CLASS SYLLABUS
1. Writing and Grammar. Students will write daily either in or out of class, establish portfolios; and focus on correct spelling and grammar usage through editing practice.
2. Reading and Literature. Students will read selections from the assigned text, at least two novels each nine weeks by various authors, and current readings from newspapers and magazines.
3. Speech/Communications. Students will practice public speaking skills, interviewing techniques, listening skills, and small group discussions.
4. Vocabulary development. Students will explore written works to discover new words and complete exercises to expand their working vocabularies.

Philosophy on Discipline: Behavior which prevents students from learning or me from teaching will not be tolerated.

CLASS RULES
1. Think BEFORE you speak. Bad language and bad manners are not acceptable behavior.
2. Come to class with all your materials and ALL WORK DONE. Required each day will be the currently assigned text, pencil, pen, and paper, plus a notebook for homework assignments.
3. Be IN your assigned seat ready to work when the bell rings. Each three tardies equal one unexcused absence which equals one percent off your grade. Detention will be assigned to those who are constantly tardy.
4. Respect others, including their property.
5. Follow directions the FIRST time they are given.

CONSEQUENCES FOR BREAKING RULES
1. First time student breaks a rule = Warning.
2. Second time student breaks a rule = Parents called + One Detention.
3. Third time student breaks a rule = Parents called + Two Detentions
4. Fourth Time student breaks a rule = Interaction with the Vice Principal + Suspension + Parents called.
SEVERE CLAUSE (Fighting, Swearing, Etc.) Removal from class + Sent to Vice Principal + Parents called + Suspension

ALL CONSEQUENCES ARE CUMULATIVE. STUDENTS WHO CONTINUALLY BREAK RULES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGES TO THE ABOVE.
Example-Students who continually come to class with homework not completed or who are below 60% will be required to attend a 7th period study hall from 3:05 until their homework is done or 4:00. This "7th period" will be Monday through Thursday until that student can prove that they've become responsible enough to do their work without supervision.

GRADING PROCEDURES FOR ACADEMIC CLASSES
1. DAILY WORK - 60% A. Written assignments
B. Book Reports (written and oral)
C. Projects
D. Class Discussion / Participation
E. Quizzes
F. Speeches

2. TESTS - 30% A. Chapter or Unit Tests
B. Nine Weeks or Semester Tests

3. BEHAVIOR - 10% The deciding factor on borderline grades; based on effort, attitude, cooperation and adherence to rules.

Each quarter carries equal weight and will be averaged on a 50/50% basis. Quarter and semester grades will be determined by the total number of points earned out of the total possible POINTS.

LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE PENALIZED 10% PER DAY AND WILL BE DONE AFTER SCHOOL ON THE DAY THEY ARE LATE. STUDENTS WILL HAVE TWO DAYS FOR EACH EXCUSED DAY TO MAKE UP MISSING WORK.

GRADING SCALE
A-90%-100%
B-80%-89%
C-70%-79%
D-60%-69%
F-BELOW 60%

COURSE OUTLINE and OBJECTIVES
1. The students will learn and experiment with various writing and editing techniques.
2. The student will identify, interpret and critique various forms of literature.
3. The student will explore how literature reflects a common humanity.
4. The student will read, write, listen and speak about literature.
5. The student will work toward proficient and effective use of grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
ASSESSMENT
1. Students will demonstrate mastery of the objectives through writing and speaking assignments that will be assessed by a rubric on an analytical scale.
2. Students will take objective tests to demonstrate application of skills.
3. Students will maintain class portfolios to demonstrate progression of skills and to showcase their work.
4. Students will have the opportunity to earn points daily.

HOMEWORK POLICIES FOR ENGLISH 1

To the family of ______________________________

Why I assign homework:
I believe homework is important because it is a valuable aid in helping students make the most of their experience in school. I give homework because it reinforces what has been taught in class, prepares students for upcoming lessons, and helps students develop self-discipline, responsibility and organizational skills. During my 22 years of teaching, it has been my observation that students who do their homework have few problems completing high school. Because homework is so important to success, I have developed the following policies for my classes.

When homework will be assigned:
Homework is normally assigned Monday through Thursday nights and should take no more than one hour to complete (not including long-range projects or studying for tests). Most homework assignments will involve reading, completing related exercises and writing assignments of various types.

Student's homework responsibilities:
1. All assignments will be completed.
2. Students are responsible for making up homework due to absence.
3. Homework will be turned in on time.
4. Students work will be neatly done.

Consequences for students who do not do their work:
1. Students will be requested to complete homework after school. (ACT)
2. Students will be penalized 10 % daily for missing work.
3. Parents may be asked to sign completed homework each night.
4. Students will fail this course.

Parent's homework responsibilities:
Parents are the key to making school a positive, successful experience for their children. Therefore, I ask that you make homework a top priority. Please provide necessary supplies, a quiet homework environment, praise and support. Please contact me if you notice a problem. If there is a legitimate reason why a student was unable to finish homework, please send a signed note on the day the homework is due stating the reason it was not completed.

Teacher's homework responsibilities:
I will check and grade all homework and keep a record of all assignments. Because I strongly believe in the value positive support plays in motivating students to have good study habits, I will also give students praise and other incentives when they do their work.

I am looking forward to an exciting, productive and successful year in school. Please do not hesitate to contact me at 443-5201 or dhomelvig@nomeschools.com if you have any questions regarding this homework policy or any other matter.

Please read and discuss this homework policy and the class guidelines with your child. Then sign the next page of this letter and have your child return it to school. (It is the first assignment for this class.)
Sincerely,

Dudley Homelvig

443-5201
dhomelvig@nomeschools.com

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Detach Here ------------------------------------------------------------------
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HomeWork Assignment-1

Student Name _____________________________

English 1

Grade ________

Period _______

Date ________

I have read this homework policy and the class guidelines and have discussed them with my child.

Parent's Signature ___________________________

Telephone Number____________________________

e-mail address _______________________________

Date __________

Student Signature ____________________________

Important Dates

BOOK REPORT DATES
FALL SEMESTER
1. September 20
2. October 11
3. November 2
4. December 6
SPRING SEMESTER
1. February 7
2. March 1
3. March 28
4. May 2

Important Dates
Fall Semester
Quarter 1 August 29-October 28
Quarter 2 October 31-January 13
Parent-Teacher Conferences November 10/11
Spring Semester
Quarter 3 January 16-March 10
Quarter 4 March 20-May 26
Parent-Teacher Conferences March 27