English 10R

Mrs. DeMella/2016-2017

(914) 422-2154

“When I discover who I am, I’ll be free.” -Ralph Ellison

Course Description

The 10th grade English curriculum will explore the over-arching theme of CULTUREIDENTITY while continuing to focus on close reading of texts, analytical writing, speaking and listening, and language skills. We will cover four major units that include various non-fiction and informational texts as well as fictional stories, novels, poetry, film, art, and Shakespearean drama.

As a class, we will read/study the following whole class texts this year:

  • Tuesdays with Morrie (non-fiction)
  • The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime (novel)
  • Flowers for Algernon (novel)
  • Night (memoir)

Time Contingent: Shakespeare: Macbeth or Sophocles: Antigone

Each unit contains 1-2major projects/assessments, reading, grammar, and vocabulary quizzes, and a wide-range of activities that develop precision in reading and writing as well as higher-order critical thinking skills. There will be an emphasis on the following types of critical essays found on the new Common Core English RegentsExam, which you will take at the end of your junior year.

  • literary/poetry analysis essay
  • synthesis argument essay

Class Expectations

As a10th gradeEnglish student, you are expected to:

  • Attend class every day and be on time as outlined in our school attendance policy
  • Be prepared with all appropriate classroom materials (see supply list below)
  • Demonstrate a commitment to the subject
  • Respect the people, equipment and furnishings of our classroom
  • Take initiative
  • Participate in all class activities
  • Maintain academic honesty
  • Follow all classroom and homework policies
  • Maintain an organized binder: DO NOT THROW AWAY NOTES/HANDOUTS!

Grading Breakdown

Formal Essays/ Tests/Projects/Assessments50%

Homework/Quizzes30%

Classwork/Participation20%

Supply List

  • A 2 or 3” three-ring binder with five section dividersand standard size loose-leaf paper for each section.
  • Several blue and black pens, highlighters, post-it notes
  • Two pocket folders

* Recommendations for how to organize your binder will be discussed in the first week and are also posted on my web page.

*NOTE* The expectation is that all Formal WritingAssignments such as major essays and/or projects will be typed in 12 point font, double-spaced, numbered, and stapled before they are submitted. In addition, a Modern Language Association(MLA) style header with student’s last name and page number listed on each page is advised.Students should always make copies of their work for their records.

Student Responsibility

Part of being a high school student meansbecoming more responsible for your own education.This means ifyou are absent, it is your responsibility to contact a classmate or your teachers for any missed assignments and meet the deadline arranged with your teacher.

*Please see the question: ‘What do I do if I miss class due to an excused absence?’ on page 3 for further details.

Late work is penalized. In addition, after five days, a formal writing assignment will not be accepted. Extensions may be granted in extenuating circumstances. However, extensions must be requested prior to the paper’s due date. In addition, if you are having an academic or personal difficulty and need to meet with your teachers, you should contact them to arrange an appointment time.

Plagiarism/Cheating

You begin the year with our complete trust. Please do not take that trust away by cheating or being dishonest in any way. We always encourage cooperative learning, and you’re always free to get together with other students to brainstorm, discuss assignments, and study for exams. However, no form of plagiarism or cheating is acceptable. We will review and abide by the school’s plagiarism and academic honesty policies.

Our wish for you…

We are excited and proud to return for another year at White Plains High School. Please remember, we are here to help you improve and grow as readers, writers, and thinkers. Our expectations for you are high, but we will support you as you reach towards our high expectations. We value you each as an important member of this class, and we look forward to a productive and satisfying year.

Additional Frequently Asked Questions in Mrs. DeMella’s English 2R Class

Please read them over. Then keep this sheet handy (in Course Guidelines) so that you can refer to it should a question arise.

What do I do when I first enter the classroom?

First of all, you are expected to enter on time! Lateness will affect your class participation grade, and excessive lateness will result in a detention. Enter quietly and report to your assigned seat. Take out your required materials (including homework), and copy the homework. Read the chalkboard/whiteboard for instructions. There may be a brief assignment or a quiz to complete.

Where should I sit?

You will be given a seating assignment in the first two weeks of school. Please respect

this assignment even if I am absent. Seat assignments may be changed mid-year.

Am I permitted to eat or drink in the classroom?

Please do not eat, drink (except water), or chew gum in class. Exception = first period.

What is the electronics policy?

Your phone and I-Pod must be OUT OF SIGHT. Phones must be turned OFF or on

vibrate. Headphones/ear buds may not be worn in class.

What should I do if I need to use the restroom?

You should use the restroom between classes. However, if you should have an emergency, raise your hand and ask me for permission to take the pass. If permission is given, you must sign out (name and time) and back in upon your return. If a pattern develops, you may lose bathroom privileges. If you do leave the room, remember that you are responsible for whatever you may have missed (including handing in any assignments that may have been collected or assigned during your absence).

How and when do I turn in my work?

Please see the handout on my homework policies. This is also posted on my webpage.

What do I do if I miss class due to an excused absence?

It is your responsibility to get the notes/assignments you missed; call a friend or email me at: . You should also refer to my website and to the parent portal. When you return to class, check the bins of extra handouts and talk to me. If you come to school late or legitimately leave early, you must do one of the following:

  • see me.
  • email me and check to be sure I received your message.

If you are absent for a quiz/test, you must expect to make it up on the day of yourreturn. It is your responsibility to insure that missed tests/quizzes are made up in a timely manner. If you come in late or leave early due to a doctor’s appointment, field trip, or other legitimate reason, please see me to turn in any assignments or pick up any work for the missed class. Finally, if you know in advance that you will be absent, see me ahead of time so that you can avoid falling behind! I can usually be found in one of the following locations:

  • B120, B122, The Library/Media Center, C125 Copy Room

What if I miss class due to a detention or in-school suspension?

You must see me on the same day or send me an email. If you submit work on the following day, you will lose points for lateness. If you miss a quiz or a test, you will receive a ZERO.

What about a missed class due to a school activity?

Again, you must see me on the same dayor send me an email. Otherwise, it will be considered late. If you miss a test or quiz, you must bring a note from the supervising teacher which states (s)he was aware that you had a test/quiz but could not excuse you. Without this signed note, you will receive a ZERO.

ENGLISH 10R

2016-2017

After reading and discussing the Course Syllabus with your parent/guardian, please complete this portion and return to your teacher by the end of this week.

Teacher’s Name______Period______

I, , and I, , have read

(Parent/guardian) (Student)

and understand the English 10Rcourse syllabus and the course expectations for the 2016-2017 school year.

(Parent/guardian signature)(Student signature)

*The following is my most current home contact information:

Daytime phone #: ______

Parent Email: ______

Additional contact information and comments:

______