WRHS CORE VALUES: Citizenship and Responsibility; Collaboration; Communication; Critical Thinking and
Problem Solving; Creativity and Innovation
English 9 CP- Journey and Identity
Room C017
Mrs. Rejniak
2015-2016
Emily_Rejniak@wrsd.net
http://teacherweb.com/MA/WachusettRegionalHighSchool/Swan
English 9 CP is an intensive course designed to help students become stronger
writers, and readers. Students will analyze and read a variety of sources and
ultimately examine them in a manner in which is found on standardized tests.
Students will also be subjected to grammar concepts, vocabulary, literary terms, the
research process, and thesis papers.
Required Readings and Units:
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Homer’s The Odyssey
Paul Zindell’s The Pigman
Short stories (selected works)
William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet
Poetry (selected works)
Nonfiction (selected works)
Grammar (selected concepts taught throughout the year)
Required Class Materials
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A large three ring binder (suggested at least 1 inch)
o Three dividers (literature, grammar, vocabulary)
Writing utensil
All students are required to come to class each day fully prepared
with a writing utensil, his/her binder, and the current novel or
material in which the class is studying. Students should organize
all materials from class in his/her binder and should not discard
of any class materials without the teacher’s consent.
Expectations and Rules
WRHS LEARNING EXPECTATIONS: While mastering core content, it is expected WRHS students will exercise
responsible citizenship, communicate effectively, think critically and solve problems, think creatively,
collaborate and take an active role in their learning, and use technology effectively.
WRHS CORE VALUES: Citizenship and Responsibility; Collaboration; Communication; Critical Thinking and
Problem Solving; Creativity and Innovation
1. Be respectful of your peers, teachers, and classroom materials. Also, be
responsible of your own actions. Plain and simple-following these rules as a
guide will keep you focused and out of trouble. Remember that if you give
respect, you will receive respect in return.
2. No profanity!
3. Be on time for class. Tardiness will not be tolerated and will result in a teacher
detention (students will be given at least 24 hours notice before having to serve a
teacher given detention). Arriving more than a minute late will result in the
student being written up and having to handle the issue with a school
administrator.
4. Come to class prepared. After the bell rings, I will not allow you to go to your
locker to obtain missing work or materials. Missing work or materials may
result in a teacher detention.
5. Please stay seated until the class has ended. Do not line up at the door before
the bell rings!!!!
6. No cell phones or other electronic devices including but not limited to iPods. If I
see these items I will have to confiscate them and turn them into the school
administrators. If you have e-readers and find them useful pertaining to the
content of the class, these will be permitted on a case-by-case bases.
7. Food and drink will only be permitted in the classroom during third period
announces. During this time, students should remain seated and listening
quietly to the announcements.
8. Please try to use the bathroom before class begins. However, if you need to go
during class, please do not interrupt me while I am teaching or giving
instructions; wait for a more convenient time or take a pass and sign out on the
clipboard.
9. Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated and will result in a failing grade on
the corresponding assignment. Plagiarism may also result in school disciplinary
action.
VIOLATIONS OF ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
All students’ academic work must reflect their own honest efforts. Cheating and plagiarism in
any form will not be tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to copying homework, papers, lab
reports, or quiz or test answers; acquiring or disseminating quizzes or tests before they are
administered; or using information from the Internet or other outside sources without proper
attribution. Any student known to have cheated will be subjected to penalties, up to receiving
“0” for the work. Possible penalties will be made known to each class by the teacher and will be
included in the course syllabus. Students who collaborate with others in cheating by allowing
their papers to be copied or by other means will be subjected to penalties commensurate with
their involvement, which may include the student receiving “0” for the work or suffering
significant grade reduction. In all cases, the principal or the class administrator along with the
department head and teacher will be informed about both the incident and the penalty imposed,
and the parent(s) or guardian(s) will be notified. The administration reserves the right to impose
other penalties up to and including removal from the course, removal from honor societies, and
loss of eligibility for scholarships with “honor” as criteria.
WRHS LEARNING EXPECTATIONS: While mastering core content, it is expected WRHS students will exercise
responsible citizenship, communicate effectively, think critically and solve problems, think creatively,
collaborate and take an active role in their learning, and use technology effectively.
WRHS CORE VALUES: Citizenship and Responsibility; Collaboration; Communication; Critical Thinking and
Problem Solving; Creativity and Innovation
10. This is English class; therefore I do not want to see you working on any other
subject. If I see you doing homework and or projects for another class, I will
confiscate your work and have to inform your current teacher.
11. All rules in the WRHS Student Handbook apply in the classroom. The school
discipline policy can be found within the handbook.
12. Try your best and enjoy uncovering new topics and ideas!!!!
Grading and Assignments
 Homework, Class Work, and Participation 25%
Students will receive homework on a daily basis, and oftentimes the
assignments will be collected and graded. Students will also often be granted
time in class to work with his/her peers or individually on an assignment. All
homework and class work will be collected at the beginning of class the
assignment is due. Students will also be required to have an independent
reading source for each long block and the required materials associated with
this assignment. Class work grades will be rewarded according to students
reading journals, and participation in the reading activities. If you are having
trouble meeting a deadline, please see me before the assignment is due.
Homework and class work maybe be graded on a check mark system:
+ =100
 =85
- = 70
 Test and Quizzes 35%
Tests will be weighted TWICE in this category and will always be announced
at least two days in advance. Students will most likely be tested at the
completion of a unit. All grammar quizzes will be open note. Students will
also take vocabulary quizzes and quizzes on literature/current readings.
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Writing and Projects 40%
Throughout the course of the year, students will engage in various projects
and writing assignments in and out of school. Projects and writing will be
assessed through the use of documented and distributed rubrics. Writing
assignments may vary in length and complexity. Students will complete two
critiques, one in the first semester, one in the second semester. Due to the
complexity of this assignment, critiques will be weighted heavily in this
category. Students will also complete a research project at one point in the
school year. The weight of these assignments will be announced prior to the
due date.
WRHS LEARNING EXPECTATIONS: While mastering core content, it is expected WRHS students will exercise
responsible citizenship, communicate effectively, think critically and solve problems, think creatively,
collaborate and take an active role in their learning, and use technology effectively.
WRHS CORE VALUES: Citizenship and Responsibility; Collaboration; Communication; Critical Thinking and
Problem Solving; Creativity and Innovation
Make-Up Work
If you are absent, please see me once you have returned to school. All work
previously assigned before your absence is expected upon your return. All school
rules regarding allotted time to make-up work up will be followed. You can also email me at anytime with questions on assignments. Make-up work will be located
in the appropriate class bin. Your name and all papers you missed receiving will be
stapled together and located in the absent folder.
Extra-Help
I am available for extra help before and after school. Please feel free to make
arrangements with me or see me in my office or classroom for extra help.
Contacting Me
I am always available to answer questions from either students and or parents. I
check my e-mail daily and would encourage this as the best form of communication.
My e-mail can be found on the top of the syllabus. I also have a website that will be
updated weekly with any announcements and or long term projects or writing
assignments.
WRHS LEARNING EXPECTATIONS: While mastering core content, it is expected WRHS students will exercise
responsible citizenship, communicate effectively, think critically and solve problems, think creatively,
collaborate and take an active role in their learning, and use technology effectively.
WRHS CORE VALUES: Citizenship and Responsibility; Collaboration; Communication; Critical Thinking and
Problem Solving; Creativity and Innovation
Please sign and return to Mrs. Rejniak after reading the class syllabus.
I, ______________________________, have read and understand the rules and
procedures for Mrs. Rejniak’s English class and will respectfully follow them to the
best of my ability.
Student’s signature: _________________________________
Date:_____________
Parent’s signature: __________________________________
Date:_____________
WRHS LEARNING EXPECTATIONS: While mastering core content, it is expected WRHS students will exercise
responsible citizenship, communicate effectively, think critically and solve problems, think creatively,
collaborate and take an active role in their learning, and use technology effectively.