English 9
2020 Syllabus
2020 Syllabus
Welcome to Ninth Grade English! As we work our way through our study of the standards and elements that make up an English class, we will be exploring various literary genres such as short stories, drama, poetry, and novels. We will also study and apply the use of correct grammar and conventions as well as MLA formatting. During the course, we will complete research and artistic projects as well as completing assessments, homework, and classwork in order to assess learning.
Please sign up for REMIND for class announcements and notes for parents/guardians and students. To join the class Remind. 1st, 2nd, and 7th period: text mhenson9h to 81010. 5th Period: text mhenson9 to 81010.
As we work together this year, please keep the following information in mind:
BEHAVIOR:
STUDENT WORK/GRADING:
PARENT PARTICIPATION/HELP (Thank you!)
CLASS RULES
BE PRESENT AND ON TIME. You must be in the room when the bell rings.
BE PREPARED. Have paper, blue or black pen, pencil, books, assignments.
BE RESPECTFUL. Listen to your teachers and to each other. Speak kindly.
BE ATTENTIVE. Listen to directions and keep up with the class.
BE ORGANIZED. It is best to have a three-ring binder with loose leaf paper.
BE RESPONSIBLE. Have work ready on time. DO NOT cheat. DO NOT plagiarize.
Refer to the back of this sheet for information about cheating/plagiarism.
BE INVOLVED. You need to participate in class discussions and activities.
BE ON TASK. Only use electronic devices when given permission.
BE CLEAN. Water is the only food or drink allowed. Don’t leave messes behind.
BE NEAT. Write neatly and turn in neat papers that look the best you can make them.
Please sign up for REMIND for class announcements and notes for parents/guardians and students. To join the class Remind. 1st, 2nd, and 7th period: text mhenson9h to 81010. 5th Period: text mhenson9 to 81010.
As we work together this year, please keep the following information in mind:
BEHAVIOR:
- All students are expected to follow the Murray Schools Handbook protocols and behaviors as well as the posted rules and verbal expectations of the classroom.
- Students should be in the classroom and seated when the bell rings. Otherwise, students will be tardy.
- Students should be prepared when they come to class. Every student should have paper, blue or black pens, pencils, highlighters, and assignments every day. It is the student’s responsibility to be sure he or she has necessary materials and is ready to work.
- Students are only allowed to eat in the classroom if all trash is cleaned up before leaving the classroom. The first time trash of any kind is left behind, the class will no longer be allowed to have any food, candy, or drink other than water.
- Students receive restroom passes to use as they need at the beginning of the semester. Students should use these wisely and not waste them. A student may not leave the classroom without a pass. If a student loses or uses all of his or her passes, the student must remain in the classroom. Students are not allowed to leave the classroom during the first or last ten minutes of class.
- The class textbook is Elements of Literature, Third Course. We have enough textbooks for a classroom set, so books will not be allowed to go home with students unless they are signed out with the teacher and returned the NEXT day. Textbooks are very expensive and must last for many years. Should they be lost or not returned, students will be charged a fee to replace the book.
STUDENT WORK/GRADING:
- Students must turn in work at the assigned time. Late work loses 10 points each day it is late. After five school days, late work will not be accepted and a grade of zero will remain in the grade book.
- If a student is absent and work was due on the day of the absence, the work is due on the day the student returns to class.
- Students have three days to get make up assignments from the teacher. Make up work will be placed in the storage rack on the door in the back of the classroom. If a student is absent, he or she should check Google Classroom and the storage rack for make up work. Assignments are due within five days of being picked up. If the student does not ask for the make up work within three days, no assignments will be given. If work is not turned in within the five days provided to complete it, the student will receive a zero for the missing work.
- Missed tests and quizzes should be made up the day a student returns from an absence. Make up tests and quizzes need to be completed after school.
- Students are expected to complete original work. Those who intentionally or unintentionally plagiarize, copy, or share any portion of their work will receive a grade of zero. Plagiarism is cheating, and the rule for plagiarism applies to ALL assignments, not just essays. Do not share your work with other students, or you might not receive credit for the work you originally completed on your own. If a student plagiarizes, parents will be called and a notation explaining the zero grade(s) will be placed in Infinite Campus.
- This class does have an End of Course assessment from the state. Therefore, students should keep ALL work completed in class in order to prepare for the 9th Grade Lit. & Comp. EOC. The EOC counts as 20% of a student’s overall average and is prepared by the state, not the teacher.
- Your semester grade will be broken down into the following categories and percentages: Tests, Essays, Projects = 40% Daily Grades, Homework, Journaling = 30% Final Exam = 10% (unless exempt) Milestone Exam = 20%
- Modern Language Association (MLA) formatting is required on every document — typed or otherwise. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in a minimum 20 point deduction. It is highly recommended that students purchase the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers: 8th edition because it will be extremely valuable to them throughout their high school careers. Students may also refer to the following websites: https://style.mla.org/ and https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/. Every year students will be required to produce various writing products that will be formatted in MLA style.
- Extra credit may be assigned to students who have completed regular assignments and need additional opportunity to earn points to help his/her average.
PARENT PARTICIPATION/HELP (Thank you!)
- Parents should regularly check Infinite Campus in order to be aware of their student’s performance and progress.
- Parents should regularly contact Mrs. Henson with any questions, concerns, or necessary information about their student. The best way to contact Mrs. Henson is via email.
- One goal for the school year is to raise each student’s lexile level (see information sheet). Please help your child remember to read at least 30 minutes each night.
CLASS RULES
BE PRESENT AND ON TIME. You must be in the room when the bell rings.
BE PREPARED. Have paper, blue or black pen, pencil, books, assignments.
BE RESPECTFUL. Listen to your teachers and to each other. Speak kindly.
BE ATTENTIVE. Listen to directions and keep up with the class.
BE ORGANIZED. It is best to have a three-ring binder with loose leaf paper.
BE RESPONSIBLE. Have work ready on time. DO NOT cheat. DO NOT plagiarize.
Refer to the back of this sheet for information about cheating/plagiarism.
BE INVOLVED. You need to participate in class discussions and activities.
BE ON TASK. Only use electronic devices when given permission.
BE CLEAN. Water is the only food or drink allowed. Don’t leave messes behind.
BE NEAT. Write neatly and turn in neat papers that look the best you can make them.