English II

Tina Davis

2009-2010

 

English II is a course meant to develop writing and reading skills. We will be working with a variety of genres and looking at literature from a number of angles. We will also focus on grammar, vocabulary and the End of Instruction (EOI) exam. Students will be expected to read and write often. This is needed to practice strategies for the development of their writing.

 

It is extremely important for students to learn to become readers outside of the classroom. To encourage this, an ongoing activity for this class is independent reading. Students will periodically read a book of their own choosing and respond to it with a variety of assignments.

 

English II students will:

• Trace the development of Literature.
• Read novels and complete a book report for each one.
• Write multiple paragraph essays.
• Improve their writing skills by keeping a daily journal.
• Review the writing process, grammar, mechanics, and usage rules of the English language.
• Learn to communicate effectively in both written and oral formats.

 

Bring to class:

• Notebook paper, pen or pencil (blue or black ink only. I will not accept work written in another color. First time, the paper will be returned to rewrite; each time afterward, you will receive a ZERO.) L
• Textbook
• Journal Notebook
• Homework
• Library Book

You must have all of your materials needed for each day. If you are lacking your materials, you will be considered tardy and have to get a tardy slip from the office.

Journal Guidelines:

Each student will be expected to keep a journal daily. Your journal will be worth 5 points a day. It is very important to keep up with it. These points add up quickly. A journal is NOT a diary. A diary is a personal account of what happened in one’s life. A journal is a public account and records what you think and feel about certain topics, world events, and thoughts.

 

Format- Your journal must be kept in a notebook that has at least 100 pages. DO NOT keep any other work in the journal! You will begin writing in your journal on Monday, August 24^th, 2009. You will write in your journal almost everyday. It is your responsibility to bring your journal to class everyday. If you are lacking any of your materials, you are tardy and will have to get an admit to class. This includes not having your journal.

 

Assignments- A topic will be written on the board or read aloud to the class, if you choose to write about another topic please make sure it is appropriate and remember: THIS IS NOT A DIARY!

 

Grading- Your journal will be collected and graded every Friday. Each entry will receive either 5 points or a ZERO. I will not give partial credit. It will not be graded for grammar, spelling, usage, or punctuation. It is about content. It must however be two full paragraphs, which means for this assignment seven COMPLETE sentences per paragraph. It must have the date at the beginning of each entry and be in your notebook to receive credit. I will not give credit to any entries that contain inappropriate language or subject matter. Journals have the same rules as other assignments: if they are late, incomplete, or written in something besides blue/black ink or pencil, you will not receive credit.

 

 

Assignments:

 

Assignments are due on their due dates. (OBVIOUSLY) Any assignment turned in late will receive ZERO credit. Students MUST fill out a “Homework Excuse Note” each and every time they fail to turn in an assignment. Please have it filled out before the bell rings.

 

Absences:

 

We will follow the handbook in regards to assignments missed during absences. In the spirit of encouraging individual responsibility: IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO GET MISSED WORK AS SOON AS YOU RETURN FROM YOUR ABSENCE!

 

It will USUALLY be posted on my website which is accessible from www.ketchumwarriors.com or you may go there directly www.teacherweb.com/ok/ketchumwarriors/spanish .

 

 

Cheating:

 

Unfortunately, cheating happens. If you are caught cheating, you and the person or persons involved will all receive a ZERO on the assignment. Cheating is taking someone’s work and passing it off as your own. This includes using a translator, online or otherwise. Giving someone your work to be copied is also cheating. This rule applies to all assignments and to all students.

 

 

Procedures will be given for:

 

Headings for papers- Assignments are to have your Name, Hour, Date, and Name of Assignment in the top right hand corner of the page.

 

Sharpening pencils- This should be done at the beginning of the hour. Please have an extra pencil available so that you do not have to ask for permission during lecture times. I often have pencils that you may purchase for 25¢.

 

Turning in papers- Homework will be taken up at the beginning of the class period. If you do not have your homework ready to turn in, you will be required to turn in a Homework Excuse Note.

 

Greeters- A greeter will be selected to answer the door when someone knocks. Greeters should say, “Welcome to Ms. Davis’ classroom. How may I help you?” This is one of the practices of Great Expectations that I feel will be useful for all of my students in the future.

 

Throwing away trash- Walk to the trash can to throw it away. If you choose to shoot your paper at the trash can and miss, you will be expected to either write fifteen paragraphs or do fifteen pushups. You get to pick which one and it must be done the day of the incident, otherwise you get to spend time in detention. UGH! That doesn’t sound fun at all. So… walk to the trash can and throw away your trash. J

 

Bathroom visits or time out of class- Let’s face it. Sometimes, you can’t wait. It’s called being human. I get that. So, just to make sure that you aren’t abusing the privilege, you will get to write paragraphs or do pushups. (It’s usually 10 paragraphs or pushups per minute outside of the classroom.) I know. It stinks. But, it’s a way for you to take care of your physical needs without getting into trouble or serving detention. J

 

Bell-ringer activities- Do them. They will be on the Smart Board or listed on the white board.

 

Emergency drills (fire, tornado, and etc.)- Will be given the first week of school.

 

Study time- Use it. Vocabulary is going to be very important. When there is “nothing else” to do, you can ALWAYS study your vocabulary. Bring a library book to read if you are caught up in all of your classes. You DO NOT have the right to disturb other students who are working.

 

When you have been absent- Please get notes and makeup work from another student or from me. Please ask any questions that you may have on the day that you return from your absence.

 

Tardies- Grrrrrrrrrrrr! You are expected to be in your seat with your homework and all necessary materials when the bell rings. Otherwise, you will be tardy and have to get a slip from the office.

 

What to do when you need help- Raise your hand. If you are shy, you may come and speak to me quietly. If you aren’t ‘getting it’, I’ll bet that someone else in the class isn’t either. ASK! Help yourself and someone else out at the same time.

 

Upkeep of graded papers- You need to keep EVERY assignment I give back to you in a folder, which I will provide. This is for your benefit in case I do not have a grade for you on a certain assignment. Also, you will receive a grade for your folder at the end of each semester. These folders will remain in the classroom at all times.

 

Grading scale- You will be graded on earned points out of possible points. Some items will be worth much more than others. It is EXTREMELY important that you complete all items assigned. If the possible points for your hour are 2950 points and you have earned 2670 points, you will divide 2670 by 2950. This is your average. 2670/2950=.905 (To me, this would be 91 percent.)  

 

Seating arrangement- I will put you where I feel that you can do your best in this class. I want all of you to do well. If you have questions about your assigned seat, please see me before or after class. If you have special needs, you must let me know.

 

Testing- Use of any material besides that which is in your own mind during a test constitutes cheating and you will receive a ZERO. Talking during a test, without express permission from me, will also earn you a ZERO. L Don’t do it, please.

 

Different procedures work with different people. If I see that a particular procedure isn’t working to the benefit of our classroom, then I will take it into consideration to change that particular procedure.

 

Classroom Rules:

 

1. Be in your assigned seat and ready to work when the bell rings.
2. Bring required books and materials to class, unless told otherwise by the teacher.
3. Listen and stay seated when someone is speaking.
4. Follow directions the first time they are given.
5. Turn assignments in on time.
6. Treat everyone and their property respectfully.
7. Observe all rules in the student handbook.

 

If the offense is serious enough, the student will be sent directly to the office.

 

Parents/Guardians: Please feel free to contact me at school or by email. (918-782-4481 or tinahawes@yahoo.com ) I teach because I like it and I like young people. I am here because I want your child to do well. Students will be expected to fill out an information sheet so that I may contact you, should the need arise. Please look over the information on the sheet to make sure that it is correct and sign it. You may also sign up for Updates/Newsflashes in the form of emails or cell text messages on my website: www.teacherweb.com/ok/ketchumwarriors/spanish .

 

Thank you,

Tina Davis