AP Language and Composition
Mrs. McDonald
Heads Up: You will be expected to do a massive amount of multi-tasking in this
class. We will run different units at the same time and there WILL be a lot of work-KEEP UP!
Materials Required:
 Always bring (insert novel that we are studying here) to class! No
exceptions!
Basic homework and grading policies:
 Assignments can be found on my school wires page AND it will be announced
in class as well.
 Some writing assignments will be on schoology.com – I will direct you there
when necessary.
 Please keep up with all reading assignments. This is an AP course and it
is entirely unacceptable for you to use something like sparknotes or
shmoop instead of reading the novel. If you feel the need to do that,
then maybe this isn’t the course for you.
 Grades will be calculated using a total point system and point values for each
assignment will vary.
Late and Makeup Work:
 All printed/written assignments are due at the BEGINNING of class.
 This is an AP class therefore; no one should be handing in late work. If you do
happen to turn in late work, you will receive a 50% deduction on the
assignment (including 100 point essays) and your parents will be
notified.
 If you are absent, homework is due upon your return to the class. I will not
ask you for your work. It is YOUR responsibility to check my website or call a
friend to find out what you missed.
 Because this is an AP class you will be expected to complete homework but
you will not always receive a grade for it.
Vocabulary:

We will study an exorbitant amount of vocabulary this year and it will be
cumulative!
o
Yes, you will need to know words from September in May 

You will receive 10 words every 1-2 weeks and then given a quiz that will
vary in point total and style.

It will be up to YOU to get the definitions and study the words in each list. I
will ask if there are questions, but for the most part, you will gain and apply
this knowledge on your own.
The AP Exam:

You ARE required to take the AP exam in May.

We will spend a lot of time throughout the year going over the format and
practicing for the test.

Everything we do in this class will help you on the AP exam.
Extra Help:
 I am usually here by 7:30 AM, so if you want to drop in, go ahead.
 Because I am the volleyball coach, my after school schedule gets kind of
crazy, so I would suggest trying to make an appointment.
 I will be around for some of the pascack periods, so you can always drop by
then too!
Units to be covered:
 Ongoing:
o Vocabulary
o Practice exams
o Rhetorical terms
 The Overachievers and Poisonwood Bible
 The Scarlet Letter
 The Great Gatsby
 Farewell to Arms
 Grapes of Wrath
 All My Sons
Contact me @ smcdonald@pascack.k12.nj.us
This is BY FAR the easiest way to get in touch with me!