Freshman English

Click here for monthly calendar.

Course description
Ninth grade English focuses on several concepts.  Through the integration of literature, writing, grammar, and vocabulary development, we will explore the themes of maturation, diversity, and the development of compassion, empathy, and respect for others.  Writing assignments will stem from the literature and will include varying modes, with an emphasis on expository, narrative, and imaginative/expressive writing.

Books/Texts we will be using:
Glencoe Literature: The Reader's choice
LO School District Secondary English Handbook
To Kill a Mockingbird- Harper Lee
Cyrano de Bergerac- Edmond Rostand
Romeo and Juliet- William Shakespeare
Night--Elie Wiesel
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian--Sherman Alexie

Plus any 1-2 of the following:
The Secret Life of Bees--Sue Monk Kidd
Cold Sassy Tree--Olive Ann Burns
Montana 1948--Larry Watson
Where the Heart Is--Billie Letts
October Sky--Homer Hickam
House of Scorpion--Nancy Farmer
Speak- Laurie Halse Anderson

***Additional books will also be read throughout the year as a part of independent reading; these books will be selected on an individual basis.

Supplementary Materials:
   1. Three ring binder with pockets of folder for class notes, assignments, and handouts.
   2. Notebook for in-class journals (composition book might work best)
   3. Highlighter, post-it notes, and your daily planner.

Classroom Expectations:
1.  Show respect for your classmates and their property as well as for school property.  I would ask that you be aware of students’ differences in background, gender, religion, and sexual preference.  Please respect those differences.
2.  Come to class each day on time and bring all necessary materials to class.
3.  Homework should be brought to class satisfactorily completed.  Homework will not be accepted late, unless the assignment is worth more than 10 points.  In that case, a letter grade will be subtracted for each day the assignment is late.
4.  Do not eat food or drink anything besides water.  Gum may be chewed as long as it doesn’t create a distraction or mess.
5.  No profanity in the classroom. 

***In addition, all rules and regulations stated in the LOHS Student/Parent Handbook should be followed in the classroom.

Evaluations:
100-90=A   89-80=B   79-70=C   69-60=D   Below 60=F
Each assignment given throughout the quarter is assigned a point value.  At the end of the quarter, the points are totaled and divided by the total number of points possible.  The resulting percentage determines the letter grade for the quarter based on a 10% scale.  Many points will be given throughout the quarter, so you will all have the opportunity to do well.  Grades will be given for the following:
    a. Compositions will receive grades based on established criteria.
    b. Quizzes, tests, and projects will be given regularly over units of study.
    c. Homework and in-class assignments will receive grades.
    d. Reading response journals will receive points for completion.
    e. Active participation in class is expected; points will be given for student participation.
You are all encouraged to keep track of your grades throughout the year, and you will be given an assignment sheet to help with this.  (You will be asked to turn in this assignment sheet at the end of the quarter.) In addition, I will calculate and distribute each student's grade approximately every four weeks.

Schedule for Make-up work:
a.    If you were present on the day of a test/quiz or assignment was announced, you are expected to take the test/quiz or have the assignment completed when you return from an excused absence.
b.    Making up missed work will be permitted only with an excused absence.
c.    It is your responsibility to ask what there is to do and to make the arrangements to do the make-up work when you return from an absence.
d.    The length of an absence will determine the amount of time allowable for make up work. Generally, one day for make-up work will be allowed for each day of absence.
e.    If after the allotted time, you have not accomplished make-up work, you will earn a 0 for the work not completed.

***I am available for help on assignments or additional instruction most days before school, during 1st lunch, and during 2nd period on A Days.  Please remember that I am not available after school for help because I only work 1/2 days.