Bartlett Ninth Grade Academy
English I: Literature and Composition
Ms. Geer
http://ba.bartlettschools.org/apps/staff/
Dear Parents and Students,
I want to welcome you to the 2017-2018 school year at the Academy. English I is an academic course that requires a passing grade to meet graduation requirements; it is a scholarly class that centers on empowered, student-centered learning. For these reasons, students are to maintain a scholarly and intellectual discourse when they are attending my class; this course is designed to be interactive, engaged, progressive, thoughtful, and a strong foundation to achieve optimal ACT/SAT preparation as well as ease for students transitioning into a rigorous high school environment.
English teachers are often asked to write college recommendations, and I have stressed to students, their behavior is an important factor when I write college recommendations.
Please review all forms, sign the attached contracts, and return to me no later than Monday, August 21st.
I have given students the course syllabus and I would encourage you to look over the course syllabus with your child, especially in reference to the required reading list; students will be asked to read literature from the Renaissance, Romantic, Victorian, and Modernist periods. As is typical of great literary works, the language in the text attempts to emulate time and place; the language often reflects the historical context. For these reasons, I think it is important that parents are aware of the reading list ahead of time; I also encourage parents to read these works as well, it is very helpful when families can discuss these works in the context of their home. If you do have questions on the required text, please don’t hesitate to email me.
Supplies:
Required Supplies:
(Should be in class every day)
A pocket folder
Notebook Paper
Pens (blue/black and one other color)
Pencils
Highlighter (and colored pencils optional)
Flash Drive (may be used in other classes)
Index Cards
Laptop w/charger
Appreciated Class Donations:
Copy Paper
Tissue
Hand Sanitizer
Grading and Late Work Policy:
The grading system for core content areas is expressed by the letters
“A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, and “F” according to the numerical values listed on the grading scale below.
A ...... 90-100
B ...... 80-89
C ...... 70-79
D ...... 65-69
F ...... Below 65
High School Grading:
Students who meet only the minimum requirements should be given minimum passing grades. No student may fail for the semester or year if the only failing grade is that of the semester examination. Each semester exam shall account for twenty percent (20%) of the students’ semester grade.
Students who successfully complete a high school course will earn high school credit. Credits will be awarded in .5 increments upon successful completion of a semester. A student will receive one full credit in the course if he/she receives a passing yearly grade in the course.
Semester grades are comprised of two quarterly grades (eighty percent (80%)) and the semester exam (twenty percent (20%)). For the 2017-2018 school year and beyond, each semester grade is forty-two point five percent (42.5%) of the final grade, and the EOC exam accounts for fifteen percent (15%).
Students enrolled in a high school course having an eighty-seven (87) or higher course average with (3) or fewer excused absences in a course may be exempted from the district spring semester exam. Any unexcused absence disqualifies the student from all exam exemptions.
Expectations and General Rules:
1. Be Respectful: Students will respect the learning environment. Disruptions to the learning environment will not be tolerated. This includes disrespecting peers, themselves, or the teacher.
2. Be Responsible: Students will come to class with all required materials including completed assignments and a charged laptop.
3. Be Ready to Learn: Students will focus and be on task at all times.
CONSEQUENCES FOR NOT MEETING THESE EXPECTATIONS:
1. Verbal Warning
2. Refocus Attempt (scholars will receive three refocus attempts a week before a referral is given for minor infractions)
3. Mercy Point Taken (leads to RTI points for school-wide incentive activities)
2. Student/Teacher Conference
3. Parent Contact
4. Office Referral*
*Some behaviors are zero tolerance and will result in an immediate office referral.
I have read and understand Ms. Geer’s classroom policy and will do my best to make my time in Ms. Geer’s class conducive to success for myself and my peers. Together, we will work together to create a scholarly and productive classroom environment. Any concerns or challenges your son or daughter is experiencing please address to me through a note or email (); I will get back to you within 24 hours.
*** Please return by Monday, August 21, 2017, thank you!!
Student Signature______
Parent/Guardian Signature
Contact information: (Please fill out! I would like to have great communication with you to allow you to know our students progress and great things they are doing in the classroom.)
Name:______
Your child’s name:______
Phone:______
Best time to reach you: morning afternoon evening
Email:______
Circle preferred method of contact: phone email
Please keep in mind that if you want to receive my weekly emails outlining daily learning objectives, targets, and due dates, I will need an email address on file. Thank you!