English 10 Academic Syllabus Instructors: Alfred Toole (A-211), Calie Garret (B-227) & Matt Terillo (D210) Emails: toolea1@charlottesvilleschools.org garretc1@charlottesvilleschools.org terillm1@charlottesvilleschools.org
Work Phone: (434)-245-2410 X1006 |
“Traveling is learning” – Ethiopian proverb
"There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life
that is less than the one you are capable of living.” - Nelson Mandela
The common vision of Charlottesville High School is to instruct students to meet and exceed state mandated standards of learning while preparing to enter a 21st century, global society. For students who have not taken the WorkKeys writing test, they will be expected to take it in the spring. All students will examine, analyze, and produce argumentative writing. They will continue developing their vocabulary, reading, grammar, and writing. Students will also work in reading and writing workshops throughout the year to enhance their literacy skills.
I believe that all students are capable of achieving greatness and possess unique skills and experiences that make them individuals. My classroom will encourage students to find the confidence in their abilities to reach their full potential and set goals for the future. In return, I ask that all of my students put forth their best effort.
This course is designed to reward students in all assignments and activities, as learning will occur through student involvement. Students are expected to earn their grades by engaging in ALL class discussions, classroom exercises, reading, and writing assignments. Homework will be assigned as needed to allow students the opportunity to demonstrate understanding and to create a sense of competence in the learner by measuring his or her personal independence in certain skills. These activities will provide a foundation for the learning necessary for high achievement on assessments and growth as a thinking citizen. Any unfinished classwork becomes homework.
You are responsible for having your materials in class every day.
· Pens/pencils/paper
· Copy of book/poem/notes necessary for the day’s agenda
· CHARGED electronic device
The English standards adopted by the State of Virginia are based on the premise that students will be able to demonstrate mastery of standards by the end of the school year. These skills and standards take a good deal of practice to perfect. Students will need time and encouragement to get better at them, as well as patience and the understanding that it may take multiple attempts to get an assignment correct rather than just getting a grade for “turning something in.”
Parents and students logging into Powerschool or Canvas will now only see one grade for each course. This grade represents the student's cumulative grade for the year at that point in time. The cumulative grade is the only grade that is reported out on transcripts to colleges. However, students will have hard due dates each quarter that they will not be able to submit later in the year. Coursework will be graded on a point basis, then entered into PowerSchool to represent the following weights:
Reading | 30% |
Writing | 35% |
Vocabulary and Grammar | 10% |
Communicating (Speaking, Listening, and Participating) | 5% |
Exams | 20% (midterm and final exam* each worth 10% respectively) |
*The final exam score will be based on the WorkKeys Writing score
Note: ALL students are required to take the MAP test twice annually to measure reading Lexile growth and EOC Reading readiness.
When you view grades in Parent Portal or Student View:
Understand that the grade a student earns is in THEIR hands. A student may submit and resubmit ANY assignment as many times as they wish until they are happy with their mastery of that standards being assessed. This means that ANY essay or quiz that is taken can be fixed and turned back in (in the case of the essay), or a second quiz can be created and given on the same standards that were assessed on the first quiz. They will not, however, be able to make up the points from the late standard if they did not turn the assignment in on time.
Students are expected to make up all work assigned. Students are responsible for finding out what they missed when they were not in class on the Canvas Announcement Page. Previously announced tests must be made up the day the student returns or at a time designated by the teacher.
Students will have the ability to make up assignments through additional tutoring opportunities throughout the year. They will be able to work on missing assignments or receive extra support on material covered in class.
*Late work must be turned in 6 weeks after it was originally assigned unless given permission by the teacher.
Students are expected to come to class to learn the skills outlined in the course description. As such, any behavior that prevents a student or his/her classmates from the opportunity to learn and improve the skills corresponding to the course’s purpose must be addressed. Students’ behavior is expected to be in compliance with the CHS code of conduct and core expectations, as outlined in the student handbook. Overall:
Students are expected to follow the CHS honor code: | "On my honor as a student, I have neither given nor received any unauthorized aid on this assignment." --CHS Student Council 2010 |
All types of academic dishonesty (such as cheating on a test, copying homework from another student, plagiarizing writing assignments, etc.) will be dealt with according to the CHS Student Handbook. For the FIRST offense, this includes a parent contact, a zero on the assignment, and 1 day ISBI or community service. Subsequent offenses can result in suspension. If you have questions as to what “academic dishonesty” includes, please ask BEFORE you submit your work.
Students should attend class regularly and be on time. See the handbook for more info.
Student Signature____________________________________________________________________ Parent Signature_____________________________________________________________________ |