What is English 9A? – This course is designed to challenge the developing thinker and writer as

s(he) enters 9th grade. Through the lens of Essential Questions, the class explores the features of various literary forms and genres. We will also focus on developing critical thinking skills, addressing authentic challenges, creating products that show understanding, and connecting with the world around us.

Literature –English 9 classes will offer a study of core and choice pieces of literature. Some of the titles include:

Speak Romeo and Juliet Tuesdays with Morrie

The OdysseyTo Kill a Mockingbird Of Mice and Men

First They Killed My FatherInformational Texts Assorted Poetry & Short Stories

Copies of both core and choice titles will be provided to each student. However, since annotating will be an integral part of everything we read, students are encouraged, but in no way obligated,to have a personal copy in order to thoughtfully and actively engage in the reading.

Materials Needed –

  • JCHS agenda
  • 1.5-inch, 3-ring binder
  • Notebook paper
  • Dividers (Packet of 5)
  • Pens (black or blue)
  • Pencils with erasers
  • Highlighters (variety of colors)
  • Sticky notes/tabs for annotation
  • Composition book
  • 10 pack (or more) colored pencils
  • Colored pen (besides blue or black), preferably red, but any bright color will do
  • Pencil Case that attaches inside your binder (suggested)
  • Flash drive (suggested)
  • Free choice novel/ book – *EVERY SHIELD CLASS!*

Classroom Expectations –

  1. Respect yourself, others, and property.
  2. Come open-minded and willing to participate.
  3. Follow all school rules.

Writing – English9curriculum challenges students to respond in a fluent, effective, and analytical manner. Students improve specific composing skills through frequent and varied writing assignments. Grammar, vocabulary, punctuation and spelling will all play a role in our writing activities.

A Note on Plagiarism – By definition, it is using, stealing, or passing-off the ideas, pictures, videos, or words of another as one’s own. When using someone’s ideas, one must credit the source. We will review and use proper MLA citations in our writing and will discuss ways to avoid plagiarizing. Plagiarism will not be tolerated and will result in a 0 on the assignment, as well as a discipline referral. If a student is ever confused about plagiarizing, see me immediately. When in doubt, use citations!

JCHS English Department: Grading Best Practices

Grading & Phoenix:

You will be evaluated using the following categories: applied practice (daily activities/classwork and at-home practice), projects/presentations, quizzes/tests, and writing. Grades will be given a point value and will be based on the Loudoun County grading scale:

A+ = 98% - 100% C+ = 77% - 79% F = 59% and lower

A = 93% - 97% C = 73% - 76%

A- = 90% - 92% C- = 70% - 72%

B+ = 87% - 89% D+ = 67% - 69%

B = 83% - 86% D = 63% - 66%

B- = 80% - 82% D- = 60% - 62%

  1. Only assignments that count towards the final grade will be listed in Phoenix.
  2. Assignments/materials can be accessed through my school website.
  3. Assignments will be posted in Phoenix when graded.

Retakes/Multiple Efforts:

  1. Students can meet with teacher to discuss retakes/multiple efforts opportunitiesfor process activities (applied practice activities, quizzes, etc.).The purpose of this is for students to demonstrate an understanding of these skills and activities prior to a larger/extended assignment or test.

The student must initiate this process by speaking with the teacher within ONE WEEK of a returned grade that scored a 74% or below. A student will then be asked to fill out a reflection sheet. The grade on the retake will replace the initial grade.

  1. The only larger/extended assignment that students will have an opportunity to rework is a formal writing assignment. In order for the opportunity to be made available, students must have met all process deadlines for the assignment, must complete a self-reflection form, and must conference with the teacher prior to submitting a rewritten paper. It is the students’ responsibility to initiate this process within ONE week of the assignment’s return. The grade on the rewrite will replace the initial grade.

Late Work:

All assignments are expected to be turned in on time, no matter the academic level.See the details below concerning penalties for late work. Please keep in mind that the English department honors the LCPS “50 floor.” However, each teacher works at his/her discretion to have work submitted regardless. Work assigned, no matter how big or small in terms of points, is considered integral to the overall learning process taking place in that class.

Academic:A 10% reduction will be taken automatically for any late assessment. Teachers will no longer accept late assignments within one week of the due date.

  1. “Printer problems”/printing are not exceptions to the late-work policy. Students should plan ahead, have plenty of paper and ink, not wait until the night before to print, and have an electronic version in case he/she needs to find a school computer to print the assignment. If the need to print at school arises, that must be taken care of PRIOR to class beginning. The library opens to students at 8:00, and issues such as this can be taken care of before the start of the school day.
  2. Keep in mind:

If a student is in school but not in class on a day that an assignment is due, he/she is still expected to turn in the assignment.

If a student is attending a school function, he/she is expected to turn in all work before leaving. This includes early dismals for sporting events or field trips.

If a student is absent on the day that a major assignment is due, he/she is expected to make contact with the teacher to make arrangements for turning in the assignment. (phone or email)

Make Up Work:

It is essential that you stay up-to-date on your work.If you know you will be out, please see me prior to your trip or absence so work can be given to you ahead of time. If you out unexpectedly, see me upon your return. I will have work waiting for you. You will also have the opportunity to see me in SHIELD to get any help or come to my room before or after school. Although it is your responsibility to gather and complete make-up work in the event of an absence, I will do everything to help the transition back to class, even after only a one day absence.

Procedural Notes:

Test Taking Mode / Restroom / Dismissal / Fire Drill
Tardy / Re-teaching / Technology / Cell Phones
Textbooks / Novels / Supplies / Clean Up
Threshold Expectation:

Student’s Name: ______Block # ______

English 9 Academic

Dear Parent/Guardian:

Please review this syllabus with your son or daughter and return this page to Mrs. Scott. I would greatly appreciate the contact information requested below. Be sure to designate if the phone number is a work, home, or cell number.

The syllabus should remain in the front of the student’s English binder. Thank you so much for your time; I look forward to working with you and your son or daughter throughout the year.

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I have reviewed this syllabus. I understand and accept the requirements and expectations for this course.

______

Parent/Guardian’s Signature Date

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Student’s Signature

For my records and to facilitate contacting you please fill out the next page.

PLEASE PRINT:

Student Name: ______
Address:
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Guardian #1: M______
Relationship to Student: ______
 Phone Number: ______
Email Address: ______
Please provide both but check preferred method of contact.
Guardian #2: M______
Relationship to Student: ______
 Phone Number: ______
Email Address: ______
Please provide both but check preferred method of contact.
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Is there any additional information you would like me to know about your son/daughter?