English 10

Course Information Sheet 2016-2017

Teacher: Ms. Zulla

Email:

Phone: (914) 257-5800

Website: ww.henhudschools.org/domain/275

Course Description: In English 10 we will continue your journey through the wonderful world of literature, exploring plays, novels, poems, and other texts, both fiction and non-fiction. Along the way, this course will challenge your knowledge of the English language and crucial literary skills with a focus on analysis, argumentation, and synthesis. English 10 places a strong emphasis on a variety of reading and writing skills in preparation for the Common Core English Regents at the end of 11th grade English. All lessons, assignments, and assessments have been thoughtfully designed to enrapture while educating students with a curriculum that is aligned to New York State’s Common Core Learning Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy for Grade 10. You should expect a challenging, engaging experience this year.

Student Responsibilities: The following is what is expected of all students in Ms. Zulla’s class:

  1. As the student I understand that I am expected to follow all the rules that are stated in the student handbook for Hendrick Hudson High School. This can be found on the school’s website.
  2. I understand that I am expected to arrive to class on time, being prepared and ready to work for the entire period.
  3. I understand that my opinion and contributions are important to the class and in order to gain the respect of my fellow students I must also respect them and their ideas.
  4. I will only use language that is appropriate for class. Any language that is inappropriate will be dealt accordingly.
  5. I understand that homework is an important part of my grade in this class. All homework should be done in blue or black ink or if possible typed. If I type my homework I will use 12 pt. Times New Roman font.
  6. I understand that it is my responsibility to check Ms. Zulla’s website and Google Classroom for homework assignments, due dates, announcements, extra help sessions, and other important information. This year we will utilize Google Classroom as an important tool for assignments and communication.
  7. I will prepare to the best of my ability for class examinations, which may include tests, quizzes, and in class essays. If I find myself struggling with a particular topic, it is my responsibility to ask my teachers for help.
  8. I understand that class participation is critical and includes being present, positively and actively participating, and being prepared for class.
  9. When working with a partner or a group, I will stay on task and complete the assignment. I understand that any joking around or failure to stay on task will result in points being taken away from the class participation portion of my grade.
  10. I understand that my cell phone should be away throughout the entire class period. If I have an emergency I will ask to go to the appropriate office for help.

Teacher Responsibilities: As your teacher, I have the following responsibilities to help ensure thatyou will be successful not only in my class, but future English classes.

  1. I will come to class prepared, with lessons that will engage learners and help students understand the material.
  2. I will set up a classroom environment that is conducive for learning, where all students feel comfortable and have the ability to succeed.
  3. I will make myself available for any student who is struggling in class, whether it is during a free period or after school.
  4. I will have open lines of communication via email and phone for students as well as parents.
  5. I will prepare students to the best of my ability for any classroom assessment, as well as the cumulative final exam in June of 2017.

Texts: This year we will be reading the following:

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

“Othello” by William Shakespeare

MAUS by Art Spiegelman

An assortment of poetry, short stories, and other texts assigned.

**Texts are subject to change based on the teacher’s discretion.**

Materials: The following is a list of materials that all students are required to bring to class on a daily basis:

  1. 3 ring binder with lined paper OR a notebook with a folder. Dealer’s choice.
  2. A pencil or pen (blue or black ink)
  3. 2 highlighters (recommended, they can be any color)

Grading Policy: A student’s grade in Ms. Zulla’s class will be based on the following things:

Participation: 10 points weekly

Classwork: 25 points

Homework: 25 points

Independent Reading: 25-100 points

Quizzes and Tests: 100 points

Essays and Projects: 100-200 points

*All point values are an approximation based on single assignments and are subject to change.*

Parent Portal:In an effort to increase parental involvement and student accountability at the secondary level, the Hendrick Hudson School District has implemented the next phase of the Infinite Campus Parent Portal, Teacher Grade Books.Parents and students have access to view teachers’ grade books on the Parent Portal. They will be able to view assignments and grades as teachers enter them. Specifically, teachers will enter student assignments into the grade book as they are assigned to students so that parents and students can stay better informed and take ownership of their learning. Assignment grades will be updated at a minimum every ten school days beginning with the first day of each quarter. Please keep in mind that specific assignment grades will be posted within a reasonable time frame with the understanding that the time required to grade assignments will vary greatly depending on the nature and complexity of the assignment and the number of students in a given class. Parents should be aware that each teacher is unique, with different courses, student loads and schedules. With these minimum standards in place we expect that parents will be able to get useful information online from all of their child’s teachers. Parents are asked to refrain from comparing the length, number and duration of teacher assignments between courses and sections. Students are expected to use this tool to its fullest extent in monitoring their grades, assignments, absences, and missing work.

Homework Policy:A quick note about homework: Students will be assigned homework on a regular basis. Students are expected to complete their homework on time and meeting the requirements stated in the Student Responsibilities section above. Any late homework will lose 10 points per day. For example, a homework that would have been 10 out of 10 is handed in two days late. It is now an 8/10, due to the -20 points for lateness.

Attendance Policy: Absences will be dealt with according to the district attendance policy. In accordance with the school attendance policy, students who have either an unexcused or unverified absence will receive the grade of ZERO for all work due or assigned on the date of the absence. This includes Unit Exams and Quizzes as well. Students have three schools from when the assessment was given to make it up. If they fail to do so in three days, the student will receive a ZERO for the assignment. *If a student does have a verified absence and misses an exam or quiz, they will be subject to taking a different version of the exam.*

Plagiarism Policy: Plagiarism, or the reproduction of another’s work without giving proper citation is a serious offense that will be dealt with according to the school’s policy. This can be found in the Student Handbook and on the school’s website. Just don’t do it.

**Extra Help: All sessions will be posted in both the classroom, Ms. Zulla’s website, and on Google Classroom. However, if you are struggling, don’t wait! Come for help right away. I can be found in Room 002a and will be available by appointment for helping during the school day. Please schedule an appointment with me during your academic advantage, study hall, or lunch period.**

I am looking forward to a great year in English class with you!

Ms. Zulla

RETURN SIGNARTURE SHEET

By signing this confirmation, I acknowledge that I have read the attached course outline, expectations and grade structure for Ms. Zulla’s 2016-2017 English 10 course.

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(Please print student name and class period) (Student Signature)

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(Please print Parent/Guardian Name) (Parent/Guardian Signature)

Contact Information:

Please provide me with the best number(s) to reach you and an e-mail address that is checked regularly. Thank you.

Home Phone Number: ______

Work Number: ______

Email address: ______