Syllabus

** 9th Grade English ** **// “Finding Your Voice” //** ** Syllabus **  ** Ms Beck **
 * **Addendum to my Syllabus! ** In regards to the use of iPad's in my classroom: If you are going to use this new learning tool during class, it must be flat on the desk and not propped up in any way so the screen is visible.


 * __Course Rationale__**

This year in 9th grade English we will explore the importance of making choices and the ramifications of those choices. This full-year course emphasizes literary appreciation as well as the reading, writing, oral communication and thinking skills that students need for success in school and in their daily lives. This is achieved through the study of a balanced selection of poetry, novels, essays, short fiction and drama. There is a significant emphasis on writing. Classroom discussion and oral presentations will foster speaking and listening skills. This survey course serves as a foundation for all future studies in English.

I have many exciting things planned for you. It is my hope that during the year you grow as individuals and as a group. Furthermore, I hope that I can help each one of you “find your voice”. Today we begin this journey….

Students will be able to:
 * __Course Objectives__**


 * Analyze, reflect, and make connections to the broader world.
 * Read novels individually and examine the novels for content and meaning.
 * Express their ideas orally and through writing.
 * Learn the foundations of good writing.
 * Develop and construct a thesis statement using textual support.
 * Express their thoughts through different mediums.


 * __Course Requirements and Policies:__ (See last page for more specific classroom rules.)**

3. Bring all of your materials to class everyday! 4. Come prepared to learn!!!!
 * 1) Respect yourself and others
 * 2) Arrive on time…I mean on time…
 * We do “stuff” in the first 5 minutes of class, often for points and, if you are late, you cannot participate in the “stuff.” If the class is taking a quiz and you walk in late, you will NOT get extra time to complete it.
 * __ Attendance Policy from 2011-2012 Student Handbook __**
 * The FJA Student Handbook states, “Absences exceeding eight per semester will result in the reduction of one half grade (i.e. A- to B+). In P/F classes absences exceeding eight per semester will result in a failing grade. Prolonged absences due to exceptional circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Deans. Every three tardies accumulated within a semester will be considered an absence. To avoid being considered absent, students arriving late for any class are required to receive a pass from the front desk. Students arriving later than 10 minutes from the start of class will be considered absent.”
 * When students are absent it is their responsibility to make up the material they missed. When absent, students should consult the unit calendar and their online classroom to determine what they missed. Students have as many days as they were absent to make up their missing work.
 * There is a locked door policy. When the bell rings the classroom door will be shut and locked. Students who are tardy must go to the front desk and get a tardy pass and then wait at the door until the teacher is ready to let them in. Students will not be admitted not be into the classroom without a tardy pass.


 * __ Cheating & Plagiarism from the 2011-2012 Student Handbook __**
 * The Frankel Jewish Academy is dedicated to the highest moral and ethical standards. Students plagiarizing or cheating will automatically receive a failing grade for that assessment and are subject to further disciplinary action as determined by the administration. Violations invite progressive discipline.
 * Consequences for Cheating and Plagiarism are:
 * ** First offense: ** Student will redo the assignment for credit to be determined by the teacher and the Dean.
 * ** Second offense: ** Student will receive a zero for the assignment and will be required to redo the assignment for no credit. Student will be placed on probation.
 * ** Third offense: ** The student will receive a suspension of at least one day up to expulsion.
 * This policy includes, but is not limited to, class work, homework, and formal assessments. All students involved in cheating will be penalized. Cheating can be defined as any act of academic dishonesty such as copying assignments, plagiarism, talking or using unauthorized materials during a test.
 * Please see the following website for details about the definition of plagiarism: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/589/03/


 * __iPads__**
 * The use of iPads in the classroom is a privilege and not a right and must be used in accordance with the school’s acceptable use policy. iPads may only be used with the teacher’s permission otherwise the device must be turned off and stowed away. On days when the iPads are being used in class, it is the student’s responsibility to make sure that the iPad is charged and operational. Students who forget to charge or bring their iPad to class will lose participation points for that day. Students who violate the acceptable use policy will be subject to the progressive discipline policy as stated in the 2011-2012 student handbook.
 * Frankel Jewish Acceptable Use Policy http://www.frankelja.org/pdfs/Summer/Acceptable%20Use%20Policy.pdf

The FJA Student Handbooks states, “The use of cell phones in school will be allowed as follows: Before or after school hours, during lunchtime, and during passing time. Students are encouraged to secure their cell phones in their lockers during class time. Students are not permitted to use cell phones during class time. Use is defined as a cell phone that is out, a cell phone that is on, a cell phone that rings or makes an audible noise or vibration, or a cell phone that causes any type of classroom disturbance. Prohibition during class time includes times when students may be out of the classroom itself (e.g. retrieving items from a locker, getting a drink, going to the restroom, etc.) Class time includes minyan, Town Hall, study hall and PAL. A teacher may allow a student to use a cell phone during class time to fulfill a specific educational purpose. Students may not use a cell phone in any area where other students or staff have a reasonable expectation of privacy. This would include restrooms and locker rooms. Students who violate the cell phone policy invite progressive discipline.”
 * __CELL PHONES from 2011-2012 Student Handbook__**


 * __Course Materials and Units:__**
 * 1) Paper / Notebook
 * 2) 3 Ring Binder / Dividers
 * 3) Pens, pencils
 * 4) Highlighters
 * 5) iPad à THIS MUST BE CHARGED AND READY TO GO AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH CLASS!

__Dead Poets Society__- R. Kleinbaum __Animal Farm__- G. Orwell //Romeo and Juliet//- W. Shakespeare __A Yellow Raft in Blue Water__- M. Dorris Greek Mythology / __Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone__ J.K. Rowling Independent Novel Study (1/semester) Grammar/Vocabulary **__Grading/Assessment:__** **The following forms of assessment will be used throughout the course to comprise the assignments portion of the grade:** **-** Formal essays - Regular homework and class work - Tests and quizzes - Projects - Oral presentations - Participation **__Semester Grade Distribution__** 60% Assignments 20% INS 20% Exam - Late work will lose 10% per day for a maximum of three school days. **After three days, the assignment will receive NO credit.** - If you are absent, you will have the number of days you were out to make up the assignment for full credit. For example, if you were absent for two days, you will have two days to complete the work. After that the work will be considered late. - It is **your** responsibility to check the Online Classroom or with me about any missing assignments. - If you have questions regarding grading, missing assignments, or any other related issues, please come to see me in private. Please do not ask me questions regarding your grade during class.
 * //Late Work://**

If you would like to meet with me, I am available to meet with you before school, at lunch, or on my free hours. I am not available after school; however, if we cannot find a time to meet during the day, please see me first and we will arrange a time.
 * __Contact Information:__**

Email is the best and easiest way to get a hold of me; my email address is kbeck@frankelja.org.

I am looking forward to a GREAT year! Here we go again!