Units: This year, we will be covering the following units: The Strategic Writer, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Tragedy, and Epics. At the beginning of the school year, we will spend time reviewing the writing process and the 6 + 1 Traits of Writing. We will study elements of persuasive writing for The Strategic Writer unit. Persuasive writing will be required in all of our quarterly units. In addition to literature and writing objectives, we will also focus on the language strand (grammar and mechanics) as well as vocabulary development. Grading: 35% = Tests/Quizzes (includes Vocabulary tests and Quarterly Assessments) 30% = Writing/Projects 10% = Classwork/Class Participation 10% = Homework 10% = Warm-up Journal 5% = Vocabulary Homework: There will be homework on a regular basis. Homework will come in various forms, and may include a writing assignment, language assignment, reading assignment, note taking, studying, or working on a project. TURN YOUR HOMEWORK IN ON TIME: LATENESS WILL AFFECT YOUR GRADE!! Below is a summary of my homework policy: Completion Grade: On time & complete= 100% 1 class period late=75% 2 or more class periods late=0% Accuracy Grade: On time & Complete= Earned % Grade 1 class period late: Earned % Grade - 25% 2 or more class periods late= 0% Class Participation: Discussion, debate, and peer interaction are important components of a productive learning community. For this reason, you will earn class participation points every two weeks. Class participation does not only require raising your hand to make a comment or to answer a question. IT ALSO INCLUDES BEING PREPARED FOR CLASS, ACTIVELY WORKING WHEN INDEPENDENT STUDY OR GROUP WORK IS REQURED, RESPECTING OTHER STUDENTS’ POINTS OF VIEW, AND BEING MINDFUL OF CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS. Writing Policy: ALL FINAL DRAFTS must be either typed OR written in blue or black ink. If you choose to type your paper, it must be typed in Times New Roman with 12 pt. font. The writing must also be double-spaced. 25% of points will be automatically deducted for final drafts that do not follow this format. Additionally, when working on a writing project, students should SAVE ALL DRAFTS AND REVISIONS of his or her writing. DO NOT THROW ANY DRAFT AWAY unless directed otherwise. When the final draft of a writing project is completed, all drafts and revisions will submitted together. Absences and Make-up Work: It is YOUR responsibility to make up any work you miss due to absence or any other reason. I post the homework for each class on the chalkboard as well as on my TeacherWeb website. You can check the homework webpage using this web address: http://teacherweb.com/MD/EllicottMillsMs/MsHuck/ On this website, you will find helpful links and other information about my class. The webpage will be updated on a daily basis. It is YOUR responsibility to check for homework and to turn in the work within one week of your absence. Please refrain from asking the teacher first for assignments or classwork. Always check with a classmate or on the webpage before asking the teacher. Any papers that were handed out during your absence will be in a bin marked “Absent or Missed Assignments” and labeled with your name. Gradesheets: Up-to-date gradesheets will be given to students every two or three weeks. The signed gradesheet is due at the beginning of the next class period. Signed gradesheets will count toward your homework grade. Supplies: For this class, you will need the following items EVERYDAY: ➢ Three-ring binder filled with college-ruled paper (This is where you will you’re your homework, assignments, handouts, etc.) ➢ Five subject dividers with labels (to put in binder) ➢ Pencils AND Blue/Black pens ➢ Corrector Pen (Color other than blue/black) ➢ Composition Notebook (This will be your warm-up journal which I will collect and grade each quarter.) You will need the following items for this class on various occasions throughout the year. You will be notified one class period in advance for when you will need them in class. These items may remain in your locker until they are needed: ➢ Highlighters ➢ Post-it notes ➢ 3X5 index cards **Students should ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS bring their three-ring binder (filled with paper) and their composition notebooks to class. If you run out of paper, make sure you replenish your binder with new paper. We will be using these two items everyday! **Students should also bring pencils and paper to class EVERYDAY!! We will be using these items everyday! A consistent failure to bring these items each day will result in a phone-call to parents/guardians and/or disciplinary action. NOTE: FOR ORGANIZATIONAL PURPOSES, YOU SHOULD DIVIDE YOUR ENGLISH BINDER INTO THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS: 1. Literature (handouts, short stories, etc.) 2. Vocabulary 3. Grammar 4. Writing 5. Class Notes 6. Miscellaneous IF YOU DO NOT CHOOSE TO HAVE A SEPARATE ENGLISH BINDER, YOU MUST STILL HAVE A SECTION IN YOUR REGULAR BINDER (WITH ALL THE SAME DIVISIONS LISTED ABOVE) FOR ENGLISH CLASS. Expectations and Tips for My Class: 1. Come to class on time, prepared, and ready to work. 2. Begin class by: a. Taking your assigned seat b. Getting out the materials you will need for the day c. Reviewing the objectives and the daily agenda d. Completing the warm-up that will be written on the board/overhead 3. Raise your hand to speak unless otherwise directed. 4. Follow directions the FIRST time they are given. 5. Stay in your seat unless you have permission to move around the room. 6. Leave ONLY when dismissed by the teacher. 7. Complete homework assignments and submit on time. 8. Respect every person and his or her property. 9. Always ask for clarification when you do not understand. Do you need to make-up a quiz/test or need some extra help? I will be available to students who want to come in for extra help or to make-up a quiz/test. Please make an appointment with me ahead of time. I am available before school, during PLUS on WEDNESDAY, and after school. If you are staying after regular school hours to see me, then I will need a permission note from a parent. Contact: Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns. I can be reached at school at 410-313-2839 or at kelly_huck@hcpss.org.