English 11 academic/honors mrs. Cupps/MS. Mason

TUSCARORA HIGH SCHOOL

ENGLISH 11 ACADEMIC/HONORS

MRS. CUPPS/MS. MASON

2011-2012
Welcome to English 11. I am looking forward to teaching and getting to know each of my students. We do have a busy year ahead of us. English 11 surveys American Literature. Students will be expected to read outside of class in preparation for certain class periods. Additionally, we will have the opportunity to practice and improve our writing, grammar, vocabulary, and spelling skills.
COURSE OBJECTIVE: The main goal of this class is to prepare students for the SOL, PSAT, and SAT tests, the language demands of future English classes, and college courses. After reading texts, students will be expected to participate in meaningful discussions regarding the literature, as well as purposeful and analytical writing. Additionally, students will develop informative and persuasive compositions by locating, evaluating, synthesizing, and citing applicable information with careful attention to organization and accuracy.
NOVELS AND PLAYS: This year we will be reading several novels and plays. Students will be provided a copy of the works, but are encouraged to purchase their own for note taking and marking-up a skill often employed in the university setting. We will also be reading various poems, essays, speeches, and short stories.

Other novels we will be reading will be announced well in advance of when you will need them.
TEXT: The Language of Literature: American Literature by McDougal Littell (Yellow)
MATERIALS: Students will need a three-ring binder with dividers, loose-leaf paper, number 2 pencils, blue or black ink pens, highlighters, student agenda, composition book, flash/jump drive, and 3x5 index cards. Students will also need to bring the relevant texts and materials with them to every class. Please do not ask to go to your locker; you are expected to be prepared with all materials upon entering class.
CLASS RULES: Show respect for yourself, your classmates, and your instructor. The following rules are for the safety and comfort of the class.

1. 
   Be respectful of everyone and everything in the classroom. (Respect)
   
2. 
   Use absolute honesty in all academic matters. (Integrity)
   
3. 
   Arrive to class on time and ready to work. (Readiness and Responsibility)
   

The use of profanity or making fun will not be tolerated. The students will follow all Tuscarora High School behavioral and dress code policies. An infraction of appropriate classroom behavior may result in a call home, school detention, or referral to the office for disciplinary action. Do not be late to class; it is unprofessional and disruptive to the learning of your classmates. Being late breaks classroom rule 3.

GRADING: Students will earn grades for assignments on a point basis. Possible points earned will depend on the individual assignment. A homework assignment may be worth 30 points, and a formal essay or test may be worth 100 points. Grades will be the result of the total points earned by the student divided by the total points possible. This average will be assigned a letter grade according to the Loudoun County Public School grading scale:

A+ = 98-100 B+ = 87-89 C+ = 77-79 D+ = 67-69

A = 93-97 B = 83-86 C = 73-76 D = 63-66

1. 
   = 90-92 B- = 80-82 C- = 70-72 D- =60-62
   

F = zero-59

TESTS AND QUIZZES: The date and matter of each major test will be announced in advance. Pop quizzes, based on homework reading, will be given at the instructor’s discretion; they are unannounced. All make-up tests and quizzes will be taken during FLEX, before or after school (or by appointment). It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements for makeup work. Students have one week after the test or quiz to make it up. After one week, the student will receive a late grade.
ESSAYS: All papers are to be typed in 12 font, double spaced, and include a cover page. You will receive rubrics for each essay. Any requirements not met will result in a loss of points. All papers are to be submitted on the due date in class, or it will receive a points deduction. The student will continue to receive points deductions for each day, not class period, it is late. If a student is absent on the day an essay is due, he or she may submit the essay early or immediately upon returning to school-even if he or she does not have English class that day. If the student fails to turn it in the day he or she returns to school, he or she will begin receiving the points deduction. Extenuating circumstances will be considered on an individual basis. For example, computers and printers are not to be blamed for late essays.
LATE WORK POLICY:

 If a student is absent, he/she is responsible for getting all notes, activities, and assignments and for completing work in a timely fashion. Generally, make-up work is due within 3 school days of the absence. Special arrangements can be made with the teacher. If a student is absent on the day an assignment is due, he/she should be prepared to turn in that work upon returning to school.

 Late work will be dealt with on an individual basis. Some assignments will not be accepted after the due date; some will be accepted for reduced points. For all late work, students must make arrangements with the teacher.
ABSENTEE POLICY: Good attendance is important for success in this class, so students are expected to arrive to class on time every day. If a student is unable to attend class, it will be his or her responsibility to make up any missed work outside of class time. Projects and outside writing assignments are assigned in advance of their due dates. Students are encouraged to turn in work in a timely manner, and expected to find a classmate to help them stay informed of missed work during their absences. See also Late Work Policy.
CONTACT: Please feel free to speak with me regarding grades, expectations or concerns. I simply ask that students set up an appointment. The school’s phone number is [phone]. I wish each of you the best of luck this year and as you continue as a successful Tuscarora High School student. You may also contact the teachers by email via the school web page.
Student Name __________________________________________________

Student Signature _________________________________________________

Parent Initial __________

This syllabus is to remain in your binder for the duration of the school year.

Check Mrs. Cupps’ page on the school website for information and helpful homework links.