E-mail - rhaas@guhsd.net or rlhaas24@yahoo.com Phone # -
English Class Syllabus
West Hills High School
Mr. Haas
Welcome to your English class for the 2008-2009 school year. You will be engaging in an exciting and challenging year ahead in which we will study a variety of literary works, explore different methods of written and verbal communication, and hone basic language arts skills.
Listed below are guidelines of my expectations of you. I believe these expectations will allow you to do your best in your ability to learn, behave appropriately, and be successful in this class.
I. Classroom Expectations:
1. RESPECT the teacher, your classmates, and yourself! The most important rule in my classroom.
2. Always come to class prepared:
· A two inch or larger three ring binder or a folder dedicated to this class. (You will be expected to keep all class work, handouts, and assignments in binder.)
· A spiral notebook dedicated entirely to journal writing. (Must have by Monday, August 25th)
· Paper, not from a spiral.
· Blue or black ink pens, highlighters, and pencils. You will be required to do work in ink.
· Your class novel or reading material giving to you by the teacher.
3. Be in your seat, quiet, and ready to work when the tardy bell rings. This will most likely mean having your journal out, ready to write or a book out, ready to read.
4. Contribute to making a great classroom environment by participating, being positive, and taking pride in your work!
5. The GUHSD and West Hills High School student behavior code will be observed.
II. Appropriate Classroom Behavior:
1. No putdowns or disrespect towards other students or the teacher.
2. No foul or inappropriate language. English is a beautiful language; try to use more than seven words.
3. No talking during teacher instruction or any other quiet activity. If I want to hear your voice, I’ll be sure to let you know. There will be many opportunities for you to express your thoughts and feelings.
4. No personal grooming during class. This includes applying lotion, make-up, hairspray, nail polish, or deodorant (unless of course I ask you to). No combing, brushing or styling hair, filing or cutting nails etc. Trust me, you’re stunning and need not waste time with any of these activities.
5. No physical contact during class. This includes hitting, poking, slapping, arm wrestling, massages, kicking or any other ridiculous activity that you can imagine.
6. NO CELL PHONES! Keep them out of sight and the ringer off. I don’t care how sneaky you think you are when you hide your phone in your lap and text in class. It annoys me and I will take your phone.
7. No Food or Drink. Other than bottled water, I do not want you to have out any food or drink.
Consequences:
1. Verbal Warning
2. Rewriting this entire syllabus
3. Detention after school. I teach 7th period, so you will be expected to stay after 2:45 to begin.
4. Phone call home
5. Referral to the Vice Principal’s office
6. Parent conferences
These consequences will be handed out by me at my discretion. Make it easy on all of us and just follow the rules.
III. WORK AND MAKE-UP POLICY
1. Homework and essays will be accepted late, but points will be deducted. If you have an insurmountable problem, you need to let me know before an assignment is due, not after.
2. You may only make-up work you miss due to an EXCUSED absence.
3. If you are absent the day an assignment is given, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed and make it up. It is wise to have the phone number or e-mail address of another student in class so you can contact them with questions.
4. If you are absent the day an assignment is due, it is your responsibility to turn it in the day you return. This can only be done if the absence is excused.
5. PARTIAL DAY ABSENCES: If you are on a field trip, go to the nurse’s office, or leave campus for an appointment which results in missing this class, you MUST turn in any assignments which were due BEFORE you leave. Otherwise, it will be considered late the day you return. I’m a big target and you’ll have no problem finding me.
6. You must notify me in advance when you intend to make-up a test of quiz. Please note that after-school jobs and athletic commitments will need to be scheduled accordingly.
7. THERE IS NO EXTRA CREDIT WORK. You must complete the required work to earn your grade. (INSTEAD OF credit is not an option.) This is a policy for EVERY English class on campus.
8. Typed work must be submitted in grade-ready form; in other words, disks will not be accepted as the final draft, nor will they be considered “on time”. Computer or printer failure is not an excuse for late work---plan ahead! You may e-mail an essay before the class period when the essay is due, however I will still need a hard copy for grading purposes.
IV. GRADES
Academic grades are cumulative each semester; for example your work in September will affect your grade in January. Grades are weighted as follows:
ESSAYS 50%
LIT. TESTS AND QUIZZES 30%
HOMEWORK, CLASSWORK, OTHER 20%
***This means that an essay that is not turned in will result in a failing grade in class.
Conduct grades are based on the following categories:
Participation, Courtesy, Attitude, Responsibility and Materials.
The grading scale is as follows:
100-90% = A
89-80% = B
79-70% = C
69-60% = D
59-0% = F
Keep this information in your binder at all times so that you may reference it when necessary. I encourage you to ask questions and communicate with me as much as possible. I always respond to e-mails and you are welcome to contact me that way. rlhaas24@yahoo.com or rhaas@guhsd.net
Share this information with your parent or legal guardian so that they will be familiar with the expectations for this class. Sign and return by ____________. I look forward to a challenging and exciting year of learning together.
I HAVE READ, UNDERSTAND AND AGREE WITH THE EXPECTATIONS FOR THIS CLASS.
**Parents, the absolute easiest way to contact me is through e-mail. It is much easier for me to give you a detailed and informed response over e-mail. Please write down my e-mail address (either rhaas@guhsd.net or rlhaas24@yahoo.com).
Student Name (print) ____________________________________ Date __________________
Signature of Student _____________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name (print) ______________________________________________________
Signature of Parent/Guardian _______________________________________________________
Parent e-mail address _____________________________________________________________
Daytime Phone # ________________________ Evening Phone # __________________________
(Please use the bottom or back of this form to provide me with any information I should know about your student or any other comments. Thank You.)