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Somerville High School English Department
English 1: The Beginning of the Journey
Mr. Meservey
Syllabus
2013-2014
"If you ask me what I came into this life to do, I will tell you: I came to live out loud."
Emile Zola
Dear Student and Parent/Guardian:
Welcome to Somerville High School! It is our goal to work with you both individually and collectively as you embark on your journey
through high school and beyond! English 1 is a rigorous and balanced focus on composition and literature, where students will build
their knowledge and skills in the four main aspects of language: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Together we will explore a
diverse selection of literature including the novel Things Fall Apart, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Athol Fugard’s Master Harold
and the boys, and a variety of poems, short fiction, and non-fiction pieces.
We will introduce the students to Writing with Colors, a formal writing system designed to improve all students’ ability to write, edit,
and revise open response writing assignments. We will dedicate the first several weeks of the school year to the mastery of the Writing
with Colors system, which the students will continue to use throughout their time at SHS.
Please expect approximately 30 minutes of English homework every night. While written homework may not be assigned every
night, students are expected to complete all reading assignments outside of class. Very little reading will be completed during class
time, as most lessons will be strictly dedicated to close readings of the text to master the skills associated with the ELA 1 curriculum.
 2 3-ring binders (1 inch and 2 inch)
Required Supplies
a) One for notes, class assignments, homework assignments, handouts, and other written work.
b) The second as your IN-CLASS writing portfolio
 section dividers
 Filler paper
 1 subject notebook or composition notebook for your Classroom Journal
 Pens/pencils
*** I will randomly conduct binder and journal checks to ensure that students are prepared for class, and that notes are
consistently being taken as they read and are presented with new information and skills. These checks will typically be worth
the same as a homework assignment.
Class Expectations
a) Students must be wearing their IDs at ALL TIMES.
b) Please have your binder, pen, and text on your desk before class begins. Keep bags and coats beneath your seat.
 Being unprepared - including not having your binder or text - will result in loss of class credit.
c)
Begin working on the assigned “Do Now” when the bell rings
 This is when I will check and/or collect homework. I will write the “Do Now” task on the white board
before class everyday, and students will be expected to begin the assignment as soon as the bell rings.
d) You may bring bottled water to class. No other food or drink is permitted.
e)
Any electronic device taken out during class will result in the student being sent to his/her housemaster.
f)
Late work policy:
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Late homework = ZERO
Late major assignments (essays, projects) = marked down one full letter grade (10%) for each day it is
late, even on days that we do not meet as a class.
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Final drafts can be emailed or given to me in person, not turned in by someone else, left in my mailbox, or
slid under my door.
g) If you miss class due to an excused absence, it is your responsibility to approach me to obtain make-up assignments and
schedule make-up tests. This is extremely important, as I will not approach you to remind you about missing assignments.
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Extensions (due to excused absence) on papers, journals, and projects assigned before your absence will be
handled by a case-by-case basis.
All tests must be made up within one week after your absence.
h) Creating a safe and respectful classroom environment is most important! The momentum of the class relies on participation,
and it is imperative that all students feel comfortable and safe sharing their ideas with one another. Because each student expects
and deservers a safe classroom community, disrespectful and/or inappropriate language and behavior will never be tolerated, and
disciplinary action will be taken immediately. This includes behavior towards substitutes in my absence.
i)
Plagiarism: You will receive a zero (0) for any work that has been plagiarized. Students will be referred to administration for
further disciplinary action.
j)
Cheating: Anyone caught cheating will receive a zero (0) for the assignment. Cheating includes copying someone else’s
homework. Students will be referred to administration for further disciplinary action.
Grading
Your grade will be based on a TOTAL POINTS SYSTEM. Each assignment will be worth a specific number of points. At the end of
each term, your final grade will be calculated by simply dividing the number of points you received by the total number of possible
points and multiplying by 100. This gives you the ability to keep track of your grade throughout the year. Grades will also be available
and updated weekly on X2, and I encourage you to check your account regularly. Assignments will include:
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Do Nows
In-class writing and quizzes
Formal papers
Tests and projects
Journals and homework
Academic Support Sessions
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I try to always be available in my classroom both before and after school every day. Additionally, my door is always open if
you need to stop by for a quick question or clarification (or just to say hello!). However, for more detailed meetings regarding
assignments, particularly essays, please schedule a specific time with me in advance.
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Your willingness to put in extra effort by meeting after school to discuss problems with assignments, concepts, and writing
shows me that you are dedicated to improving your English skills and will greatly improve your understanding of difficult
topics.
I can be reached by email at mmeservey@k12.somerville.ma.us. I check my school email regularly; please don’t hesitate to contact
me if you have a question about an assignment, and I will respond as soon as possible.
Parents and students, please sign at the bottom of the next page. Keep this syllabus in your notebook.
I look forward to embarking on this journey together this year!
Sincerely,
Matt Meservey
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Somerville High School English Department
English 1: The Beginning of the Journey
Mr. Meservey
Syllabus
2013-2014
"If you ask me what I came into this life to do, I will tell you: I came to live out loud."
Emile Zola
We’re all looking forward to a great school year. Please bring this syllabus home and review it with your parent or guardian.
Both of you then sign below to receive your first homework grade (10 points).
By signing this you affirm that you have read and understand the syllabus:
Student (print)
________________________________________________
Student (signature)
________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian (print)
________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian (signature)
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