Reitz Memorial High School

Etymology

Instructor: Ms. Mitchell

Email:

Location: Room 240

Classroom Philosophy:

The goal of this classroom is to create a safe, positive, scholarly learning environment which promotes cooperation, creativity, and academic achievement. All students will actively participate in classroom activities and conduct themselves appropriately as young, well-mannered scholars should; upholding the classroom principles of integrity, honesty, and responsibility. In order to reinforce these principles, I am implementing the “Door of Integrity”. On my classroom door, the following message will be posted: “By entering this door, I agree that I am responsible for everything I think, say, feel, and do.”

Course Description:

Etymology- A language studies course based on Indiana's Academic Standards for English/Language Arts and the Common Core State Standards for English/Language Arts, is the study and application of the derivation of English words and word families from their roots in ancient and modern languages (Latin, Greek, Germanic, Romance Languages). Students analyze meanings of English words by examining roots, prefixes, suffixes. Students analyze the connotative and denotative meaning of words in a variety of contexts and the reasons for language change. Students write about word history and semantics in texts that require etymological sensitivity, such as Renaissance poetry or works in translation.

Etymology project: Students must complete a project(s), such as doing a case study on specific words or creating an historical timeline of the development of specific words, which demonstrates knowledge, application, and progress in Etymology course content.

Materials Required:

  1. You need a way to organize your paper. Binder, folder, portfolio, it’s up to you!
  2. Composition Notebook-Put your name on the front; to be used only for English
  3. Flash Drive
  4. Blue or black pens, or pencils
  5. Colored pencils or markers
  6. Textbook and workbook(s)
  7. Writer’s Guide
  8. Tissue box donations not required but always welcome! 

Grading Scale:

6 95-100

590-94

485-89

380-84

275-79

170-74

00-69

Class Rules:

The following classroom rules must be followed at all times. These “umbrella” type rules can be applied to a variety of situations.

  • Be Prompt
  • Be Prepared
  • Be Positive
  • Be Productive
  • Be Polite
  • Be Present

Policies and Procedures:’

Procedure for completing and turning in homework

  • Homework is to be completed before you enter the room and turned in to the appropriate class folder.
  • Work turned in on time goes in the Blue folder
  • The Red folder is for late or make up work (please indicate which at the top of your paper).
  • Papers in the Green folder are graded and ready to be picked up. Please check this folder daily.

Policy on writing papers:

  • Follow format in Writer’s Guide unless otherwise instructed

Procedure for taking tests/quizzes

  • Desks should be clear except for a pencil or black pen
  • I will tell you when to begin the test, and when time is up.
  • When you have completed your test, turn it into me, NOT the folder. If you finish early you should read or work silently.

Policy on Plagiarism and Cheating:

  • If a student is caught cheating and/or plagiarizing, he/she will receive zero on the paper, test, or assignment and be sent to the principal’s office to receive further disciplinary action. The student’s parent/guardian will also be contacted.

Policy on Extra Credit:

  • Extra credit is given when I deem appropriate and will be given to the whole class.
  • The easiest way to earn extra credit is by doing exceptional work.

Make-up work policy and Absences:

  • Planned Absences (field trips, vacation, etc.): students must obtain and complete the homework they would miss before said absence.
  • In emergency situations or the lengthy illness of a student:
  • Students must complete and turn in all make-up homework by the extended due date (which will be determined by the teacher).
  • Each student will receive ONE extension form per semester. This form can be used on late assignments that do not pertain to one of the previously listed circumstances. The form must be filled out, signed by me, and turned in with the late assignment to the red folder.

Procedure for when teacher is out of the room or when there is a substitute

  • When the teacher is out of the room, you remain on task.
  • If there is a substitute, students are to follow all procedures as if the regular teacher were there. I poor behavior is reported by the substitute, there WILL be consequences.

Procedure for arguing with Ms. Mitchell:

  • DON’T. If you truly have an issue to discuss, choose a time when we can talk privately; not in front of a group of people.

Procedure for leaving class:

  • Approach me when I am not teaching or busy, with your agenda open to the signature page and a pen in your hand.
  • Return to class in a timely manner.
  • If you are sick, or there is an emergency, you may leave without permission, but bring a pass to me when you return.

Procedure for food and keeping the class clean

  • You will pick up any trash around your desk, even if you did not put it there.
  • You will throw it away at the end of class or during break, when it will not cause an interruption.
  • Any food brought into class must either be only for you, or for everyone in class.
  • Procedure for watching DVD’s, videos, etc.
  • There is NO TALKING during movies, videos, etc.
  • Comments and questions about the movie, video may be asked at the end of class.
  • If you insist upon making noise, you will receive a detention.

Policy on electronics

  • Unless otherwise instructed, cell phones should be in pockets, backpacks or lockers.
  • If you continue to use your phone after I warn you to put it away, I will confiscate it and you can pick it up from Mr. Wilgus at the end of the day. You may also receive a detention.
  • When I allow you to use your phones for music during work time, or for academic purposes, they must be placed on your desk, in plain view. If I see you are not using your phone responsibly, I will confiscate it. You may also receive a detention.

Welcome Parents and Students!

Hello Parents/Guardians and Students!

Parents/Guardians: I am so excited to have your student in my class this year. I have high expectations for every student in my class and I expect them to produce a high quality work. Please read over the syllabus and classroom procedures with your student. Both the parent/guardian and student must sign the last page which must be turned into me.

Thank you,

Ms. Mitchell

IMPORTANT NOTES:

If you have any questions or comments please feel free to email me at:

If your student is having trouble in my class do not hesitate let me know! I am more than willing to work with you and your student to make sure he/she is successful in my class.

The student and their parent/guardian must read over the syllabus/classroom management plan, sign, and return this page to me by ______. By signing this, both the parent/guardian and the student are acknowledging and agreeing to follow all rules/policies in the student handbook as well as the rules/policies/procedures outlined in this syllabus.

Thank you,

Ms. Mitchell

Parent/Guardian Signature: ______

Student Signature: ______

Date: ______