English 8A Syllabus
2014-2015
Instructor Information:
Teacher:
Room:
Contact:
Website:
Required Text:
Additional Resources:
Mr. Todd Yancey
Belle Vernon Area Middle School, Room 107
Phone: 724-808-2500; ext. 3107
Email: todd.yancey@bellevernonarea.net
http://www.bellevernonarea.net/bvams
Elements of Language, Second Course;
Vocabulary Workshop, Level C
Notebook, Writing Utensils
Flash drive (Optional but a good idea especially when doing
research)
Course Description and Focus:
The focus of this class will be on composition, with regard to the PSSA’s, grammar, vocabulary,
and a survey of literature, including short stories, poetry, and novels. The composition focus will
be on constructing a well-written essay, including: narrative, informative, persuasive, literary
analysis, and a research paper, which will help when taking the PSSA’s and writing in high
school. Throughout the school year, you will be creating an e-portfolio using Weebly, which will
highlight writing, literature, and classroom activities. Weebly is a website creation site that you
will use to create the e-portfolio and blog postings.
Literature to be read: Nightjohn, The Book Thief, Twelfth Night, “The Lottery”, “To Build a Fire”,
“Uneasy Homecoming”, “Lamb to the Slaughter”, and “Eliduc”
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, the successful student will be able to:
•
To write an informative, persuasive, compare/contrast, and literary analysis
essay
•
•
•
•
•
•

To write a research paper
To apply writing process to writing pieces
To build an understanding of vocabulary terms
To apply grammar skills
To orally present various topics
To read and analyze literature, including short stories, novels, and poetry
To design, create, and layout an ePortfolio webpage
Academic Honesty:
Any work submitted by the student shall be his/her own. Work taken from others shall be
deemed as unacceptable. Any doubts will initiate the completion of an alternative assignment
or a zero on the required effort, depending on the severity of the infraction.
Class Policies and Expectations:
The following is a list of general rules for class. My main focus for presenting rules is to ensure
that the classroom is safe and everyone is able to successfully learn in a comfortable and
enjoyable environment.
Raise your hand
Only one person out of the room at a time
No talking while I’m talking
Make best use of transition time (ex: throwing garbage away, sharpening pencil, etc.).
These things should be done during transition times, not while I’m teaching or giving
directions.
No lining up at the door at the end of class, remain seated
No cell phones, iPods, and portable game systems; these must remain invisible the
entire class period.
Class problems will be dealt with personally with the student and me (Mr. Yancey). If the
problem persists I will consult parents, security, the counselor, and/or the principal.
What to expect from Mr. Yancey
Creativity
Sense of humor
Worthwhile, engaging lessons
Tutoring and sincere caring
Fairness
What Mr. Yancey expects from you
Hard work and strong work ethic
Creativity
Good listening and communication skills
Participation
Respect to Mr. Yancey and other students
Course Grading Criteria:
All quizzes, tests, and projects will be graded according to the Belle Vernon Area School District
grading policy. Total points will be accumulated for all evaluated efforts in this class rather than
having letter grades per each effort. The grading scale is as follows:
A
B
C
D
F
-
90-100
80-89
70-79
60-69
0-59
Emphasis will be on formal assessments. Therefore grades will be weighted in this course.
Formal Assessments will account for 90% of a student’s grade (quizzes, tests, projects,
performance-based rubrics, essays, graded homework, etc.)
Informal Assessments will account for 10% of a student’s grade (homework for completion,
class participation, exit tickets, etc.)
Make Up Work
Missing class too often usually leads to low grades, so absences should be limited. If you are
sick, you should see me as soon as you get back so you can get caught up on missing work
and/or quizzes and tests. It is your job to come and see me for missing work, not the other way
around. If you know ahead of time that you will be absent, you should let me know so I can
provide you with the work that you will miss.
Academic Standards:
Students will be reacquainted with the Pennsylvania Academic Standards that have been
adopted by the Department of Education, along with the Common Core Standards that are in
the process of being implemented nationwide. Students will be made aware of the importance
of the standards and the efforts to meet them.
Edline:
If
Grades will be updated weekly on Edline. If you lost or cannot remember log in information,
please contact our Child Accounting Department at 724-808-2500 ext. 1108.
Schoolwires (Website):
My website will be updated every Friday. Course Topics, Assignments, and Quizzes and Tests
are also posted weekly. Go to www.bellevernonarea.net. Choose the middle school and
teachers. Once my name has been selected, click on the tab for Assignments and Tests to
keep informed about these items. In addition, I have a page dedicated to materials to be used
in the class.
Extra Help
I am always happy to answer questions and review assignments and projects. If you
have questions or need help please see me before or after school, or before or after
class.
I look forward to a great year with both student and parent. I believe in good
communication between parent and teacher, as well as student and teacher. Please
contact me with any questions and concerns.
Mr. Todd Yancey, M.Ed.
Todd.Yancey@bellevernonarea.net