Mr. Jeffree’s Sophomore English
Class Syllabus
Room: 521
Email: thomas.jeffree@gilbertschools.net
Phone: 545-3100 ext. 2521
Course Description:
The Sophomore English course will continue to build upon the foundation of reading, writing, speaking, and
listening skills that you have already laid so far in previous years. However, the specific focus of this year will be
on strengthening your critical reading and textual analysis skills; producing clear and effective academic writing
pieces, including synthesis, analysis, and argument; analyzing poetry; and preparing for the State exams . This
class will also focus on your ability to communicate both formally and informally through group activities and
individual presentations. You can expect a rigorous curriculum, but you will have my full support in helping you
to be successful and to have fun.
Units of Study:
o
o
o
o
Dystopian Society
Rhetoric
Shakespearean Drama/Speech Writing
Cultural Diversity/Research
Each unit contains activities that require you to use reading, writing, speaking,
and listening skills, as well as formal assessments. These assessments
challenge you to create an original product that reflects your learning. In addition, you will have at least one
multiple-choice assessment at the end of each unit. Your coursework will include several occasions that require
you to create a multi-media product as part of your assessment.
Major Works
o
Anthem by Ayn Rand
o
The Tragedy of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare
o
Excerpts from: Letter from Birmingham Jail by Martin Luther King Jr.
o
Selected Canon of Poetry & Short Stories
o
Clips from PBS Storycorp.org, Forest Gump, and Wall-e
o
Occasionally level and content appropriate clips will be used to supplement and enhance student
understanding of themes and concepts.
o
You will read a selection of poetry, as well as other fiction and non-fiction texts during the year.
You will also complete two independent reading projects built around various themes.
Student Text:
You will be using Elements of Literature (Fourth Course) available in the classroom. In addition, you will be
given either hard copies or Web links to other readings used in class.
Materials Needed:
For this class, students will need the following:
✓
Section of a notebook or spiral dedicated to this class
✓
Loose Leaf College Rule Paper
✓
Blue/Black Pen and Pencils
✓
3 different colored highlighters
Donations (if so inclined):
Post-it Notes (any color or size)
Tissues
Hand Sanitizers
Grading:
Student work will be graded using a points system. The categories and
corresponding point values are as follows:
50-150 points
50-100 points
10 - 50 points
5 - 50 points
10% of total grade
10% of total grade
Performance Tasks (including major
assignments, embedded assessments,
written products, writing processes,
presentations, research)
End of Unit Multiple Choice Tests
Quizzes
Classwork and Homework
District Writing Final Exam
District Final Exam
Grading Percentage Distributions:
90-100%
80-89%
70-79%
60-69%
1-59%
A
B
C
D
F
Plagiarism and Academic
Dishonesty:
Students are expected to submit their
own work at all times. This means that
work copied from the internet, a
classmate, a sibling, etc. will always
result in a failing grade and a referral
to administration.
Turnitin.com Account Registration:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Click on the “Enroll in a Class” tab on your student homepage.
Enter the “Class ID” for your corresponding class.
Click “Submit.”
Password: ENGLISHII
Class ID #’s:
3rd Hour (A): 10302011
4th Hour (B): 10302016
6th Hour (C): 10302022
Late Work:
Students are allowed to turn in missing work other than tests/quizzes and any other specified
assignments within one week of original due date for 50% credit. They may not turn in late work
past the one week deadline.
Tardy Policy: Three Tardies = One Absence
First Tardy – No consequence
Second Tardy – Verbal Warning
Third Tardy – Classroom Consequence
Fourth Tardy – Phone Call Home
Fifth Tardy – Office Referral
Behavior Expectations:
o Arrive for class on-time and ready to work.
o Follow classroom procedures and directions.
o Harassment will not be tolerated and all district guidelines will be followed.
o Technology use is permitted in the classroom only when directed by the teacher.
o Complete absent work in a timely fashion and submit it to the make-up work basket. (1 day allowed for
each day absent, unless assignment was due on the day absent; it is then due when you return).
o Schedule make-up tests on the day you return.
o School/district dress code will be enforced.
o Food and drinks other than water are not permitted in the classroom.
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS):
o
As members of the Coyote family, we pride ourselves on our dedication to Community, Values,
Honor and Scholarship. Students are expected to meet specific positive behavioral standards both in
and out of the classroom. These behaviors, such as being respectful and practicing academic
honesty, are what make Campo Verde such an amazing place to learn. During this school year,
students will participate in a school-wide initiative focused on the promotion and reinforcement of
the expected standards of behavior.
Mr. Jeffree

Love & Repect
o These are Mr. Jeffree’s two guiding concepts for creating a positive classroom learning environment.
Apply kindness to all that you do. Govern your behavior with love and respect for the teacher, your
classmates, and for your school. With these concepts at the forefront of all of your decisions in
regards to classroom behavior, work completion, and overall ethics, you will find that you will have
more fun and learn more this year!
A Quick Note About Technology:
Students are encouraged to bring their own technology (phones/computers/ipads/Kindles) into Mr.
Jeffree’s classroom; we will use it from time to time in learning. Directions for how that technology
should be used will be clearly stated in our learning. Students who do not follow protocol will have
their technology taken and sent to the front office for pick up at the end of the day.
Welcome to Class! It’s going to be a great year!
Parent Contact Form
After reading Mr. Jeffree’s syllabus, please complete the following information:
I have read and understand Mr. Jeffree’s syllabus.
___________________________________
Parent Printed Name
______________________________________
Student Printed Name
___________________________________
Parent Signature
______________________________________
Student Signature
Is there anything that you would like me to know about your child that will help me teach him/her in
the English classroom?
Preferred Email Address(s): _____________________________________
Preferred Contact Phone Number(s): ______________________________
This portion to be completed by the teacher throughout the year to record communication.
Date
Reason for Call/Email
Date
Reason for Call/Email