English 11/12 Essentials Syllabus (2017-2018)
Teacher: Ms. “D” DuBose
Phone #: 480-575-2477
E-mail:
Course: English 11/12 Essentials
Course Description
The focus of this class is written expression and the reading comprehension of literary and nonfiction works.
- Writing: Students will write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts; write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information; write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events. Students will produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate. Students will work specifically on organization, conventions, ideas and sentence fluency in their writing. Portfolios of written work will be kept in English class.
- Reading Informational & Literary Texts: Various types of literary and informational works will be studied such as the short story, novel, and drama. Students will identify the theme and/or main ideas in a text. Students will read, annotate and cite evidence from informational text in order to summarize their readings and respond to comprehension questions.
- Speaking & Listening: Students will initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners.
Materials
- Small 3 ring binder used for English OR a separate part of a larger notebook
- 3 Dividers: Literature, Vocabulary, Writing
- Loose Leaf College Ruled Paper, pencils, pens
- Spiral notebook OR journal used for notes and warm-ups for English class only
- Index cards, 3 by 5, ruled
- Hi-Liters (4 colors)
- Flash drive to save work; should have one for all classes
- 1 Box of tissue and 1 Hand Sanitizer
- White printer paper
- Disinfecting wipes
NEW CELL PHONE POLICY
Classrooms are now designated as ‘No Phone Zones’ except with teacher permission. All phones are expected to be housed in backpacks during class time.
District Policy JK-R
A student may be subject to disciplinary action when the student engages in any of the following forms of academic misconduct:
•Lateness - For missing or leaving school or class without permission or excuse.
•Cheating - Including but not limited to copying, using unauthorized help sheets and the like, illegally obtaining tests in advance, substituting for a test-taker, and other forms of unauthorized collusion.
•Plagiarism - Representation of the ideas or work of another person as his/her own.
•Collusion - Supporting malpractice by another student as in allowing one’s work to be copied or submitted for assessment by another.
•Duplication of work - Presentation of the same work for different assessment components and/or requirements.
•Fabrication of Data - Manufacturing data for a table, survey, or other such requirement.
•Any behavior that gains an unfair advantage for a student and/or affects the results of another student.
Cactus Shadows High School takes academic dishonesty seriously. Any violation of this policy will result in a zero for the assignment/assessment for a first offense, a zero for the assignment/assessment and short term suspension for a second offense and a loss of credit for the semester course (.5) and short term suspension for a third offense.
Students who share assignment/assessment information with other students via pictures, paper or electronics will receive a zero on the assignment/assessment and a short term to long term suspension (prior academic misconduct referrals from any other school or CCUSD grade level will be considered).
School Absence Policy
Students are responsible for contacting teachers to complete missed work. Parents can e-mail teachers to request homework to pick up during a student’s absence. For every day of excused absence, a student has two days to make up homework, classwork, quizzes, and tests (parents have 24 hours to contact the school to excuse the absence). Work previously assigned with a due date during an absence is due on the first day of his/her return to school (including suspension dates). Be advised that each department, which assigns extended projects, has specific deadline dates. All make up work from an excused absence is eligible to receive full credit if completed and turned in within the 2 day window. Some courses such as Honors, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and Dual Enrollment courses have numerous long-term projects or portfolios, which may have absolute deadlines. Students will be advised of these project/portfolio deadlines in the course syllabus or on grading outlines and will be expected to turn in projects/portfolios prior to the designated date for credit regardless of days absent. Assignments, tests, quizzes not completed within the 2 day window will receive a zero. (Ref: Board Policy JH-R)
Behavior
Students are expected to show respect toward others at all times.
Grades
Grades will be based on a cumulative point system. Tests, as well as presentations and essays, will be worth more points than daily work. Please obtain from your son or daughter his/her access codes to grades online. By clicking on a particular subject icon, all the assignments will pop up with grades for each assignment given. To learn how to access grades online, go to the CSHS website and then to the Grades Online Portal on the left side of the screen. It will walk you through the process.
Homework
Homework is expected on the due date unless the student has made special arrangements with the teacher.
Specific Classroom Responsibilities
1. Be in class and seated before the bell rings.
2. Bring all necessary materials. (notebooks, pens, pencils, paper, book and agenda)
3. Water is the only allowed substance (food or drink) in the classroom.
- Carry agenda book each day or use phone to keep an agenda of assignments.
Please be sure our front office has an accurate e-mail address and phone number. If you have concerns, e-mail is the best communication method.
Looking forward to a productive school year!
Parent Signature______Date______
Student Signature______Date______