Language Arts (English) 12 Syllabus
Teacher: Ms. Terri Wymes
"Defeat is not the worst of failures. Not to have tried is the true failure." -- George E. Woodberry
Welcome back! I hope everyone had an enjoyable summer. English classes (as with all educational classes) are designed to create thinkers. Some of the outcomes in the English subject that students will show are becoming better at analyzing, comprehending, and thinking critically. Students will also become more effective communicators through reading, writing, and speaking.
Classroom Conduct
Do the things you should do. Do not do the things you should not do. I believe you know the difference.
(Ex. No swearing, be cooperative, follow policies of the student handbook, and come to class prepared to listen and work with books, notebooks, writing utensil!)
If there is a need for discipline the following steps will be taken.
1. First Offense -- the incident will be discussed with the student in a professional manner, making clear the behavior must stop.
2. Second Offense -- the problem will be discussed with the student outside of class, and there will be parental contact.
3. Third Offense -- the student will be reprimanded and a meeting will be scheduled with the parents to discuss the student’s behavior, and solutions to the problem. After the above interventions have been used and the student does not behave in an acceptable manner -- the student is to be sent to the office where the problem will be dealt with.
If the offense is severe the student will be referred to the office without being pre-warned.
Assessment
Grading is determined on the point system -- with five to ten % based on participation. A student earns a grade. I do not give grades.
90-100 A Exceptional
80-89 B
70-79 C
65-69 D
64 & Below F
Grading does not predict how well you get along with your friends; it does not predict who may become the CEO -or president- of a company; it won’t accurately predict what type of parent you may become, and etc. But grading does show evidence of cooperative skills; it may show a work ethic; and maybe it will show the awareness of civic values. A student’s effort shows the ability to become responsible for one’s personal learning.
If you’re concerned with your grade see me, and throughout the year don’t hesitate to get assistance or ask questions. Questions are at the heart of learning! Teachers are here to help. The best time to see me is in the mornings: 7:30 – 7:45.
Do not ask for extra credit if you are not willing to complete the work assigned to you during the semester. However, extra credit can be received on major assignments completed early and if you have given me more than I have asked for. I believe in rewarding students for going above and beyond what I ask of them.
Homework
Yes, there will be homework. Homework must be completed and handed in at the beginning of class, otherwise it is considered late. With every day late, the assignment will be docked 10% of the student's earned grade. After two days it will no longer be accepted. If you have concerns, see me! If absent -- you get two days for each day missed. Make-up work is your responsibility! Make-up assignments are done before/after school – not during the following day’s class time. Please turn in late work, or make-up work, directly to me. Do not set work on my desk, chair, or stand. Turn in the work before or after class by handing it directly to me or it may not get in the grade book.
Cheating, including plagiarism, will not be tolerated. The student will not receive credit for that assignment. If any student is found copying another student's assignment, both students will receive a "0" on the assignment.
Important dates and activities are usually posted in the classroom.
Projects
Projects, unlike homework, will not be accepted late. Any projects not turned in at the beginning of class will receive a zero grade. If the student is sick, on a field trip, etc. the day a project a due, it is their responsibility to get the project turned in on time.
Activities
Some of the activities during 12th year English are as follows (besides the expected tests, quizzes, discussions, presentations, daily homework, journals, class participation, projects, and papers):
*Reading selected novels, short stories, essays, excerpts, and speeches
*Giving formal and informal speeches
*Review the use of standard edited English
*Book reports/presentations
*Word Skills (vocabulary)
*Literary analysis
*Internet assignments
*Essay writing
*Grammar
*Writing papers to analyze theme
Needed Materials
*Journal notebook (will stay in the classroom during the semester)
*Separate notebook (Daily Language Practice (DLP) assignments)
*Pencil or pen (blue or black ink only – any other color will not be acceptable and a “0” will be given on the assignment)
*Loose leaf paper
