English 11R
Syllabus for 2013-2014
Ms. Rantinella
E-Mail and Webpage
- Both students and parents are encouraged to use the e-mail address above to contact me with questions or concerns.
- Homework assignments and major projects will always be available on my webpage. If a student has access to the internet, this webpage is quite helpful when absent.
Instructions for Accessing Webpage & Email:
Go to
Select “High School” from the “Select a School” menu
Website: Select “Faculty Websites” and then search for “Rantinella, M”
Email:Select “Faculty Email.”Scroll down the page until you find,
“English Department” and then click
Instructions for Accessing Holt Online Text:
Go to my.hrw.com
Now you will be at the Log In page. Insert your user name and password
And click on “Log In.”
You will see a picture of your textbook. Click on the book.
Wait for your book to load and READ.
English Department’s Non-negotiable Rules: In order to ensure the smooth functioning of class, the English Department has established mandatory rules that we will follow. Infractions will receive consequences:1. Students should be in their seats and prepared to learn when the bell rings;
2. Students should be respectful to others;
3. Students should assume responsibility for their own learning.
Cell Phones: Cell phones must be in silent mode and may not be visible during the class period. Visible cell phones will be confiscated and put in a basket.
- Exception: On a rare occasion, you might be told that cell phones may be used for instructional purposes. This is the exception, not the rule.
Absences and Making up Work: When a student is absent, he/she is responsible for obtaining missed work, notes, etc. either through accessing the webpage or by contacting another student in class. Please see me immediately upon returning to class, for handouts, instruction, and to submit assignments.
- Assignments that were due on the day of absence are due upon return. Students also must be prepared for any quizzes or tests that will be administered upon their return.
- PENALTY FOR LATENESS: Late assignments are discouraged; however, a one-day grace period will be permitted with a penalty equivalent to 10%per day late. Assignments will not be accepted more than 1 day late
ATTENDANCE: Regular class attendance is essential to success. Do not miss class.
Tentative Reading List
- The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (novel) by Mark Twain
- Macbeth (tragic play) by William Shakespeare
- Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
- Into the Wild (non-fiction) by Jon Krakauer
- The Catcher in the Rye (novel) by J.D. Salinger
- Various poetry, fiction, and nonfiction reading selections from the Holt Textbook
Course Outline
Common Tasks / 11th grade students are required to complete four Common Tasks. Each common task will count as an exam grade in each marking period. These assessments serve several purposes:
to maintain a consistent standard among all 11th grade English classes
to promote quality writing among our students
to spiral skills smoothly and consistently from 6th through CCR
The four common tasks, administered one per marking period, require students to complete a wide range of analytical, expository, and argumentative writing.
SLO’s: Students will be responsible for completing STATE and LOCAL SLO’s. These assessments are part of the APPR requirements established by NYS. They will notinterfere with instruction.
Research Paper/Project: Students are required to complete a research assignment and to present their findings using MLA style documentation.
Quizzes, Tests, Essays, Oral Presentations
Vocabulary: Vocabulary will be studied in the context of our literature units and the high school’s “word of the week.” The vocabulary words will be chosen with the SAT in mind and special emphasis will be placed on preparing students for this exam in terms of vocabulary.
Writing: In order to prepare you the SAT, Regents exam, and for life after high school, you need to write well and often. To this end, writing will comprise a large part of your class work and homework; the type and length of the written assignments will vary.
SAT and Regents Prep: Each Monday, a review packet will be distributed and collected on Friday.
Not having access to the internet does not excuse students from online assignments. Each assignment is given at least a full week for completion; therefore, students are expected to make arrangements with their teacher(s) in order to complete assignments.
Extra Help
Extra help is always available upon student request. I amwilling to meet with students during free periods during the school day, as well as before and after school. I am available almost every day after school until at least 3:15, but please confirm the time and day before staying after.
Required Materials
- Loose-leaf paper and binder or folder for all English material
- Composition notebook for vocabulary and journal writing
- Pens/pencils and highlighter(s)
- Optional – USB Flash Drive
Parent/Guardian Signature
*Sign below to confirm that you have read and understood the information on this course outline. Please call or e-mail with any questions or concerns. I look forward to a very successful, productive, yet fun school year!
Student Name: ______
Student email address: ______
Parent/Guardian Signature: ______
Email address and/or phone #: ______
Please check box below if applicable.
□ We do not have Internet access at home