English 2 Course Syllabus
HM Jackson High School
2015-2016
Instructor:
Email:
Phone:
Jennifer Kink
jkink@everettsd.org
425.385.7068
Course Description:
English 2 (Grade 10) courses provide instruction, practice, and assessment of literacy skills
aligned with Common Core State Standards. These skills include close reading and analytical
writing. Primarily based on the College Board’s SpringBoard Language Arts curriculum, this
course will require students to read short stories, poetry, novels, dramas, and nonfiction
texts. With a world literature focus, texts often parallel the world history curriculum and
expose students to other cultures. Furthermore, students will write essays of literary analysis
in which they identify how the structure of the text conveys an intended main idea or theme.
Textbook:
SpringBoard Level 5 Workbook ($22 replacement fee if lost)
CollegeBoard 2015
Materials Needed:
 Pens/pencils
 A composition notebook (not spiral)
 A reserved section in a 3-ring binder for English
 3x5 Index cards, any color
 Post-it notes
 A pack of Highlighters (at least four)
Common Core State Standards:
The SpringBoard curriculum used in this class will implement the Common Core State
Standards so all students can achieve the outcomes defined in the new standards, including:
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Higher-order critical thinking skills
Precision in reading and writing
Accurate analysis and evaluation
Problem-solving skills
Deeper conceptual understanding
Expanded academic vocabulary
Media literacy
Assessment:
Grades will be comprised of the following:
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Embedded Reading and Writing Assessments
and Unit Tests (Summative):
80%
Daily Work, Homework, Vocab, Quizzes (Formative):
20%
The expectation is that all work is done by you and your best effort is put forward. If you do
the work, you will succeed. Grades are based on a point system and the following grading
scale will be used for the course:
100-93%
A
82-80%
B-
69-67%
D+
92-90%
A-
79-77%
C+
66-60%
D
89-87%
B+
76-73%
C
Below 60%
F
86-83%
B
72-70%
C-
Please note that the embedded assessments and some assignments are graded on a 4-point
scale. The level descriptions are as follows:
Exemplary
Proficient
Emerging
Incomplete
Not Received
Late
The student’s work is above
the grade level expectations.
The student’s work meets
grade level expectations.
The student’s work is close to
grade level expectations.
The student’s work shows
some characteristics of work
toward grade level
expectations, but the
student’s work is not
complete.
The assignment was not
received from the student.
The assignment was received
after the due date so no
points are awarded. This
score will not be used for
assessments but for work
ethic assignments only.
Receives a score between 3
and 4
Receives a score of 2 or
higher but no more than 3
Receives a score of 1 or
higher but no more than 2
Receives a score greater than
zero but less than 1
Scored at zero
No credit (NC)
Grades are regularly posted online. Regarding cheating/plagiarism, please refer to the
Jackson High School Student Handbook.
Attendance, Tardy, and Late Work Policy:
Students are expected to attend class every day and to do the required work on time.
Class begins promptly on the ringing of the bell. Jackson High School’s tardy policy will be
followed. The Jackson High School Attendance Policy (see pages 13-16 of Handbook) will be
enforced. No late work will be accepted or make-up work will be allowed for unexcused
absences. Students with excused absences will be allowed to make up missing assignments.
They will receive the same number of days to complete the missing work as the days they
were absent, but if the assignment’s due date was posted in advance, then the assignment is
due when the student returns to class. Also, if a student misses class but makes it to school,
the assignment is due that day. All tests will be taken the day you return. It is the students’
responsibility to get all missed assignments, any needed explanations, and turn in due
assignments before or after school the day they return.
*Note: Group presentations are a large part of this school year. If a member of the group is
not present, it affects the quality of the entire presentation and ultimately affects all
members. Therefore, students who are absent for a presentation will earn a zero unless it is
excused by a doctor’s note specifically prohibiting the student from attending school that
day. (I realize emergencies occasionally occur and these situations will be considered on a
case by case basis).
Expectations and Beliefs:
To make our year together exceptional, I expect YOU to…
 have a desire to learn
 put forth a consistent effort
 actively participate
 try to resolve it if you have a problem
 enjoy what you do
 always seek results rather than excuses
 seek Mrs. Kink’s help when needed
Classroom Climate:
In order for the classroom to be a positive learning environment, several rules must be
followed:
1. No talking when I am talking.
2. If you need to leave the room (bathroom, etc.), you must obtain a hall pass from me
at an appropriate time.
3. No headphones in class.
4. Personal technology devices should be put away during class.
5. Practice mutual respect: Always treat everyone, their rights, feelings and property
with respect (no swearing, vulgar language, rude conduct, etc.).
For Parents/Guardians:
Many parents/guardians have asked me how they can help their student succeed in my class.
Here are a few things that will help:
1. Each day ask your student what they learned in my class. If they can, have them
explain how what they learned influences their life or our country.
2. Study with your student, especially help them with vocabulary flashcards and
memorization.
3. Set goals with them and establish rewards and penalties.
4. Encourage them to come in at lunch or after school for help if they need it.
5. If there is a problem, contact me as soon as possible.
Teacher Commitment:
I love what I do and am dedicated to each student’s academic preparation. If you have any
special needs, concerns, or problems as the year progresses, please feel free to email me at any
time or set up a meeting. I am looking forward to a great year together!
Jennifer Kink
HM Jackson High School
Wisdom begins in wonder.
—Socrates
Welcome! I am looking forward to a challenging and successful year!
By signing below, you are acknowledging that you have read and understand the above course
expectations. If you have questions, please feel free to contact me. The best way to reach me is
through email: jkink@everettsd.org or contact my voicemail at (425) 385-7068.
______________________________
_________________________________
Student Name (Print)
Student Signature
______________________________
_________________________________
Parent Signature
Date
When I need to contact you to tell you how amazing your student is performing in my class, how
would you like me to contact you?
Email: _________________________
Cell phone: _________________________
Home phone: ___________________
Work phone: ________________________
Special Parent Plea: Remember the good ol’ supply list you used to fill when your student was in
elementary school? I’m sure that back-to-school shopping hasn’t gotten any easier or less expensive
since those days; however, if you do find yourself with any extra supplies you would be willing to
donate to our classroom, I would really appreciate it. Please feel free to send it in with your student
or drop it off at the front office with my name on it. Here are a list of ideas: Kleenex (you wouldn’t
believe the amount we go through here), hand sanitizer, markers, colored pencils, crayons,
pens/pencils, paper, construction paper, old/used magazines, glue sticks, etc. Thank you!!