English 9

Seneca Valley Intermediate High School

Room 211

Mrs. Zaso and Mrs. Smith

Course Objectives and Curriculum

v  Through reading, writing, and discussion you will accomplish the following:

-  Recognize and implement literary techniques into your writing

-  Identify and correctly use vocabulary

-  Develop and organize a clear essay

-  Edit and revise your own work

-  Correlate a relationship between author, time period of the work, audience, etc.

-  Take responsibility for your learning, both independently and in groups

v  Throughout the year we will read short stories, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Odyssey, and Romeo and Juliet. We will also spend time refining your grammar and writing skills. Time will be spent honing your writing skills through work with various styles and genres.

v  You will have a midterm exam at semester change and a final exam at the end of the year.

Materials

v  Literary textbooks will be left in the classroom. If you should need to check one out due to an absence, please see us. The textbook can also be found online. Please access Mrs. Zaso’s website for a direct link.

v  A course binder with EIGHT dividers is REQUIRED for this class. Organization is a key element to meeting due dates and general preparedness for course assignments. If you are unable to obtain these materials on your own for whatever reason, please see us after class and we will provide them for you.

v  You are expected to bring a writing utensil to class every day. Please come prepared.

Expectations

In our classroom, students will be challenged to think critically about literature, drama, and the English language. Preparedness and punctuality are expected, as well as active participation in the learning process. Our classroom forms an intellectual community, and we expect all students to respect the members of our community and to keep an open mind as we embark on new areas of study. This is a discussion-based course. Participation is required. Do your best to tell us what you know, think, feel, etc.! The more voices, ideas, and perspectives…the better!

General Policies

v  Classroom assignments are due on or before the due date. No points will be given after this time. Late work will only be accepted if you have an excused absence from class. See below.

v  Absences – It is your responsibility to make up any work missed. If assignments have been given before the day(s) of your absence, turn them in upon return to school. If you choose to cut class, you will receive a zero for any work due or completed in class that day. Please see the “Absent?” bins in the back of the room for makeup work and handouts FIRST. Then, if you have questions, see us! If you are absent for multiple days, you have the same number of days to make up work. (3 days out = 3 days to make up work).

v  Exams – If you miss an exam, it is your responsibility to contact us and schedule a make-up exam. If you knew about the exam prior to your absence, you are expected to take the exam the day you return to class.

v  Grading Periods – Each nine week grade is the product of your tests, essays, journals/in-class writing, projects (both individual and group), homework, and class participation.

v  Your performance in this class is your responsibility. If you need assistance with assignments or concepts covered in this course, PLEASE see us for assistance! We are here to help. J

v  DO NOT LINE UP AT THE DOOR. Remain in your seats until WE DISMISS YOU – not the bell.

v  According to Seneca Valley Policy #237, “cellphones are not to be used or out during the school day unless under BYOT guidelines…Cellphones out during the school day and being used for non-educational purposes will be confiscated.” Therefore, unless we inform you that cell phones will be used for educational purposes that day, students are asked to place their cell phones in their assigned slot upon entering class each day. Cell phones can be picked up at the end of class.

Contact Information

Mrs. Zaso – Mrs. Smith -

You may email us with questions/concerns if they arise. Note that emails sent after 2:55 pm may not be read until the following school day. In other words, if you email us at 2 a.m. about an assignment that is due the next day, we can guarantee you we won’t see the email until the next morning! Plan ahead and ask for help in advance so that you can do the best job possible!

Good Luck & Enjoy Your Freshman Year! J