HONORS ENGLISH 9

Class Introduction:

Course Outline: Honors English 1

Course Objective: Students will become confident and capable thinkers through a combination of small and large group activities and individual study. A focus on world literature, speech, writing conventions, expository and creative writing will prepare students to succeed in future English courses.

Materials: Students need to be prepared daily with paper, pen/pencil and any book or reading assigned. A single large three-ring binder to organize and save all handouts and assignments is recommended for all students. (I suggest students have a combined binder for history and English). Students may also want to acquire a set of multi-color highlighters for annotating readings.

Attendance: Each day in class is valuable in attaining and maintaining excellence in English. This course has many interactive components, and these are quite difficult to recreate or replace for an absent student. Please take school attendance into consideration when scheduling appointments and/or travel. Please make appropriate contacts within the class when you are absent.

Grading: Grades are computed on the basis of total points for the semester. Each assignment will be given points according to its difficulty and importance. All points are added together, divided by total points, and given a percentage according to the following scale:
90 - 100% = A
80 - 89% = B
70 - 79% = C
60 - 69% = D
0 - 59% = F
Grades will not be rounded up. A 79.9% is a C+ not a B-.

Late Work: Work is accepted for full credit only at the time it is collected. The student can turn in completed late assignments up until one week before the end of each quarter for half credit. Work from 1st quarter cannot be made up during 2nd quarter (3rd cannot be made up 4th quarter). Students will receive two late passes per semester. The late pass allows students to turn in one completed assignment up to one week late and still receive full credit. The pass cannot be used on tests, large projects (when designated) or speeches. If a student loses his/her passes, they will not be replaced.

Extra Credit: Extra credit is generally only given for class work that shows extra effort and stretches a student's abilities. Individual extra credit work or projects will not be given. Students may only receive extra credit or bonus points providing that the student has ABSOLUTELY NO MISSING ASSIGNMENTS for the entire SEMESTER. This includes the extra credit available from the four bathroom passes that will be handed out each semester.
Extra Credit is to enhance a grade not to make up for what you did not do.

Make-up Work: As according to school policy, students have one day for every day absent, up to five days, for making up work. If you have unexpected absences, e-mail me and I will try to arrange a way to get you your missed assignments. . If a paper/project is assigned when you are present, and then you are absent on the day it is due, you must turn it in immediately upon your return. If you are in school at any time on the day an assignment is due (even if you are excused from your classes), turn in your assignment before you leave school. Students are expected to check the assignment calendar and folder before approaching the teacher about the homework. If further clarification is needed, please make sure to talk to Ms. Armstrong after class/school or talk to a fellow student. I am also available at the beginning of lunch to answer questions. It is the student�s responsibility to get make-up work for the days missed. Missed tests can be made up at the teacher�s convenience (before or after school or during lunch). Please schedule a time with the teacher to make up tests. Students have one week from the original test date to make-up any missed tests. Make-up work/late work will be accepted until one week before the end of the quarter/semester.

**If your printer cartridge runs out, e-mail the paper to me or bring it in on a cd/thumb drive. If all else fails, handwrite your paper in ink. There is no excuse for not having your work. **Except for emergencies, you must turn in a hard copy of the paper.** DO NOT EXPECT ME TO PRINT OFF YOUR WORK!

We can have fun and academic success when everyone follows these few simple rules:

1. FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS/RULES. This includes those given by me, administrators, staff and substitute teachers. Please ask for help on something you don't understand. I won't do your work for you, but we're in this together. Read, reread, and read the instructions again! I will do my best to be clear and concise, but you must PAY ATTENTION and make sure to ask questions.

2. PROMPTNESS. Tardies and detentions will be assigned according to school policy. At the beginning of each semester you will receive four bathroom/locker passes to be used at your discretion. Each bathroom pass that you do not use may be turned in at the end of each semester for 5 extra credit points.

3. ALLOW STUDENTS TO LEARN AND TEACHERS TO TEACH. Respect is first and foremost. No name-calling or insults will be tolerated. I'll treat you with respect and consideration and it's expected that you will treat peers and adults in a courteous and respectful manner.

4. KEEP THE CLASSROOM (and desks) CLEAN. Before leaving class check your area. Pick up paper and return desks to original place unless otherwise instructed. Writing and drawing on the desks is vandalism, so resist the urge and just use some paper. Throw gum and trash in the trash can. Any art supplies, games, books used during class are to be returned to their original location. Leave things a little nicer than you found them. Food and drink are allowed unless they become an issue, after which they will not be allowed.

5. ELECTRONIC DEVICES. The use of cell phones and other electronic devices, such as laptops, Kindles/Nooks, MP3/ipods, etc, is ONLY ALLOWED WITH TEACHER PERMISSION. Phones need to be put away during class, such as in a purse or backpack, and all backpacks and purses must be placed on the floor under your desk. If I see the use of a cell phone for non-academic work, I will confiscate it. In class cell phone use for non-academic purposes is a sign of disrespect and a lack of dedication to this class. Students may listen to music during individual independent work times. No sharing will be allowed. Volume must not disturb the rest of the class.

6. ETHICAL BEHAVIOR. Do your own work. Work that has been copied from others or plagiarized will not be accepted. Plagiarized assignments and cheating on tests will result in a failing grade for that test/assignment, parental contact and compliance with ASD policy.