English 12 Course Expectations
Course Description
English 12 is a reading and writing intensive course. Students will read and write daily in class. English 12 focuses on British literature. Students will read short stories, novels, poetry, non-fiction, and dramas. In addition to class reading, please be prepared to read independently both inside and outside of class. Writing includes various journal entries as well as essays, creative assignments, and a formal research paper. As proper grammar and usage are inseparable from proficient composition, students will learn and practice grammar through skills exercises and writing on an ongoing basis throughout the semester.
Standards of Learning for English 12
Communication: Speaking, Listening, Media Literacy
· 12.1 The student will make a formal oral presentation in a group or individually.
· 12.2 The student will examine how values and points of view are included or excluded and how media influences beliefs and behaviors.
Reading
· 12.3 The student will apply knowledge of word origins, derivations, and figurative language to extend vocabulary development in authentic texts.
· 12.4 The student will read, comprehend, and analyze the development of British literature and literature of other cultures.
· 12.5 The student will read and analyze a variety of nonfiction texts.
Writing
· 12.6 The student will develop expository and informal, analyses, and persuasive/argumentative writings.
· 12.7 The student will write, revise, and edit writing
Research
· 12.8 The student will write documented research papers.
Making the Grade
90 – 100 A
80 – 89 B
70 – 79 C
60 – 69 D
59 and below F
Grades will be calculated using a total points system. Grades will be assessed through a variety of assignments, including participation, homework, quizzes, tests, writing assignments, and projects.
Parents and students are encouraged to check Power School Parent Portal on a regular basis to monitor and be aware of student progress in English 12. Grades will be updated regularly. Log-in information can be obtained through the Counseling Office at King George High School.
Each six weeks grade is worth 30% of the semester grade and the final exam is worth 10% of the semester grade. The final exam is cumulative and is required for all students to take unless they are exempt. The school’s policy for exemption from the exam is as follows:
Exam exemption is a senior privilege. For this purpose, a senior is a student who is classified as a Senior and is eligible to graduate in June. In order to be exempt the student must meet each of the criteria below:
1. Must have an “A” average in the course
2. Must have no more than four (4) absences from the class
3. Does not have a disciplinary referral that resulted in Out of School Suspension
Materials Needed
· Binder/folder (personal choice)
· Loose-leaf paper/notebook (personal choice)
· Pens/pencils
· 2 packs of 3x5 inch notecards (will be used during the research project for notecards/source cards)
· USB Drive (flash drive) (for saving compositions and transferring between school and home)
*These items are available in the Counseling Office if needed.
Textbooks/Supplemental Materials
Prentice Hall Literature: Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes, The British Tradition
Frankenstein – Mary Shelley
Heart of Darkness – Joseph Conrad
The Lord of the Flies – William Golding
www.nofearshakespeare.com
Various texts and handouts
Classwork, Homework, and Makeup Work
Assignments are due at the beginning of the class block on the due date, unless otherwise noted by teacher in class. Late work is NOT accepted. Weekly agendas will be distributed at the beginning of the week and posted on the class website. Homework is also posted daily on the board.
Work missed due to an excused absence must be made up within 3 days upon return. The student is to initiate necessary arrangements the first day back to school. Flex Time is an excellent time to seek the teacher out and find out what has been missed. Papers distributed in class while a student is absent are in the marked folders in the front of the room and are the responsibility of the student to collect and complete.
If a student knows he/she is going to be absent ahead of time, he/she should make the arrangements to turn work in and collect new work.
Academic Integrity
Any attempt to pass off another person’s work as your own is dishonest. Examples of academic dishonesty include, but are not limited to: copying from a neighbor during a test, using an electronic device to retrieve resources not permitted in the learning situation, copying homework done by a classmate, and sharing/”checking” answers with a peer (unless given specific permission/instruction to do so). Expectations for assignments will be clearly stated in the classroom. In accordance to Standards of Conduct, Rule 5: Academic Violations: “Students who are found cheating will receive a zero on the assignment, quiz, test, or exam.”
Classroom Participation and Responsibilities
Each student is expected to positively contribute to the learning environment of the English 12 classroom.
· Students making a positive contribution to the English 12 classroom
o take responsibility for personal success in class
o listen attentively to the teacher and other students during discussion
o exhibit self-control
o respect all classmates and the teacher
o raise their hands and wait to be addressed before asking a question or making a comment
o work independently (unless instructed otherwise)
o complete classwork efficiently and carefully (some assignments are timed)
o behave safely in the classroom
o enter the classroom quietly if late
o take care of bodily functions (drinks, restrooms, etc) outside of regular class time, so that they can devote the full time to class activities
o seek to preserve a quiet learning environment, so all class members can listen and concentrate
Students who choose these behaviors make English class better for themselves and others.
· Behaviors that disturb the learning environment include (but are not limited to)
o acting disrespectfully to classmate, the teacher, and other individuals
o talking out of turn (not raising a hand or not waiting to be acknowledged)
o blurting out irrelevant or inappropriate comments
o criticizing, laughing at, or putting down other students
o making comments or acting in a way that promotes ignorance and stupidity rather than intelligence and competence
o poking, prodding, or disturbing another student (keep body parts to self at all times)
o sleeping or otherwise indicating disengagement from classroom activities
o walking or moving around unnecessarily
o leaving the classroom without permission
o behaving in an unsafe manner
o using any type of electronic device
o failing to pay attention and follow directions
o launching flying objects
o eating during class time (this includes candy)
Flex Time – 10:35 – 11:25
During Flex time, either Miss Lion or Mrs. Thurman will be in the classroom. A teacher will be in the room the entire Flex Block to assist students. Students should use this time to come in to collect and complete work from an absence, makeup tests and quizzes, ask questions, complete work and projects, or study. Students with a grade of 70 or below will be required to come in weekly until the grade has been improved.
Acknowledgement of Course Information for English 12
Please promptly return to Miss Lion and Mrs. Thurman.
I have read and understand the guidelines and procedures for Miss Lion and Mrs. Thurman’s class and have shared them with my parent(s) /guardian(s).
If you have any concerns about them or would like a hard copy of the syllabus, please contact the teachers at elion@kgcs.k12.va.us or lthurman@kgcs.k12.va.us or leave a voicemail at 540.775.3535 ex. 2246. The complete course information document can be found at: (http://teacherweb.com/VA/KingGeorgeHighSchool/ Lion/apt1.aspx).
Student’s Name_____________________________________________
Block #____________
Student’s Signature__________________________________________
Parent/Guardian’s Signature___________________________________
Parent/Guardian’s Name Printed________________________________
Parent/Guardian’s Daytime Phone______________________________
Parent/Guardian’s Email address________________________________
Date ______________________________________
Thank you! We look forward to working with you and your student during this semester!
Does your student have access to a computer at home? Yes _________ No _________
Does your student have access to a printer at home? Yes _________ No _________
Does your student have internet access at home? Yes _________ No _________