Teacher: Veronica Rowlinson
Room 255
Email: vrowlinson@k12.somerville.ma.us
Class website: www.MrsRowELA.weebly.com
Office hours: Tuesday 2:45- 3:15 time and by appointment
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English Syllabus 2015-2016
Welcome to English class! We look forward to working with you throughout the year! The English
Department has consistent content, objectives and policies that are outlined in this syllabus for all classes and
electives.
Course Overview
English 1 begins with an intense writing focus that lays the foundation for upcoming units and requires students to shift from concrete
to abstract thinkers. After the foundation unit, students will read complex works and analyze literary devices to interpret meaning.
Anchor texts include Harold Master and the Boys, Romeo and Juliet, Lord of the Flies and Things Fall Apart and a wide range of
informational texts and poems. Students who enroll in the honors section will also independently read all of the following texts The
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and students who enroll in the college preparatory section will
read two teacher selected texts. Students who are enrolled in Honors are on a pre-AP track and will learn strategies and techniques to
prepare for AP courses.
Course Objectives
Throughout this course, students will:
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analyze, discuss and respond both orally and in writing to a variety of genres including: short story, fiction,
informational texts, poetry and drama.
write a variety of short and long responses.
incorporate appropriate grammar, mechanics and vocabulary in all work.
properly execute MLA format when writing.
present poems, speeches, monologues and/or group and individual presentations.
master various skills and strategies to prepare for the MCAS, PSAT, SAT and AP examinations.
Grading
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Your grade is calculated on a point system. Your quarter grade is determined by dividing the number of points
earned by the total assigned points.
Each assignment will be given a point value. The more points an assignment is worth the greater impact it has on
your quarter grade.
Your assignments will be classified into the following categories: classwork, homework, quizzes, tests, creative
projects, writing assignments and essays.
All scores will be recorded in X2. All students and families will have access to their grades and assignments.
If you have a question or concern about your grade, please see me before or after school.
Assignments
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No credit (0) will be given for late homework.
All assignments are due at the beginning of the period when the work is collected.
All reading must be completed by assigned dates. Reading check quizzes are frequently given to measure reading
completion and comprehension.
Attendance and Late Work
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The attendance policy is outlined in the SHS Student Handbook.
Each student is responsible for all materials and assignments presented in class.
Essays/long-term assignments are due at the beginning of the class period on the due date. Any assignment
handed in after collection will receive a grade deduction of 10% per school day for up to three days
(weekend=one day). After three days, you will receive a final due date and receive a grade deduction of 50%.
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Printer problems are not a valid excuse for late assignments. You can email your assignment saved as a word
document (.doc), if necessary, to avoid a late deduction.
If you are tardy, dismissed or on a field trip on a day a major assignment is due, you must hand in the assignment
whether or not you came to class, otherwise it is late.
If you are absent a day an assignment is due you must hand it in the day you return.
If you are absent a day work is assigned, you may email me the day of your absence or see me before or after
school the day you return.
School and Class Policies
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Students are expected to follow all school policies.
Here are a few reminders to maximize our time on learning:
 Be on time! You must be in your seat and ready to work when the bell rings.
 Be prepared! Wear your ID and bring your class materials.
 Be respectful! Listen and learn from others.
 Be considerate! Electronic device should not be on or visible during class. A teacher may ask you to put your
phone on his or her desk if it is a distraction.
 Be neat! All drinks/food (besides water) are not allowed in classrooms.
 Be here! Class cutting will not be tolerated. If a student cuts class he or she will receive a zero for any
assignments, quizzes or tests that day. The student will also receive a deduction in his or her class participation
grade and will be referred to administration for disciplinary action.
 Be honest! Cheating and/or plagiarizing are strictly prohibited. If a student is caught cheating on a test or quiz,
copying another’s work, distributing answers/information or plagiarizing from books or the internet, he or she
will receive a zero on the assignment, the student’s teacher will notify his or her and the student will be referred
to administration for further disciplinary action.
Students who do not follow school and class policies will receive detention from their teacher and may
be referred to their Housemaster.
Extra Assistance
I am available during the day and time listed on the top of the syllabus and most other days by appointment.
Students are encouraged to come for help on assignments, to prepare for a quiz/test or to discuss returned work,
grades, or any other issues that may arise. Students and families can also email me with any questions and are
encouraged to frequently check the class webpage and/or Aspen x2 for daily homework, reminders and valuable
resources.
Required Course Materials
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Spiral Notebook with at least 70 pages and a hard (plastic) cover.
Gmail account (or other email account that has the option of creating an e-folder of student work)
Communication
Students and families should contact their child’s teacher with any questions or concerns regarding their English
class. If students and families have further questions or concerns after speaking and meeting with the teacher, then a
meeting should be arranged with the English Department Chair, Ms. Remington. Ms. Remington’s email is
jremington@k12.somerville.ma.us or you can call her at x6250. Likewise, when teachers have concerns or questions
they will email or call you.
Parent/Guardian Conferences
We have parent/guardian teacher conferences four times during the school year. I look forward to meeting with you!
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Student & Parent/Guardian Information/Signature Page
By completing and signing this page I affirm that I have read, discussed and understand the course syllabus for
English at Somerville High School.
Student Name Printed:
_____________________________________________________________________________
Student Signature:
_____________________________________________________________________________
Student Email Printed:
______________________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name(s) Printed:
______________________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature:
______________________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian phone number:
(________)___________-______________
Parent/Guardian Email Address Printed:
____________________________________________________________
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