English 9/9 Honors Course Expectations

 

A. Overview:
     The ninth grade English curriculum includes grammar, writing, independent and assigned reading. It is geared toward meeting current learning standards and helping to prepare students for expectations of standardized testing.
     Through assignments, discussion, and class activities, students will further develop their critical thinking skills. It is imperative that students complete all required reading for the course or it will be difficult to pass the class.

B. Supplies needed:
    Students need to bring their chromebooks with charger, earbuds, a pocket folder, blue or black pens, and pencils. Many students will find it useful to also have high-lighters and markers. 

C. Extra Help:
     Students are expected to learn and master the material. Students who do not understand the material are expected to meet with the instructor either at a mutually convenient time during the school day or for a scheduled tutoring session after school. Students may solicit extra help, or the instructor may require the student’s participation.

D. Late Work and Make-Up Work:
   

One day late (up to a week): minus 10% per school day  

One week late: minus 50%  

After one week:  a grade of zero and no longer accepted

 

If a student is absent from school, it is his or her responsibility to find out what was missed in class.  Homework and classwork will be posted on google classroom and should be checked for daily work.  Homework that is posted on google classroom is expected to be completed by the student and turned in using google classroom. 

E. Ethics:
   Plagiarism in this class is unacceptable. Accidental, or willful use of someone else's words, ideas or evidence without attribution will be penalized with a failing grade on the paper. Parent(s) and administrators will be notified and further disciplinary action will be taken. To be clear: do not cheat.

F. Teacher Availability:

I am available to meet with students during any mutually agreed upon time.  Please see me in advance to schedule a good time to meet.  I will make every effort to be available to both students and their families with any questions or concerns that they may have.

Email is my preferred mode of communication for initial parental correspondence.  My email address is listed at the top of this course expectation sheet.  Also, I am available to take parent calls at 992-3600. If you call during the school day, please leave a message and I will call you back as soon as possible. I can also take calls after 2:15 if I am not at a meeting. I try my best to return all messages within 24 hours.  

G. Parent Portal Grades:

The grading format is as follows:

Homework   20%

Literature    40%

Writing        40%

Grades will be posted to the Parent Portal as the school year’s quarters dictate.

H. Classroom Procedures:  

1. Sit only in your assigned seat in the classroom.
2. Follow all CDC guidelines that are in place for schools.
3. Stay in your seat unless instructed otherwise. If movement throughout the classroom is required, get permission from the teacher beforehand.
4. Demonstrate a desire to succeed. Be an active learner.
5. Demonstrate self-discipline and a respectful attitude toward all others.  Please take responsibility for your own actions.
6. There is no food allowed during class.
7. Cell phones will not be displayed, used, or activated during academic instruction unless given permission by the instructor.

I.  Virtual Procedures (if necessary):

1. If instruction is delivered virtually, you are responsible for the content of the lesson.
2. You are responsible for communicating your concerns or questions regarding virtual instruction to your teacher in a timely manner.
3. Your virtual conduct must mirror your in-class conduct at all times.
4. When meeting virtually using Zoom or Google Meet, please use proper etiquette to help foster a professional environment: