COMMON UPCHURCHIAN SYLLABUS
Please feel free to contact me at any time by e-mail at: rupchurch@farmington.k12.mo.us
For all things Upchurchian go to: http://goo.gl/RkiOqe
Learning Objectives
ELA II:
1. First Semester: Close Reading, Figurative Language, Literary Elements, Writing, Vocabulary, and Grammar
2. Second Semester: Public Speaking, Research, Close Reading, Writing, Vocabulary, and Grammar
MYTHOLOGY:
1. What is Mythology? 2. Greek and Roman 3. Celtic 4. Norse 5. Egyptian
Required Materials:
1. Writing Utensils: I won’t have one. You will need one (or more…).
2- Notebook: This will be used primarily for journaling and brainstorming purposes.
3. Folder: To keep your stuff in.
4. Internet/Jump-Drive: Not required, but one or the other will be SUPER useful.
5. Yo’ Self: 100% of people who do not come to school do not pass.
Assignments:
My grading is designed around large, objective-linked assignments. Therefore, most of the work we do in class will be preparing you for or working with you on these larger assignments. Due to the size and nature of many of these assignments, this will result in few grades being inputted into the grade-book. Since such an emphasis is placed upon every assignment, failure to complete any one task could have a very serious impact on your success.
Late Work:
I will deduct 10% off all late assignments. Furthermore, it is important to note that no late assignment will be accepted after the last day of each six-week-grading period, unless prior approval has been given by an administrator, due to special circumstances.
IRAs (ELA only):
Each term we will do a term independent reading assignment. In this class, this is HUGE. In general, the layout goes like this:
1. Quiz or Book Talk (5 points)
2. Essay (30 points)
3. Reading Blog (Participation)
Furthermore, each student will be required to read a variety of texts. For each semester, you will need to read one nonfiction, one classic, and one free choice book. For additional information about this assignment, please see the IRA handout.
Bell Ringers:
These are worth one point a day, and cannot be made-up unless you are gone for a school event. These are participation points. Each of you will have approximately 5 “grace-days” per term that will not hurt your grade (less for Mythology, as it is an every-other-day course). Attending class every day may result in up to 5 extra credit points.
Extra Credit (ELA ONLY):
On top of the standard “Term IRA”, an additional “Reader Response” or “Reading Counts Quiz” may be turned in for up to 5 test bonus points per six-week grading period. Since this is significant amount of extra credit, I do ask that you do extra work. Therefore, for these assignments, you will be required to read a classic or college-bound novel. There is a list of classic and college-bound novels in my room. Any non-classic or college-bound book will not be taken for extra-credit.
Tutoring:
I am available to tutor on TUESDAYS after school, or by appointment. If you plan on staying with me, please let me know ahead of time, as family emergencies and mandatory meetings do arise.
THE LAW
*The discipline in this class will hinge the concept of respect. I will do my very best to be respectful towards every student, at all times. If I ever fail to do so, please feel free to inform me of this. The issue of respect should be exemplified in the following areas:
1. Be nice to everyone in this room
2. Be nice to everyone...everywhere
3. No cell phones unless we’re using them. NO charging them in Chromebooks.
4. Only listen to music when I say it is okay (that rhymes).
5. The straight line and quiet rule (aka common courtesy)
6. It will be tempting to copy and paste; don’t. Steal material and get a “0”. Period.
7. Don’t leave until I dismiss you.
8. You must wear clothes.
*I will adhere to all the district-wide discipline requirements addressed in the Farmington R-VII Discipline Handbook
WELCOME TO CHROMEBOOK WORLD! (VIDEO HERE)
1. Tech is Great! But it is not everything,
2. We’ll use them in various ways everyday. (i.e. Bell Ringers)
3. The common location for all things Upchurchian will be Online Upchurchia
4. I experiment with new tech… flexibility is a life-skill.
A FEW EXPECTATIONS:
1. Only use YOUR Chromebook/Avoid Prison
2. Only open the lids when we’re using them
3. No phone charging
4. No food or drink around the Chromebooks
5. Sign-out when you’re done
6. Plug in your Chromebooks when done
7. Be responsible. No sharing of passwords, no inappropriate correspondence, no games...etc
8. Pay attention to all instructions
9. Never assume
Grading Scale
A- 100-92
B- 91-80
C-79-70
D-69-62
F-61 and below
Just a Thought…
I come to class everyday
I pay my dues and go away
I do my time, I make it through
I stare at walls, as do you
But do I ever stop to think
What difference it would make
If instead of passing by
I really stopped to think of why
The teacher stands up there alone
Telling us of things unknown
Speaking boldly to our faces
Smiling broadly as he paces
What is he saying? I don’t know
But I might just listen before I go -R.L.U