English 10 Course Expectations
Course Description
English 10 is a reading and writing intensive course. Students will read and write daily in class. English 10 focuses on world 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 and creative assignments. 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 10
Communication: Speaking, Listening, Media Literacy
· 10.1 The student will participate in, collaborate in, and report on small group learning activities.
· 10.2 The student will analyze, produce, and examine similarities and differences between visual and verbal media messages.
Reading
· 10.3 The student will apply knowledge of word origins, derivations, and figurative language to extend vocabulary development in authentic texts.
· 10.4 The student will read, comprehend, and analyze literary texts of different cultures and eras.
· 10.5 The student will read, interpret, analyze, and evaluate nonfiction texts.
Writing
· 10.6 The student will develop a variety of writing to persuade, interpret, analyze, and evaluate with an emphasis on exposition and analysis.
· 10.7 The student will self- and peer-edit writing for correct grammar, capitalization, punctuation, spelling, sentence structure, and paragraphing.
Research
· 10.8 The student will collect, evaluate, organize and present information to create a research product.
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. The final exam is worth 10% of the student’s final grade. Each marking period is worth 30% of the student’s final grade. 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 10. Grades will be updated regularly. Log-in information can be obtained through the Counseling Office at King George High School.
Materials Needed
· Binder/folder (personal choice)
· Loose-leaf paper/notebook (personal choice)
· Pens/pencils
· 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*
Textbook – Prentice Hall Literature: Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes
Night – Elie Wiesel
Animal Farm – George Orwell
Speak – Laurie Halse Anderson
Various short stories, poems, and dramas will also be assigned throughout the term
*Reading materials will be checked out to students throughout the semester. Students are responsible for the materials checked out in their names. All reading materials must be turned in at the end of the semester.
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 10 classroom.
· Students making a positive contribution to the English 10 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 10
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 _________