuses on developing a more critical stance toward interactions with others.
  • Grammar continues to be reviewed, taught, and utilized in student work. Usage (written grammar) is a focal area of instruction and assessment of student writing.
  • Literature focuses on students’ understanding the universality of human experience across cultures and time periods. (This coordinates with the Virginia Standards of Learning for history.)
  • Writing focuses on students writing informatively about literature. Students will use the writing process to draft and revise writing. They will use writing to learn as a basis for learning content and for developing pieces of writing.
  • Vocabulary is taught through reading, writing, and direct instruction.
  • Research and technology study focuses on students accessing, organizing, and presenting information as part of a class presentation.
  • The course is aligned with the Virginia Standards of Learning for grade 9.

Standards of Learning for Grade 9 English

Communication: Speaking, Listening & Media Literacy

9.1 The student will make planned oral presentations independently and in small groups.

9.2 The student will produce, analyze, and evaluate auditory, visual, and written media messages.

Reading

9.3 The student will apply knowledge of word origins, derivations, and figurative language to extend vocabulary development in authentic texts.

9.4 The student will read, comprehend, and analyze a variety of literary texts including narratives, narrative nonfiction, poetry, and drama.

9.5 The student will read and analyze a variety of nonfiction texts.

Writing

9.6 The student will develop narrative, expository, and persuasive writings for a variety of audiences and purposes.

9.7 The student will self- and peer-edit writing for correct grammar, capitalization, punctuation, spelling, sentence structure, and paragraphing.

Research

9.8 The student will use print, electronic databases, online resources, and other media to access information to create a research product.

The theme this year is Community. We will often analyze literature and writing through the lens of this universal human experience. Units will include novels, short stories, poetry, and writing. We will also supplement our studies with articles, artwork, research, and film clips. I will work to change texts, activities, and projects according to the interests and affinities of my students!

Possible selections:

Short stories, poetry, and dramatic selections from the Holt Elements of Literatureand a variety of other sources

Lord of the Fliesby William Golding

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan

I may choose eliminate or add units and/or readings based on the needs and interests of the class.

Note there are many resources for student to receive extra help:

  • There is free tutoring every Thursday after school. Please see me for more information.
  • There is also a writing lab during both lunches

You should be aware of all the rules and regulations in the Washington-Lee Student Handbook. Below you will find some of the things we will be emphasizing on a daily basis.

Grading Policy

A = 90-100B+ = 87-89B = 80-86C+ = 77-79C = 70-76

D+ = 67-69D = 60-66E = 0-59

This class uses the point system. The highest points of 100 will be given to test and essays.

The final project or exam will be 20% of the final grade, and all students will be required to complete it.

NOTE: Student grades reflect student achievement and not student behavior.

Make-up Work Policy

  1. Tests/quizzes: You will be asked to make up any missed test or quiz within one week of the last day of your absence. You must take the responsibility to schedule a make-up time. Credit will not be given if you have an unverified absence (UV) on the day of a test or quiz.
  2. Homework: Homework assigned prior to an excused student absence will be due the day on which the student returns to school. No credit will be given for homework assignments missed due to an unverified absence (UV).
  3. Papers and projects: Will be due the day on which the student returns to school. For papers and projects, the grade will be dropped one letter for each day it is late. A paper or project will be considered late if a student has an unverified absence (UV) on the day it is due.
  4. In class work: You will have one week from the last day of your absence to complete work that was assigned and completed in class on the day of your absence. Credit will not be given if you have an unverified absence (UV).
  5. The teacher will determine a calendar for make-up work that results from an extended absence.
  6. Getting notes and worksheets from the day of an absence is the responsibility of the student. Check with your classmates for notes and see mefor makeup work.

Attendance & Tardy Policy

  1. Most importantly, responsibility for being in class and on time lies with the student.
  1. Students will be in their seats and prepared to begin class when the bell rings.
  1. In order to have an absence(s) excused, a student must bring a note from his or her parent/guardian to the attendance office within two days of the absence(s). Failure to bring in a note will result in an unverified absence (UV).
  1. Consequences for unverified absences (UV) are:
  • Three unverified absences in any class will result in referral to the student’s administrator, parent notification and assigning of Saturday School or alternate consequence.
  • If a student has three full days of unverified absences parents will be notified directly by the attendance office. Students will be referred to the Attendance Specialist and their administrator for further disciplinary action.

Electronic Devices

Phones, portable music players, and other electronic devices must be off and out of sight during instructional time. On the first violation the item will be confiscated and locked up until the end of the day. For subsequent violations, student will be sent to their administrator. Students are reminded that they are responsible for the security of any electronic devices they bring to school.

I will do everything I can to help you achieve success this year. Please never hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns you have about this class. I look forward to your contributions to our classroom!

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