Course Outline
Reading and Literature:
The student will read and analyze a variety of literary texts such as poetry, drama, short stories, and novels to acquire an understanding of the conventions of each form.
The student will read and analyze a variety of informational texts to develop an understanding of organizational structures, such as cause and effect or comparison-contrast, and graphic features, such as diagrams and illustrations that are typically found in nonfiction.
The student will acquire new vocabulary and use it effectively in reading and writing.
The student will recognize and trace the development of the author’s argument for and against an issue.
Writing:
The student will produce a variety of writings such as persuasion, narrative, expository, and response to literature.
The student will use technology to research topics and to produce various products such as essays and presentations.
Conventions:
The student will learn and apply the rules of Standard English in written and oral language.
Listening, Speaking, and Viewing:
The student will participate in effective oral interaction with the teacher and with other students.
The student will listen to and view various forms of media in order to gather and share information, persuade others, and express ideas.
Teacher Help:
Students may receive additional help by appointment only. Tutoring appointments will last from 3:45 to 4:45 after school.
Kelly Morton, Ridgeview Charter School, Fulton County Public Schools, Atlanta, Georgia
7th Grade Language Arts
Mrs. Crystal Dorn dorn@fultonschools.org Room # 221
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Seventh grade Language Arts students will receive instruction in reading, writing, and listening, speaking, & viewing.
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Rules
Be in your seat on time with materials ready to learn
Respect others
Follow instructions the first time they are given
Clean up after yourself
Raise your hand for permission to speak
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Consequences
Classroom disruptions WILL NOT be tolerated! If you choose to be disrespectful, you can expect a consequence (Silent Lunch, Phone Call Home, Detention, Conference, or Referral).
*A Punch Card System is used for off task behavior (See Specific Handout)
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Policies and Procedures
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Grading Scale- Grades will be determined using a cumulative/weighted point system and based on the following:
A 100-90
B 89-80
C 79-70
F 69 and below
I believe that quality work should be done correctly the fist time. Therefore, I do not offer extra credit.
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Grading Policy
Homework 15%
Classwork/Participation 20%
Test/Quizzes 30%
Projects/Writing Assignments 35%
TOTAL 100%
If you have a concern about your grade, please make an appointment to see me to discuss the problem.
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Academic Integrity
Anyone who copies, cheats, plagiarizes or does not complete his/her own work on any assignment or test will receive a zero and will not be allowed to make up the grade. All work must be in the student’s own words. Likewise, any student who shares his/her work will also receive a zero.
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Assignments
Assignments will be completed in class and at home and are to be turned in on the due date. Students should expect an average of 30 minutes of homework every night. Extra help is available with Mrs. Dorn by appointment.
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Late Work
Points will be deducted for late assignments and students must see me for specific deductions as that is still be finalized.
In addition, students who do not turn in homework will lose their break and/or be referred to the PASS program working with the graduation coach to complete missing assignments.
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Excused Absence Make-Up Work
It is the student’s responsibility to contact the teacher regarding missing assignments and to request any materials needed. County policy dictates that you shall have 3 days to make up work. After your allotted 3 days, make-up work will be graded on the late-work policy.
Tests and quizzes missed due to an EXCUSED absence may be made up before or after school with an appointment. If a test or quiz is not made up then a grade of Zero can be given. Major projects/papers must be turned in when the student returns to school regardless of why you are absent. Any work that is not made up within the time frame will receive a zero.
As all assignments are announced in advance, if you are here for part of the day, your work must be turned in that day.
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Recovery Policy
Opportunities designed to allow students to recover from a low or failing cumulative grade will be allowed when all work required to date has been completed and the student has demonstrated a legitimate effort to meet all course requirements including attendance.
Teachers will determine when and how students with extenuating circumstances may improve their grades.
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Daily Supplies
spiral notebook and loose paper
Three-ring Binder specifically for Language Arts
A package of 5 tab dividers for the binder
Pen (Blue or Black ink only)
* All work must be done in blue or black ink. Anything submitted in colored ink or pencil will be given a grade of zero or returned to be redo.
Bookcover – book must be covered at all times
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Daily Supplies Cont.
In addition to the above material students are expected to bring their textbook and any worksheets or materials to class everyday. Not bringing any of daily supplies will mean you are unprepared for class and will result in loss of break, silent lunch, phone class home, detention or referral.
Additional Materials
Red pen for editing
Highlighter(s) – any color
Agenda (Passport)
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I have read and understand all the policies and procedures. I agree to keep this page in my notebook at all times for reference.
X
Student Signature Date ____/____/_______
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I/We have read all the policies and procedures. I/We understand our student’s responsibilities and know how to contact Mrs. Dorn if I/we have any concerns.
X
Parent Signature Date ____/____/_______
Phone Number: __________________________________________
Parent Email Address: ____________________________________
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Course Outline Language Arts Mrs. Crystal Dorn, Room 221
Course Description: In Seventh Grade English Language Arts, students continue to develop an appreciation of written and spoken language. They expand their use of descriptive words and complex sentences, as well as their choices of modes of writing. Throughout seventh grade, students continue to develop the ability to critique constructively their own work as well as the work of others. Students use oral language, written language, and media and technology for expressive, informational, argumentative, critical, and literary purposes. Students use the stages of the writing process to write clear, coherent compositions that develop an idea or tell a story.
Aims: The aims of the teaching and study of language arts is to encourage and enable the student to:
use the language as a vehicle for thought, creativity, reflection, learning and self-expression
use language as a tool for personal growth, social interaction and for developing relationships within the international community
comprehend more clearly aspects of their own culture and those of other cultures by exploring the interdependence of human beings through a variety of works
explore the many facets of the language through the use of media and information technology
develop the skills involved in speaking, listening, reading, writing and viewing in a variety of contexts
respond appropriately to a variety of texts
read widely to promote a lifelong interest in language and literature
develop a critical and creative approach to studying and analyzing literature
develop language skills through interdisciplinary work
consider the role of literature both culturally and historically
reflect on the learning process in various ways and at various stages
empathize with real people and fictional characters as and when appropriate.
Objectives: The objectives of the teaching and study of language arts is what the student will be expected to do as a result of studying this subject:
Reading and Literature:
The student will read and analyze a variety of literary texts such as poetry, drama, short stories, and novels to acquire an understanding of the conventions of each form.
The student will read and analyze a variety of informational texts to develop an understanding of organizational structures, such as cause and effect or comparison-contrast, and graphic features, such as diagrams and illustrations, that are typically found in nonfiction.
The student will acquire new vocabulary and use it effectively in reading and writing.
The student will recognize and trace the development of the author’s argument for and against an issue.
Reading Across the Curriculum:
The student will read the equivalent of 1 million words per year from a variety of subject areas.
Writing:
The student will produce a variety of writings such as persuasion, narrative, expository, and response to literature.
The student will use technology to research topics and to produce various products such as essays and presentations.
Conventions:
The student will learn and apply the rules of Standard English in written and oral language.
Listening, Speaking, and Viewing:
The student will participate in effective oral interaction with the teacher and with other students.
The student will listen to and view various forms of media in order to gather and share information, persuade others, and express ideas.
International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme Information
Assessment: Students will be assessed using both formative (quizzes, homework, classwork) and summative (tests, papers, projects) assessments
throughout the year.
Guiding Questions: Guiding questions for each unit will be posted on the board and on each unit review sheet.
Vertical Alignment: Language Arts units will be coordinated with other academic disciplines in order for students to understand the connection between social studies and the real world.
Resources: Holt, Rinehart, Winston: Elements of Literature Replacement Cost: $57.00
Holt, Rinehart, Winston: Holt Handbook Replacement Cost: $26.00
7th Grade Language Arts
Ms. Stephanie Hall halls1@fultonschools.org Room # 210
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In 7th grade Language Arts, students continue to develop an appreciation of written and spoken language. They expand their use of descriptive words and complex sentences, as well as their choices of models of writing. Throughout seventh grade, students continue to develop the ability to critique constructively their own work as well as the work of others. Students use oral and written language, and media and technology for expressive, informational, argumentative, critical, and literary purposes. Students use the stages of the writing process to write clear, coherent compositions that develop an idea or tell a story.
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Expectations:
Be in your seat, working, when the bell rings.
Be prepared for class with all books, notebooks, and writing utensils.
Be verbally and physically respectful to classmates and teachers.
Turn in assignments on time.
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Consequences:
If a student fails to meet an expectation, the following actions may result:
Tardy= sign the tardy log, private detention, office referral
Unprepared=loss of classwork grade, loss of break, detention
Disrespectful actions=isolation, loss of break, detention, office referral
Late work=negative impact on overall average, loss of break, assigned to PASS AM
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Policies and Procedures
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Grading Scale:
A=100-90
B= 89-80
C= 79-70
F= 69-0
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Grading Policy
Tests/essays: 50%
Classwork: 25%
Participation: 15%
Homework: 10%
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Academic Integrity- All students follow the Ridgeview Charter School Honor Code. Anyone who copies, cheats, plagiarizes, or does not complete his/her own work on any assignment will receive a zero and will not be allowed to make up the grade.
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Assignments-All classwork and homework should be kept in the student’s spiral notebook. All graded essays and projects will be kept in the student’s portfolio in Ms. Hall’s classroom. These are available for parent review but will not be sent home with the student until the end of the year. The Elements of Literature textbook will not be issued, but should the student take one out of the classroom for any reason he/she will be responsible for replacement costs if it is lost or damaged.
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Grades- Progress Reports and/or Report Cards are sent home every nine weeks. All Progress Reports and Report Cards sent home must be returned the next day with a parent/guardian signature.
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Absences- It is the student’s responsibility to ask for any work missed during an excused absence. Ms. Hall will be available before and after school by appointment for help with any make up work or for tutoring.
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Provision for Improving Grades
Opportunities designed to allow students to recover from a low or failing cumulative grade will be allowed when all work required to date has been completed and the student has demonstrated legitimate effort to meet all course requirements including attendance.
Teachers will determine when and how students with extenuating circumstances may improve their grades.
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Daily Supplies
spiral notebook
writing utensil
Passport(agenda)
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Additional Materials
The following items will be helpful to have in Ms. Hall’s class:
-glue stick
-coloring markers
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I have read and understand all the policies and procedures. I agree to keep this page in my notebook at all times for reference.
X
Student Signature Date ____/____/_______
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We have read all the policies and procedures. We understand our student’s responsibilities and know how to contact Ms. Hall if we have any concerns.
X X
Parent Signatures
Phone Number: ______________________
Do you have computer access? Y or N
Parent Email Address: _________________________
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8th Grade Language Arts
Ms. Morton mortonk@fultonschools.org Room # 228 Phone: 404/843-7710
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In Eighth Grade English Language Arts, students continue to develop an appreciation of written and spoken language that now begins to extend beyond the school setting. They broaden their reading experiences through the study and analysis of compelling literature while continuing to develop their own writing styles. They independently apply the steps of the writing process to produce, revise, and publish informational and literary essays drawn from research. The Middle Grades Writing Test and the CRCT serve as measures of what they have accomplished.
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Rules:
All students have the right to learn. In order to ensure that this right is honored, students are expected to meet the following behavior guidelines:
Be on time
Come to class prepared
Raise your hand to be acknowledged
Respect each other
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Consequences:
First offense – verbal warning
Second offense – break detention
Third offense – private detention/parent contact
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Policies and Procedures
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Grading Scale:
A 90 - 100
B 80 – 89
C 70 – 79
F 69 and below
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Grading Policy:
The grade percentages are as follows:
Homework 10%
Classroom 40% Tests/Quizzes 20% Projects/Writing Assignments 30%
Students will have quizzes during and tests at the end of literature and grammar units. The class will read one or two novels this semester. Students will be writing at least four essays this year. Each one will count as a project grade.
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Academic Integrity:
All students will follow the Ridgeview Charter School Honor Code. Any student who copies, cheats, plagiarizes, or does not complete his/her own work on any assessment opportunity will receive a zero and will not be able to make up the grade.
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Assignments:
If a student is unable to finish their work, they must see me and make arrangements to complete the assignment. Failure to do so will result in the student losing their break and/or working with the graduation coach through PASS to complete the assignment.
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Grades:
Progress reports or report cards are sent home every nine weeks. All progress reports and report cards must be returned the next day with a parent signature. I will communicate with parents or guardians if a student is struggling in my class.
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Absences:
If a student is absent, it is the student’s responsibility to consult with me about completing missed work. If the student fails to do so, he/she will receive zeros for the missed assignments.
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Provision for Improving Grades:
Opportunities designed to allow students to recover from a low or failing cumulative grade will be allowed when all work required to date has been completed and the student has demonstrated a legitimate effort to meet all course requirements including attendance.
Teachers will determine when and how students with extenuating circumstances may improve their grades.
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Daily Supplies
Pen and pencil
Notebook paper in a notebook or binder
Homework Folder (provided by teacher) – This will contain any homework that needs to be completed and/or returned to teacher.
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Additional Materials
Bridges to Literature – Level III textbook
Reasoning and Writing –textbook
Reasoning and Writing Workbook – Level C (consumable workbook issued to students)
Novels (issued to students for the duration of the unit)
**Students/parents will be financially responsible for all textbooks, so it is imperative that students do not lose or damage the textbooks checked out to them**
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I have read and understand all the policies and procedures. I agree to keep this page in my journal at all times for reference.
X
Student Signature Date ____/____/_______
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We have read all the policies and procedures. We understand our student’s responsibilities and know how to contact (Your name) if we have any concerns.
X X
Parent Signatures
Phone Number: ______________________
Do you have computer access? Y or N
Parent Email Address: _________________________
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Course Outline
Reading and Literature:
The student will read and analyze a variety of literary texts such as poetry, drama, short stories, and novels to acquire an understanding of the conventions of each form.
The student will read and analyze a variety of informational texts to develop an understanding of organizational structures, such as cause and effect or comparison-contrast, and graphic features, such as diagrams and illustrations that are typically found in nonfiction.
The student will acquire new vocabulary and use it effectively in reading and writing.
The student will recognize and trace the development of the author’s argument for and against an issue.
Writing:
The student will produce a variety of writings such as persuasion, narrative, expository, and response to literature.
The student will use technology to research topics and to produce various products such as essays and presentations.
Conventions:
The student will learn and apply the rules of Standard English in written and oral language.
Listening, Speaking, and Viewing:
The student will participate in effective oral interaction with the teacher and with other students.
The student will listen to and view various forms of media in order to gather and share information, persuade others, and express ideas.
Teacher Help:
Students may receive additional help by appointment only. Tutoring appointments will last from 3:45 to 4:45 after school.
Kelly Morton, Ridgeview Charter School, Fulton County Public Schools, Atlanta, Georgia
8th Grade Language Arts
Ms. Murovitz murovitz@fultonschools.org Room #114 Phone (404) 843-7710
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In Eighth Grade English Language Arts, students continue to develop an appreciation of written and spoken language that now begins to extend beyond the school setting. They broaden their reading experiences through the study and analysis of compelling literature while continuing to develop their own writing styles. They independently apply the steps of the writing process to produce, revise, and publish informational and literary essays drawn from research. The Middle Grades Writing Test and the CRCT serve as measures of what they have accomplished.
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Rules:
All students have the right to learn. In order to ensure that this right is honored, students are expected to meet the following behavior guidelines:
Be on time
Come to class prepared
Raise your hand to be acknowledged
No gum, candy, etc. at any time
Respect each other
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Consequences:
First infraction – verbal warning
Second infraction – parent contact
Third infraction – private detention
Fourth infraction – administrative referral
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Policies and Procedures
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Grading Scale:
A 90 - 100
B 80 – 89
C 70 – 79
F 69 and below
Progress reports or report cards are sent home every nine weeks. All progress reports and report cards must be returned the next day with a parent signature. I will communicate with parents or guardians if a student is struggling in my class.
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Grading Policy:
The grade percentages are as follows:
Homework 15%
Classwork 45%
Tests/Projects 20%
Quizzes 20%
Students will have weekly vocabulary quizzes and tests at the end of literature and grammar units. The students will read one or two outside reading novels this semester. The assigned project for the novel(s) will count as one test grade. A final exam will be given at the end of the semester. The final will also count as a test grade.
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Academic Integrity:
All students will follow the Ridgeview Charter School Honor Code. Any student who copies, cheats, plagiarizes, or does not complete his/her own work on any assessment opportunity will receive a zero and will not be able to make up the grade.
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Assignments:
If a student is unable to finish their work, they must see me and make arrangements to complete the assignment. Failure to do so will result in the student losing their break and/or working with the graduation coach through PASS to complete the assignment.
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Grades:
Your academic performance in 8th grade will determine your placement in high school. The process for high school recommendation will begin in February 2008.
Middle school students in grade 8 must have a passing grade in Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Reading/Foreign Language and one of the following: a combination of grades in the Connections segment or the Physical Education/Health Connections segment (FCBOE Policy IHE).
The grading policy has been changed so that the actual course average will be recorded as the final grade (no minimum of 50).
PLEASE NOTE THAT EIGHTH GRADERS MUST NOW SCORE AT OR ABOVE GRADE LEVEL IN READING/LANGUAGE ARTS IN ORDER TO BE PROMOTED TO NINTH GRADE.
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Absences:
If a student is absent, it is their responsibility to consult with me about completing missed work. If the student fails to do so, they will receive zeros for the missed assignments.
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For Improving Grades:
Opportunities designed to allow students to recover from a low or failing cumulative grade will be allowed when all work required to date has been completed and the student has demonstrated a legitimate effort to meet all course requirements including attendance.
Teachers will determine when and how students with extenuating circumstances may improve their grades.
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Daily Supplies:
Pens and pencils
Notebook paper – it may be loose leaf or in a perforated spiral notebook
Pocket Folder – any sort of folder for storing returned and/or important papers
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Additional Materials:
Elements of Literature textbook (classroom set, not issued to students)
The Holt Interactive Reader (consumable workbook issued to students)
Novels (issued to students for the duration of the unit)
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I have read and understand all the policies and procedures. I agree to keep this page in my folder at all times for reference.
X
Student Signature Date ____/____/_______
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We have read all the policies and procedures. We understand our student’s responsibilities and know how to contact (Your name) if we have any concerns.
X X
Parent Signatures
Phone Number: ______________________
Do you have computer access? Y or N
Parent Email Address: _________________________
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Ms. Murovitz, Ridgeview Charter School, Fulton County Public Schools, Atlanta, Georgia
9th Grade Honors Literature
(Language A)
Ms. Swafford Email: swafford@fultonschools.org Room # 801 Phone 404.847.1980 ext. 350
website: http://riverwoodhs.org
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In this course, you will learn about a variety of literary genres, including epic, drama, modern fiction, poetry, and short nonfiction. To do this, you will use a variety of skills, including, but not limited to: literary, poetry, and drama analysis, vocabulary study, active reading, research and essay writing, critical thinking, and creative writing.
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Rules
These policies and procedures are in addition to the school-wide procedures covered in the Riverwood Student Handbook.
1. Be punctual.
Tardiness: The tardy policy is strictly enforced. Students should be seated by the tardy bell and should remain seated throughout the entire instructional period. Students are expected to begin work immediately upon entering the classroom.
2. Be quiet and attentive during instruction and seatwork.
3. Be prepared.
Students should have notebooks, pens, required texts, and homework out and ready to begin class.
4. Be respectful of yourself and others.
5. Food (including gum) or drink is not allowed.
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Consequences
Consequences of not following procedures will result in student-teacher conference, private/public detention, parent contact, or office referral. One warning will be given. Consequences will result if behavior continues after warning and will reflect the severity and frequency of the offense.
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Policies and Procedures
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Grading Scale
A 100-90
B 89-80
C 79-70
F 69 and below
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Grading Policy
Tests, Writing Assignments, Projects 45%
Quizzes (vocabulary, reading, grammar, etc.) 30%
Daily Grades 10%
Exam 15%
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Academic Integrity
Cheating and academic fraud will not be tolerated. Riverwood considers academic misconduct to be any act that can give unfair academic advantage to a student, his grades, or his records. Such acts include lying, stealing, and cheating. Cheating is any dishonesty, written or verbal, tacit or implied. This includes any collusion, sabotage, falsification, or involvement in giving or receiving unauthorized help. This dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following: Academic Fraud (“recycling” work, taking credit for another’s work), Plagiarism (cut and paste, Cliffs/Sparks Notes or other guides) and Electronic Cheating (text messaging, using electronic devices or calculators without permission).
A more specific list is included in the Academic Integrity Policy for Riverwood High School. Cheating and Academic Fraud will result in a ZERO on the assignment and an Honor Code violation.
Department policy states that writing assignments will be submitted to Turnitin.com at the individual teacher’s discretion.
Additionally, all major assignments must have the following signed honor code statement at the end of the work: “I have neither given nor received aid on this assignment.”
Documentation guidelines may also be found at www.mla.org (for MLA).
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Assignments
There are both formative (homework, classwork, project, quiz) and summative (test, paper, project) assessments for this course. Students are expected to read a broad variety of texts independently and in class, and to respond to them in a variety of forms (letter writing, research paper, creative writing, oral presentations, visual presentations).
Students must be able to complete work independently and in groups in order to do well in this course. They must be able to think critically and study independently, as well as draft, write, and edit papers of varying lengths and formats.
The successful student is able to manage myriad tasks and keep organized and focused.
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Late Work
Late work will have a deduction of 10% of the total assignment points per day for the first 5 days it is late—and accepted up to 10 days after the due date for a maximum grade of 50% of the total points possible. A zero may be earned if an assignment is not turned in within 10 days of the due date.
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Excused Absences/Make-Up Work
Students who are in class for instruction but absent on test or quiz day are expected to take the test or quiz on the next day of class attendance. In case of an excused absence, assignments received prior to absence are due upon return to class.
Homework and class work policy due to an excused absence will follow the Riverwood Handbook guidelines. It is the student’s responsibility to get the assignments. Check the assignment calendar notebook for the appropriate class period. Copy assignment and get any handouts from the class folder located on the front table.
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Recovery Policy
Opportunities designed to allow students to recover from a low or failing cumulative grade will be allowed when all work required to date has been completed and the student has demonstrated a legitimate effort to meet all course requirements including attendance.
Teachers will determine when and how students with extenuating circumstances may improve their grades.
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I have read and understand all the policies and procedures. I agree to keep this page in my notebook at all times for reference.
X
Student Signature Date ____/____/_______
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I/We have read all the policies and procedures. I/We understand our student’s responsibilities and know how to contact (Teacher name) if I/we have any concerns.
X
Parent Signature Date ____/____/_______
Phone Number: __________________________________________
Parent Email Address: ____________________________________
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Course Syllabus, (9th Grade Language A) Teacher: Ms. Swafford, Room 801
Course Description:
Ninth Grade Literature and Composition is a study of literary genres. Students will continue to develop vocabulary and to apply effective reading strategies to a wide variety of literary and informational texts; to learn characteristics of basic literary genres including the novel, short story, poetry, drama, and nonfiction; to establish effective writing and research habits; and to refine language skills as they apply to writing, listening, speaking, and viewing.
Aims and Objectives:
The aims of the teaching and study of language A are to encourage and enable the student to:
use the language as a vehicle for thought, creativity, reflection, learning, and self-expression,
develop the skills involved in speaking, listening, reading, writing, and viewing in a variety of contexts,
explore the many facets of the language through the use of media and information technology,
respond appropriately to a variety of texts,
and develop a critical and creative approach to studying and analyzing literature.
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
use correct grammar with appropriate and varied sentence structure,
use language to narrate, describe, analyze, explain, argue, persuade, inform, entertain, and express feelings,
understand and comment on the language, content, structure, meaning and significance of both familiar and previously unseen pieces of writing,
and express ideas with clarity and coherence in both oral and written communication.
Topics include, but are not limited to:
Epic
Shakespearean drama
Media, persuasion and propaganda
Research and essay writing
Poetry
Novels
Short stories
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