Teacher:
Jean
Gritter Email: jean.gritter@albany.k12.or.us
Classroom:
F-11 Class Website: www.msgritter.com
English 9 is a course
designed to help you understand the major genres (types) of literature, different
approaches to composition (writing), research, and the development of public
speaking skills. We will work with literature by authors from different
cultures, which will include short stories, poetry, drama, essays, and novels.
This will help you develop a strong foundation for future work in many subjects
– no matter what your interests, or what you choose to do after high school,
you will need to be able to read carefully, write clearly, and organize your
ideas. That is what we will work on this year.
The following is a sampling of the major works and assignments included in this course:
1st
Semester:
•
Multicultural Fairy Tales
•
House on Mango Street, by Sandra Cisneros
•
Independent Reading
•
Narrative and Imaginative Writing
•
Informative Speech
• Literature Circles
2nd
Semester:
•
Independent Reading
•
Multi-Genre Research and Documentation
•
Expository Writing
•
Unrehearsed Speech
•
Poetry
•
Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare
Other texts and assignments
will be added as time allows.
Materials: You are required to bring
the materials necessary for class participation
to class every day.
This includes:
·
notebook
paper, binder, pens and/or pencils;
·
your
free reading book (see below);
·
all
work/handouts/notes related to what we’re currently working on in class;
·
textbook
or class novel, as needed.
You need to have a method of organization for your work and handouts for this class. If you do not have a system already in place, which you can clearly explain to me, I will expect you to have a “Blue Day” binder with a section in it for English. You will periodically receive points for a properly organized binder.
You will receive a class
calendar each month, on which you’ll receive stamps for work completed. Your
calendar should always be the first page in the English section of your
binder. You’ll turn your calendar in on the last class day of every month (at
the end of class, in case you get stamps during class that day), when you’ll
receive the next month’s calendar.
Reading: We will spend the first 15-20
minutes of every class period reading silently. Daily points will be given for
independent reading. You must bring a book of interest to read EVERY DAY. You
will be accountable for at least ONE book every six weeks.
Class
Guidelines: You are expected to be
prepared for every class by completing the assignments on time and bringing all
required materials to class. You are expected to behave in a way that promotes
a positive learning environment for everyone in the class.
Ask questions! Asking real questions will provide you with real answers you’ll actually remember and be able to use, for this class and well into the future. Finish as much work as possible during class so you can ask questions, of me and of your classmates. Finish all uncompleted work at home in order to be ready for the next class.
Grading: Grading is done on a standard scale – 90-100% = A, 80-89%
= B, 70-79% = C, etc. I highly recommend you keep all graded work in your
binder until semester grades are given. Should something happen to my
computer/grade book, or if there is a discrepancy of any kind, you will have
evidence of points earned. If you choose to throw away your assignments, it is
at your own risk.
Missing/Late Assignments: You will get one (1) late assignment pass each six weeks. This allows you to turn in one assignment the class period after it is due (not any time you get around to it) without penalty. This eliminates ALL excuses (such as “my printer didn’t work,” “my computer crashed,” etc.). If you need a late assignment pass, come see me. If you make it all semester without using a late assignment pass, you will receive 5 points of extra credit.
à Following an absence, it is your responsibility to get missing assignments and complete all required work. You will work with an assigned partner in this class; when you return to class from an absence, check with your partner about the work you missed. Also check the class website.
à Absences do not excuse you from, or provide an extension on, work assigned before your absence. For excused absences, you are allowed the number of classes you missed plus one to turn in work assigned while you were gone. If an absence is due to a school function, or otherwise prearranged, you are expected to get work BEFORE you are gone.
Class Website: Most handouts and upcoming deadlines, as well as other useful information, can be found on the class website: www.msgritter.com. Also, feel free to email me with any questions you may have: jean.gritter@albany.k12.or.us. I will generally get back to you within one school day (I don’t check school email on weekends/holidays).
Other details: I recommend that you bring your own art materials such as colored pencils, glue, rulers, markers, scissors, etc. A very limited supply of these and other materials are available in the classroom for use ONLY if permission has been given. Materials must be used carefully and respectfully; if materials are wasted or left untidy, they will no longer be made available. I have reading books available for you to borrow, as well; however, taking a book without first checking it out will result in disciplinary action for theft.
Prior to leaving class each day, the following details must be taken
care of or you will not be dismissed when the bell rings until they have been:
1)
The floor must be CLEAN and
all trash or recycling disposed of properly;
2)
Chairs must be pushed in
(or put on top of tables at the end of the day);
3)
Tables must be put back in
place;
4)
Books/magazines must be put
away neatly, bookshelves are tidy;
5)
Any
project materials are put away neatly.
Cell phones, headphones, etc.: It is district
policy that cell phones, music devices, headphones, etc. are not allowed in the
classroom. Cell phones may only be used outside the building between
classes and at lunch time. If you have a cell phone or other electronic device
in class, whether it is turned on or not, it will be confiscated and
turned in to the office.
Food
and Drink: Eating
candy or any kind of food is not allowed in the classroom. Water may be brought
to class in a sealable bottle (anything that lists any ingredient other than
water is not considered water). No pop, juice, sports drinks, etc. are allowed
in class.
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I
have read and understand the class guidelines and expectations for English 9.
Student
Signature ____________________________________________ Date ____________
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Signature _____________________________________________ Date ____________