Ms. Jennings’s and Mrs. Thomas’s English 11 Class Syllabus
Throughout the year we will focus on American Literature and its relevance within U.S. history. Each semester your grade will include several essays analyzing the literature we read, as well as projects we do in classand as homework. You will also read at least two grade-level appropriate novels, per semester, outside of class. You will be required to analyze the plot, characters, themes, and various literary devices found in the text. Your overall grade will also include tests taken on each unit and a variety of presentations assigned throughout the semester.
After finishing this class our goal is for you to be able to read and analyze different elements of a text on your own and be able to complete a well-developed formal essay with integrated textual evidence. By attending class each day, completing the assignments, and following the rules below, we should all be able to have a very successful and fun year together.
Expectations
- Follow the direction of the adult speaking.
- Show courtesy, kindness, and respect to everyone.
- Be prepared and on time to all classes.
- Move about the building quietly.
Weekly Routines
Below is the tentative routine for each week. Daily activities will change and be rearranged as needed.
Monday—Grammar, Vocabulary, and Literary Devices
Tuesday—Literature Analysis
Wednesday—SSR
Thursday—Literature Analysis
Friday—Quizzes on materials covered during the week.
Grading Policies
We have set our grades up this year in a weighted system as follows:
Writing50%Vocabulary/Grammar10%
Tests/Projects20%Misc.5%
Reading15%
Policies that will affect your grade
Attendance—Attendance is a requirement to pass this class. We will accept no late work unless it is with an excused absence. It is the responsibility of the student to ask what he or she missed immediately upon return and to submit work within the given deadline.
Texts—We will be reading and analyzing several core novels during the year.When check out individual novels to read,students will be required to bring it to and from class everyday in order to keep up with the reading.
SSR Books—We have a large library that students may check books out from. Itis the responsibility of the student and parent/guardian to look through the book and decide if it is suitable for them. Ourlibraries contain a wide variety of genres and subjects in order to try and meet the varied interests and reading levels of our students.
Bathroom Passes—Bathroom privileges will be issued at our discretion. Students must ask at appropriate times and must be given permission. Each student will be given a bathroom pass good for three visits during the semester. Any unused visits will be counted toward extra credit.
Bells and Backpacks—The bell does not dismiss you, we do. Do not start packing up your bags until we give you permission. Backpacks should be tucked away under your desk so they don’t get in the way of the room traffic.
Cell Phones/Electronic Devices—The use of cell phones and electronic devises is strictly prohibited at all times in our classroom without our direct permission. On first offense, student will be told to put the device away. On second offense, we will take the phone and keep it until the end of the class (or the school day). On third offense, the phone will be taken to the administration office, where the student’s parent/guardian will be required to pick it up.
*All school and district rules listed in the student handbook will be strictly followed in the class.
Please share this packet with your parents and have them sign it, detach the bottom and return to us for your first grade in the grade book.
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Yes, I have read this packet and understand what is expected of me in Ms. Jennings’s and Mrs. Thomas’s classroom for the year.
Yes, I have reviewed this packet with my student and understand what is expected of my student in Ms. Jennings’s and Mrs. Thomas’s classroom.
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