9th grade classroom rules and procedures
9th Grade English
Mrs. Fawcett
Classroom Rules and Procedures
Welcome back to another school year and a new adventure! I am really looking forward to a great year of learning, growing, sharing and fun, but, as we all know, no classroom can function without some rules and codes of behavior. Keep in mind that this is your class as well as mine, and you can help set the tone by being enthusiastic, positive and willing to challenge yourself by taking risks. It is important to me that everyone in this classroom feels respected, challenged, safe and able to be his or her self. Just think, if we all thought the same way, the world would be a very boring place.
BACKGROUND:
This course is for ninth grade students who will benefit from further remediation in grade level appropriate grammar, vocabulary, and reading skills. Emphasis will be placed on composition and an analytical approach to basic forms of literature including poetry, drama, short story, and novel study. The composition section will feature basic expository writing along with critical reading and thinking.
Tentative plan of action:
"The Challenge" - Alaska oral tradition
"Introduction to Poetry" by Billy Collins
" 'Tis the Last Rose of Summer" by Thomas Moore
"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" by Washington Irving
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
"Paul Revere's Ride" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
"About Me" oral speech
Write and address a postcard
Write a thank you note
Bi-weekly spelling and vocabulary words
Keystone preparation
One weekly IxL skill
HONORS ~ This course is for the college bound ninth grade student. Components of this course will match that of the English I course but at an accelerated and advanced rate. In this course, students will study a variety of fiction and non-fiction text in connection with various unit themes. Emphasis for this course will be placed on composition and an analytical approach to basic forms of literature including poetry, drama, short story, and novel study. The composition section will feature critical reading responses as well as preparing for the Keystone exams. Students will also work to improve on public speaking skills and use of technology in developing literacy skills. Students will be required to create a project based upon an independent reading assigned during the second, third, and fourth quartiles respectively.
Tentative plan of action:
"The Challenge" - Alaska oral tradition
"Introduction to Poetry" by Billy Collins
" 'Tis the Last Rose of Summer" by Thomas Moore
"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" by Washington Irving
"La Parure" by Guy de Maupassant
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
"Paul Revere's Ride" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
"About Me" oral speech
Write and address a postcard
Write a thank you note
Bi-weekly SAT spelling and vocabulary words
Keystone preparation
Two weekly IxL skills
GRADING:
GRADES ~ Grades are determined by assessing the student's academic achievement based on the established curriculum and individual classroom guidelines. Report cards document this level of achievement and also determine the student’s grade point average (GPA) for each marking period. Grade point averages are not rounded for reporting for honor roll, academic awards, or any other purpose.
Individual submissions must include the MLA format in the upper-left corner in order to receive a grade for that particular assignment:
Ex. Nora Rodgers
Mrs. Fawcett
English 9-9 *the second number indicates the class period
15 February 2020
Grades are based on a weighted system established by the English department:
*Tests/Reading = 40% *Tests will focus on course content and will be announced.
Quizzes may or may not be announced. Preparation for any assessment is the
responsibility of the student. Any test given will be completed during the scheduled
class period time.
**Writing = 40%
***Homework assignments = 10% In addition to out of class assignments, 1-2 weekly
IxL skills will be assigned per week which are to be completed during the
established 4th period study hall.
A skill assigned on Monday will be due on Wednesday by the end of the school day.
A skill assigned on Wednesday will be due on Friday by the end of the school day.
*/ **/*** - Reading, Writing, and Homework assignments - Deadlines are established so that students are able to reach specific learning goals, so due dates for assignments serve as deadlines to make sure students are consistently progressing towards these goals on schedule. Students are expected to adhere to the deadlines given for these types of assignments in order to receive full credit. Deadlines are implemented in order for students to receive comments and grades in a timely manner as well. Students can expect a deduction in points as well as a longer wait time regarding feedback for assignments if submitted after the due date.
* Please do not SUBMIT Google Classroom work/postings unless I specify to do so. Otherwise, I end up receiving 60+ emails everyday as students "turn in" information.
****Class participation = 10%
Although your grade in English 9 will be based on some average of work completed in each of these areas, good habits, a great attitude, a motivation to learn and a focus on improvement will be taken into account as well. Be positive, enthusiastic, and engaged in your learning.
FINAL EXAMINATIONS / MIDTERM EXAMINATIONS ~ Students may be administered a comprehensive, competency-based final examination at the completion of all courses at the secondary level. The “Final Examination” will be scheduled within the last two (2) weeks of the school year, and will count as 10% of the overall course grade. A “Mid-Term Examination” will also be administered at the end of the first semester in each of these courses, and will also count as 10% of the overall course grade. *When a student must be absent on a final examination day, the parent must call the Attendance Office on the morning of the exam to report the student's absence. Unless the parent reports the student's absence, the student will not be permitted to schedule a makeup examination*.
GRADE REPORTING ~ Grades will be issued at the conclusion of each marking period. Interim progress reports will be sent home with each student at the mid-point of each marking period. Tentative dates for mid-marking period and end of marking period appear on the school activities calendar.
GRADING SCALE ~ Grade % Description
A = 90-100 - Outstanding
B = 80-89 - Above Average
C = 70-79 - Average
D = 60-69 - Poor - Not eligible for Honor Roll
F = 0-59 - Failing - Not eligible for Honor Roll I Incomplete Not eligible for Honor Roll
or Class Rank P / F Pass / Fail Not eligible for Honor Roll or Class Rank
*Check CSIU at any time for the most up-to-date grades (scores/percentage).
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS ~ In order to participate in Commencement Exercises, and to receive a diploma from the Jeannette City School District, all students must complete all of the requirements outlined below:
- Credit Requirements: The following academic credits must be earned in grades nine through twelve: Subject: Number of Credits: English 4.0
PROFICIENCY ON STATE STANDARDIZED ASSESSMENTS ~ All students are required to have demonstrated proficiency in areas assessed by the Keystone Exams. Any student who does not demonstrate proficiency on a Keystone Exam will be required to participate in the District’s prescribed remediation program. The program will consist of coursework that will help to prepare the student for the retest in subject areas in which the student did not demonstrate proficiency. All students will be required to retest each exam in which the student did not demonstrate proficiency. A complete description of the remediation program will be distributed in September to those students that are required to participate.
The following classroom policies and guidelines are presented to provide for an optimum learning environment. I am here to help you achieve and succeed. If you need extra help, I will be glad to help you.
CLASSROOM POLICIES AND GUIDELINES:
ASSIGNED SEATS - Student seats have been assigned and may be changed by the teacher
at any time. Please let me know of any special needs, such as vision or hearing impairments. Upon entering
the room, please sit in your assigned seat. Do not change seats unless I have given you permission to do
ATTENDANCE - Class attendance and participation is very important. If you miss
class for any reason, obtaining and completing make-up work is YOUR
responsibility. You will need to check on a daily basis:
1.) Google Classroom for any posted daily work and Stream messages
2.) Google school email
3.) REMIND
4.) EHall pass
Make-up work is to be completed ASAP so that you do not get behind.
CELL PHONES - The classroom is a learning environment and therefore, to avoid any
disturbances/confrontations (phone calls, texting, taking pictures, playing games,
etc... ) students are strongly encouraged to place any electronic devices (phone,
earbuds, etc.), on the PHONE ZONE SAFE ZONE table upon entering the
classroom. If a student chooses not to place his/her device on the safe table and
is seen with any electronic device (on/off), a detention referral will be submitted as
this rule was established at the beginning of the school year.
CLASS MATERIALS - Be sure to have all needed materials (required CHARGED
Chromebook, pencil, pen, book(s), composition book, homework assignment(s),
etc.) from your locker PRIOR to entering the classroom. You are to be seated and
ready to begin the day’s class activities PRIOR to the ringing of the late bell.
* PBIS points are given for READINESS and RESPONSIBILITY.
INAPPROPRIATE ITEMS - When work is assigned to complete in class, all students
are only to be working on this assignment. Materials not pertaining to the current
task are not to be visible. The classroom is not to be used for grooming, applying
make-up, and other than eating breakfast, eating snacks, candy, gum, etc. is not
permitted. All edibles are to be disposed of in the receptacle outside of the
classroom. Water bottles are permitted provided they do not cause a disturbance
during the class period. Consequences will result for the use of any and all
inappropriate items.
TRAVELING - The Ehall pass will be used to visit the restroom, nurse, locker, officer,
or another teacher. You are required to fill out the Ehall pass on your device. In
turn, the teacher will input a code for exit and entry. For safety/security reasons, you
MUST notify the teacher of your whereabouts prior to venturing to any of these areas
(in other words, you may not take a visit between classes); otherwise, privileges
will be revoked for this class.
DISCUSSION POLICY - Respect, Respect, Respect! Please remember that, in this
class, the teacher has a right to teach and ALL students have a right to learn! Keep
hands, feet, and objects to yourself!
If you have a question, need to sharpen your pencil, need a highlighter, etc.,
please raise your hand and wait quietly to be recognized; trash is to be kept at your
desk until the end of the class period. Do not blurt out a question or comment. It is
disrespectful to other students and to the teacher.
Class discussion is encouraged; however, students who attempt to embarrass,
humiliate, or discourage other students for asking questions pertaining to the lesson
will not be tolerated ~ Laugh with everyone but laugh at no one. LISTEN and
RESPECT the opinions of others (you might just change your mind about yours)
and remember to TAKE RISKS (you might be surprised at how many people feel the
same way you do). If you have a personal question, please see me before or after
class.
** PBIS points are given for RESPECT.
GROUP WORK - All students are expected to participate equally. Work cooperatively
and responsibly to complete your assigned task(s). Grades will be assigned
according to individual student performance.
END OF CLASS -
- When the dismissal bell rings, remain in your seat in order to permit the teacher
to provide any additional instructions/reminders.
- Pick up all paper and trash around you, whether it belongs to you or not.
- Gather all personal/other class materials.
- Exit the classroom only after the teacher has given you permission to do so.
Remember - BE A STAR
Stay prepared and on time.
Talk only when permitted.
Always listen the first time and follow instructions to avoid consequences.
Respect others.
and RACE!
R ~ Respect yourself
A ~ Attitude - always have a positive one
C ~ Cooperate and always do your best
E ~ Excellence - it’s the key to success!
Dear parent/guardian,
Do you wish to know the status of your child’s progress in English class? Here are some tips to help you help your child to be triumphant.
Check REMIND. Assignments will be posted daily. If you have not signed up to
receive notifications, please do. A welcoming message with sign-up instructions was
posted to REMIND and sent during the first week of August.
Check CSIU on a regular basis to view your child’s current grade. Turn around time for
grading assignments is generally one day. Please note that it does take me a longer
period of time to grade essays and more in-depth assignments. A red exclamation
point indicates that an assignment either has yet to be graded or has not been
submitted by your child and therefore, no score can be provided. Please be
cognizant of the date listed for any given assignment! Generally, I post assignments
ahead of time in CSIU and therefore, there may be instances when a red
exclamation point may appear before I am able to actually alter the assignment’s
date.
Progress reports will be sent home at the half way mark for each quartile.
Progress reports are submitted for a current failing grade (F), a drop in grade from
the previous quartile, and/or a drop in grade from the half way mark of the current
quartile.
If you have any concerns regarding your child (weekly progress, behavior, etc.), the
best outlet to use is my school email address ( [email protected]. ) as a
response can be given more expeditiously.
Please notify the school office if there is any change to the phone number and/or
email address that you have provided as contact information. It is important that
you are aware of your child’s progress, behavior, and overall well-being throughout
the entire school year. The more relevant information that we share with one
another about your child, the better equipped we both will be to help him/her
achieve academically. If we work together, we ALL will have a productive and
successful school year.
Mrs. Fawcett