Mrs. Worthington’s
American Literature English III Syllabus
2013-2014
1st, 3rd , and 6th period
Room 606
eileenworthington@mooreschools.com
http://www.mooreschools.com/889820214123830580/site/default.asp
Class Motto: Be Positive, Be Productive, Be Polite, and Be Proud
Course Description:
English III combines a study of grammar and composition with American Literature. Students will review grammar,
usage, and writing skills. Writing emphasis will be on structure of the multi-paragraph paper. Using the writing process,
students are required to write four papers. Two documented essays, one which must be a research essay, are required of all
juniors. Through a chronological survey of American Literature, students will study the lives and works of major
American authors, poets, and journalists beginning with Native Americans and concluding with contemporary writers.
To view the Oklahoma Priority Academic Student Skills, which your curriculum is based upon, go to
http://www.sde.state.ok.us/home/defaultie.html and click on PASS.
To view the Moore Public Schools curriculum guides, go to http://www.moore.k12.ok.us/mpscurr/index.html and select
the appropriate area.
Materials needed for class everyday:
1. Standard 8 1/2 x 11 college ruled notebook paper or Spiral notebook
2. Three ring binder
3. Pens, pencils, and highlighters
4. Agenda Book
5. IDs
6. Novels – when assigned
Recommended Supplies: 1. Flash Drive - Always save on your computer and somewhere else.
Class Policies:
Entering and Leaving Class
1. You are expected to come to class each day prepared to work. When you enter the room, you
should have all materials you need for class. Please have agenda, notebook, pens, etc. with
you. When you come in to class, please go directly to your seat. A warm-up assignment will
be posted on the board or overhead. Begin working on the assignment, I will let you know
when to stop.
2. The tardy policy will be enforced. Two unexcused tardies constitute an absence, and any
student that is more than five minutes late will be counted absent. Detention does not
erase a tardy.
3. Students need to stay in their seats until the bell rings. Do not line up at the door.
While in class
1. When announcements are being made, please do not talk. What is being said might be very
important. Please respect each other.
2. Bathroom Usage – Whenever you are out of the class, you miss important classroom
instruction. In order to prevent abuse of bathroom privileges, students will not be
allowed to leave the classroom 10 minutes after the class starts or 10 minutes before
class ends.
3. If you are absent, (over ten absences means you don’t get credit for the class) you have one
day to make-up work for each day absent. Please see make-up area for your assignment and
a friend for any notes that were taken the day you missed. Hand in any make up work to me.
If you have any questions please come and talk to me. Make up quizzes or tests can be made
up before or after class. If you were in class when an assignment, test, or quiz was
announced you are expected to turn in the assignment or take the test/quiz when you
return to class.
4.
Homework will be turned in at the beginning of class, unless I tell you differently. Quizzes
and tests will be given at the beginning of the class also; no time will be given in class for last
minute studying.
Late Work Policy: I will accept late work up to three days past the due date with a 25%
penalty for each day late.
Student Expectations: What I need from you.
1. Be Positive – Having a positive attitude in class makes the class more enjoyable.
2. Be Productive – Use your time wisely. While in class be prepared to work, listen, and
discuss. Keep everything that is not necessary for class in your bag or under the desk.
3. Be Polite – Treat others the way you want to be treated. Do not tell others students what to
do. If you have a problem please tell me, and I will address it.
4. Be Proud – Take pride in your work. Do not turn in something that you are not proud of.
That means make the time to complete a project or assignment. Don’t wait until the last
minute.
Discipline Policies and Procedures
Cell Phones – The Student Handbook states that cell phones are not allowed in the classroom. If I see a
student using a cell phone, I will take it up and at the end of the day bring it to the proper grade office. For
the first offence I will give you detention. Any offences after that will be a referral. Any student who
resists, argues, or tries to bargain with me will also receive a referral. In order to keep you honest and to
make sure that it doesn’t look like you are using a cell phone, book bags and purses need to remain on the
floor or under the desk and closed. Take out what you need at the beginning of class, so there is no need to
get back in your bag or purse.
Any infraction of the above rules will result in disciplinary action. All rules are in compliance
with the MHS student/parent handbook.
1st Offense: Warning (verbal or written)
2nd Offense: detention*
3rd Offense: detention and a call home to parents*
4th Offense or Severe Misconduct: Referral to grade principal, call home to parents, parent/teacher
conference, depending on severity of infraction.
*Detention Times are Tues. and Thurs during lunch or from 3:05 -3:30
This will be the grading scale for the class:
Daily Work
20%
Quizzes
30%
Tests/Projects
40%
Final
10%
Grades
100 – 90 = A
89 – 80 = B
79 – 70 = C
69 – 60 = D
59 – below = F
Textbook, Novels and Plays read in class:
Reader’s Choice - American Literature – Glencoe
The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald
Of Mice and Men – John Steinbeck
The Crucible – Arthur Miller
This list might change.
Extra credit assignments will be given from time to time.
The guidelines in the Moore High School Handbook will be followed and upheld at all times.
Dear Parents/Guardians,
I am looking forward to working with you and your children this year. Please take a moment to
read over the syllabus, make any comments at the bottom of the page, and return it completed and signed.
It is my goal that we have a successful year.
Thank you,
Mrs. Worthington
I have read the syllabus and understand the policies and procedures for Mrs. Worthington’s classroom.
______________________________
student name - printed
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student signature and date
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Parent/Guardian name – printed
________________________________________
Parent/Guardian signature and date
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Parent/Guardian contact number: circle one – home, work, or cell
What is the best number to contact you?
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Parent/Guardian email address
Parent/Guardian comments or questions: