English 9

Teacher: Bethany Smith

Email:

Welcome to 9th grade English!

Objectives for this course include being able to:

Use the elements of good writing

Write to a variety of audiences and purposes

Read and analyze informational texts

Connect literature to the “real world”

Expand vocabulary

Identify and use proper grammar and mechanics

Textbook:

Glencoe Literature (used in class)

Glencoe Grammar and Language Workbook (assigned to each student)

Supplies Needed:

-1 inch binder (3 rings w/ pockets)

-set of 5 dividers

-paper folder w/ brads & pockets

-loose leaf notebook paper

-pencils

-black ink pens

-highlighters (yellow, pink, blue, orange and green)

-colored pencils

-markers

Binder Organization:

You will need a 1” three ring binder with dividers labeled with the following sections: Unit Portfolio, Grammar, Writing, Homework, and Graded. The syllabus should be kept in the very front of the binder inside the rings. Extra paper should be kept behind the syllabus.

Unit Portfolio

Students will create a portfolio of class work as part of their binder with work that goes with the current unit of study. Unit portfolios will be turned in and graded at the end of each unit.

Paragraph of the Week

A paper folder with brads and pockets will be used for student’s Paragraph of the Week pages. 30 sheets of notebook paper should be placed in the folder. Instructions will be given to be placed in the front pocket. Paragraph of the Week will be used as our class warm ups. The final paragraph will be graded each Friday.

(Monday-topic assigned/students brainstorm, Tuesday – students write supporting sentences, Wednesday – students write topic and closing sentences, Thursday – students peer review & personally edit, Friday – students produce final draft)

Grammar

A grammar lesson will be taught on Monday of each week with a quiz on Friday.

Homework

Each week students will be responsible for an Article of the Week due on each Friday. Students will be given an article on Monday to read and complete a summary and reflection activities. (For the first Article of the Week, students will work with the teacher in class as an example.)

Students should study grammar notes for a few minutes each night for Friday’s quiz. The quiz will include the current week’s notes and the prior week’s for review. Both should be studied.

Other homework may be assigned at the teacher’s discretion but will always be given with enough notice to complete.

Grading

Homework/Classwork / 10%
P.O.W. / 10%
Quizzes/Minor Writing Assignments / 20%
Unit Portfolios / 20%
Tests/Projects/Major Writing Assignments / 40%

Make-up work and assignment deadlines will be made in accordance with the policies outlined inthe student handbook.

Classroom Expectations

Be on time, on task, and prepare to learn every day.

Respect the teacher, the classroom, your peers, and yourself.

Be responsible for your own learning.

Clean up after yourself.

Keep all personal electronics put away.

Classroom Consequences

Warning

Student conference

Loss of privileges

Parent contact

Detention

Parent conference

Office referral

Classroom Procedures

Students will be so engaged in what is going on in the classroom that the restroom probably will not come to mind, but students should only ask to go to the restroom during class when absolutely necessary. A pass must be taken.

If a 3,2,1 count is given, students should be seated, silent, and waiting for instruction.

Positive Reinforcement

Smarty Pants

Students will sign the Smarty Pants for academic achievement. They will hang in the classroom on display for all to see!

Raffle Tickets

Students will receive raffle tickets for positive actions including volunteering in class, answering questions correctly, being helpful, etc. Students will write names on the back of tickets. Raffles will be held in class throughout the year for small treats or prizes.

Brownie Points

As a class, students will have the opportunity to win brownie points for exceptional behavior. After a class earns 18 brownie points, they will enjoy real brownies made by Mrs. Smith! (An alternative treat will be given to any students with allergies. Please let me know!)

Extra Help

Tutoring or re-teaching is always available by appointment. Some previously attempted assignments may be redone by students at the teacher’s discretion but will require after school time in the classroom.

Contact Mrs. Smith

School phone: (334) 297-3614 to leave a message

Email:

Website: Go to Click on About Us, Staff Directory, Bethany Smith

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