English I Honors Fall 2015

M. Anderson Room 682

Email: School Phone # 910-989-2048

Course Description

The content of the English I course is derived from the Common Core Standards. These standards can be found at:

The English Language Arts Standards for grades 6-12 begin on page 34. The honors component of this course will require the students to delve more deeply into each of the English I curricular areas – Reading Literature, Reading Informational Text, Writing, Speaking and Listening Standards. Assignments will promote in-depth critical thinking skills.

Grading Policy

All assignments are given a point value. For example, a homework assignment may be worth five points. If four out of five points are earned the grade equivalent would be an 80. The score on all assignments will appear as a fraction – 4/5. The top number is the number correct. The bottom number is the total number of points the assignment is worth. The percentage correct can be figured by dividing the top number by the bottom number.

You will be given an interim report during the third week of the six weeks. The report card will be sent home the sixth week. The lowest grade that can be given for an interim report and the report card is a 50.

Policies and Procedures

  1. You are expected to turn work in on time. However, if you turn work in late, there will be 10 points deducted for each day the assignmentis late.
  2. After an absence, you are responsible for getting missed assignments. You will have three days to turn in work from an absence.
  3. You will use a calendar/planner/agenda to record homework, quizzes, tests, projects, long-term assignments, due dates and upcoming events. This is an important and required organizational tool.
  4. You will maintain a binder/folder and a composition book.
  5. As a rule, extra credit is not given. Time that would be spenton extra credit can be better spent studying and preparing for daily assignments.
  6. Bathroom Policy-To use the bathroom during class,you will fill out the Sign Out form near my desk before you leave the room. Pick up the lanyard that says Bathroom Pass. When you return to the room, write down the time you return. Put the lanyard back in the clip board and return to your seat. Only one person at a time will be out of the room.You have five minutes in between classes in which to attend to personal needs (getting water, going to the bathroom or your locker). Make good use of your time.
  7. You must have your laptop in class every day. It should be fully charged when you come to class.

You will need to charge your laptop every night.

  1. There will be times that you will use your cell phone in class. You will be given specific instructions when to use your phone. You will be asked to fill out a cell phone agreement sheet- see this sheet for consequences if your phone is taken.
  2. You should log on to your laptop, sign in to your Edmodo account and gather all materials needed for class by the time the tardy bell rings. Make sure you have sharpened your pencil and have your calendar and composition book on your desk.
  3. There is no End of Course Exam in English I. You will take a NC Final Exam. Your score on this exam will be 25% of your final grade for English I. There is no exam exemption.

Class Rules

  1. Have a positive attitude.
  2. Be respectful.
  3. Be on time and prepared for class.
  4. Keep classroom clean and orderly.
  5. All rules and regulations in the county and school handbooks apply at all times.

Consequences

First offense = Warning

Second offense = Teacher detention

Third offense = Teacher detention and parent notification/conference

Fourth offense = Office referral

Note: Behaviors that occur on a daily basis may not warrant warnings. Parents will be contacted by phone and/or writing regarding severe or frequent behaviors. Severe behaviors DO NOT warrant warnings. Such behaviors include, but are not limited to: blatant disrespect or defiance, injury to another student, outright vandalism, harassment, etc. In severe situations, these consequences may not apply and a student will be referred directly to the administrator. See Levels of Discipline in Student Handbook for more information.

Grade Point Scale

Under the new scale grades and grade point average calculations will be applied as follows:

A: 90-100 = 4.0

B: 80-89 = 3.0

C: 70-79 = 2.0

D: 60-69 = 1.0

F: < 59 = 0.0

Requirements

*calendar/planner*colored pencils/markers

*binder/folder *thumb drive

*pens and pencils* composition book

*loose-leaf paper*highlighters

*Glue sticks/tape*colored copy paper

Expectations

You are expected to put forth your best effort at all times. It is understood that you know proper classroom behavior and the importance of attendance and keeping up with all assignments. Most importantly, you are expected to contribute to a positive classroom environment where each person can learn and be successful.