Textbook: Elements of Literature Third Course and Elements of Writing

Summary of Course: English 9 assists students in the mastery of both the three point essay and single paragraph answer (short essay) to specific questions. Students will also learn how to incorporate evidence and cite sources while writing a research paper.

Materials needed: pens, pencils, notebook paper, 1 1/2 inch binder, dividers, sticky pads, highlighters in two different colors, index cards for vocabulary words,and either kleenex or antibacterial wipes.

Grading procedures: Quizzes, homework and daily assignments will be worth between 25- 50 points.  Essays and papers will be worth 100 points.  Interim Assessments will count for 10 percent of the student’s overall grade.  Work that is turned in one day late will be counted off by 25 percent.  Work turned in two days late will be counted off by 50 percent.  Late work beyond two days will not be accepted.

Make-up Work:
I have a make-up folder in my class in which I record the daily assignments.  It is the student’s responsibility to check the make-up folder after an absence.  According to the handbook, students have one day to make up work if they have missed one day, and two days if they miss two, etc...

Class Rules:

1. I count tardies according to the handbook rules - so be on time. 
2. You must bring your materials to class daily. 
3. I am lenient with bathroom passes, but if you abuse the privilege you will lose it.
4. Show respect to other students and to me at all times.
5. No food in the computer lab.
6. Do not leave trash in the computer lab.

                                           
Novel and Literature Studies:
Mythology by Edith Hamilton
Whirligig by Paul Fleischman
Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
October Sky by Homer Hickam
The Odyssey by Homer

Additional Readings:  Students will also be required to read short stories, non-fiction articles and poetry that accompany the novel/literature studies.

Homework:  Students should expect approximately 3 hours a week of homework associated with this class.

Additional Information:  Mrs. Seale’s English 9 class is taught in a computer lab. Students will have frequent access to the World Wide Web and Web 2.0 tools as they incorporate technology into English lessons to enhance their learning experience, but students will also be expected to abide by additional rules in regards to using the computer lab.

Computer Lab Rules:

1. Students are expected to keep identifying information out of all web postings.
2. Students are not allowed to give out their computer password to anyone.
3. Students are expected to treat web postings as part of our classroom, so appropriate language and subject matter are expected at all times.
4. Students are not to use the computer for personal or social reasons which includes game playing, visiting unapproved websites, watching videos, shopping, social blogging and personal e-mail unrelated to classroom material.
5. Students may not install any software or download anything from a website without permission.
6. Students who do not abide by these terms and conditions will lost their computer privileges and disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with the school handbook.

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Signatures:
Student and Parent Signatures are required.  Please return the portion below to represent that you and your child have read and understood the class syllabus provided for English 9 at Bryant High School.

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