CLASSROOM NOTES AND PROCEDURES FOR ENGLISH IV

F. LOFTON

 

I.                   Supplies

A.     Respect, responsibility, resourcefulness

B.     Blue or black ink pens, pencils, highlighter

C.     A three-ring binder, folder, etc., used to separate all English work

D.     Personal planner or assignment section in notebook

E.      English fee of $5.00

 

II.                Bell-Ringers

You will have bell-ringers every day.  The bell-ringer will be written on the front board or on the overhead projector.  You are expected to come in every day and quietly begin on your bell-ringer before the tardy bell rings.  Class does not begin after the tardy bell rings; it begins once you walk into the classroom.

 

III.             English papers

A.     All papers should be completed in black or blue ink and only on loose-leaf paper.  Many of your assignments will be required to be typed.

B.     Each paper should be headed in the top right-hand corner.  The heading should include the following:

1.      First and last name

2.      Date

3.      Class period

*Some assignments, such as essays, will require following MLA format.

C. Writing in pencil is acceptable for taking notes, but not for assignments                                       that will be turned in.  You may use a different color ink for correcting purposes or taking notes.  Having a highlighter will come in handy.

 

IV.              Grading:  Your grade in this class will be based on daily grades and test grades.  These grades may include any type of written or reading assignments as well as tests.  All compositions will count as major test grades.  You will find that the number of grades taken in this class will be significantly fewer than you have had in previous English classes; therefore, it is extremely important for you to do well on each assignment/test.  You will get a syllabus, so “I didn’t know” will not be an acceptable excuse!!!  You may also go my web page at www.teacherweb.com where you will find the class syllabus and all other information pertaining to this class.  Updates and revisions will be made during the nine week period as needed.

 

V.                 Late Assignments:  Late assignments (homework) will be accepted on the following day for a 30% deduction from the possible points.  Work not turned in by the following day will not be accepted.  Please note:  Oral presentations will not be accepted late.  If you are absent on the date that an oral presentation is due, you must be prepared to present on the first day of your return to school with a score no greater than 70% of the possible points unless otherwise directed by the teacher. 

 

VI.              Research Paper:  The completion of the research paper is a major component of English IV.  The grades pertaining to the paper will cover 2 nine week periods. (More details later)  You will have several other writing opportunities during the year—formal and informal as well as test discussion components.

 

VII.           Make-up work:  If absent from class, it is your responsibility to complete all assignments and get any class notes.  Work must be made up within time allotted in the handbook.  This policy will be strictly enforced.  You are responsible for work missed.

 

VIII.        Extra Credit:  You will have one opportunity to receive extra credit each nine weeks.  These times will be announced by the teacher.

 

IX.              Tests:  If you complete all assignments, listen in class, and review each night, you will find that you are well prepared for tests.  If a major test is missed, it is your responsibility to arrange to make up the test within the allotted time either before or after school, the time and place to be arranged with the teacher.

   

X.                 Classroom procedures:

A.     Be in your seat and working on your bell-ringer when the tardy bell rings.

B.     Cellular phones are NOT ALLOWED.  School cellular phone policy will be strictly enforced.

C.     Sharpen pencils before class.

D.     All materials (notebook, pen or pencil, etc.) will be brought to class EACH DAY unless I tell you otherwise.  I WILL NOT LOAN WRITING UTENSILS, and YOU WILL NOT BE RETURNING TO YOUR LOCKER AFTER THE BELL RINGS FOR FORGOTTEN ITEMS!!!

E.      You will take home your assigned textbook and use the class set in class.  A book will be under your desk.  Make sure you replace the book underneath your desk at the end of class everyday.  Students in 4^th/5^th will return the books to the bookshelf in the front of the room.  DO NOT TAKE CLASS SET BOOKS OUT OF THIS CLASSROOM!

F.      Official Absences:  Assignments must be obtained before the official absence and are due at the mutually arranged time.  Not following this procedure will result in zeroes for any missed assignments.

G.     When the teacher talks to the class, you will NOT talk.

H.     Cheating will not be tolerated.  A zero will be given and not a warning.

I.        Be respectful of others.

J.      NO FOOD, DRINKS, OR GUM ALLOWED IN CLASS

K.    Remember you are a SENIOR, and this class will reflect that.  I will be preparing you for the ACT, college, and life in general.  This is not kindergarten!  Make sure you manage your time and meet your deadlines!