Sophomore English
2015-2016
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Welcome to Sophomore English. In this class we will build on your skills learned in your
Freshman English class, adding complexity and depth throughout the year. We will focus on
literary analysis through reading as well as essay writing. The texts will be challenging and
rigorous but I have full faith that each student can succeed in this class. I will be available for
extra help so please don’t hesitate to contact me anytime throughout the year.
Course Objectives:
1. Students in Sophomore English will demonstrate a deep understanding of text.
2. Students will demonstrate the ability to prepare and defend conclusions drawn from
reading expository text.
3. Students will be able to use formal, academic vocabulary in both speaking and writing.
4. Students will write at a sophisticated level, perfecting the ability to write effectively using
essay format and going beyond it.
5. Students will be able to write extensively throughout informative, argumentative and
narrative styles.
6. Students will engage in Socratic Seminars and discussions in class that may challenge
their ideas and expand their knowledge about the content and the world.
Much of our reading focuses on non-fiction, but we will also be exploring some important works
of fiction, including Macbeth (Shakespeare), Of Mice and Men (John Steinbeck), Night (Elie
Wiesel) among various non-fiction pieces, including current event texts and videos relevant to
the content or standard.
Classroom Rules:
1.
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3.
4.
Be in class on time, prepared with the materials, ready to learn.
Follow directions the first time they’re given.
One Mic. One Star: show respect by silently listening when someone else is
speaking.
Be responsible for your own learning.
Materials:
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Charged device with power adapter
3 ring binder
College-ruled loose leaf paper
Dividers
Black and/or blue pens
2 red pens
Highlighters (at least 3 different colors, ie. pink, yellow, blue)
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Flash drive (highly recommended)
Planner (highly recommended)
Come prepared to class with your charged device every day. While we may not use the
computer for the entire class period, many lessons will require the computer for various sections
or components.
Coming prepared also means to come with completed homework, having read the text, and
keeping an open mind during discussions.
Course Grading Polices:
Your grade in this course depends on your engagement with the texts, discussions, in-class work,
and homework. Grading will be on a running point system. Major projects worth more points
and minor assignments worth fewer points. Learning occurs through discussions, activities, and
lectures. This means some assignments cannot be replicated or otherwise “made up”; therefore,
your attendance in class is essential!
Grades are weighted according to the following:
35%=Large Projects & Classwork (Essays, Unit Tests, Reading Projects, Presentations)
25%= In-class work (Do Now work, Exit Tickets, In class assignments, etc.)
20% = Vocabulary Homework & Quizzes
20%= Final Exams (Written Exams, Essays, Socratic Seminars)
The percentages below are based on the MPS grading scale and are standard school-wide:
A = 90- 100%
B = 80- 89%
C = 70-79%
D = 60-69%
D- = 58- 59%
F = 57% and lower
All students have access to their grades through the MPS student portal. You can view your
grades in this class online, as well. I make every effort to keep grades up-to-date (within a week).
If you do not have a password to your portal, the SHS attendance office can assist you in getting
one.
Attendance:
Be on time to class every day. We have a lot to cover and I want to honor your time and the
opportunities that you deserve. In order to do that, you must be in your seat, with the necessary
materials for the lesson, ready to learn. Please note that any student tardy to class will receive
consequences depending on the severity and frequency of tardiness.
Class Norms, Procedures:
Be Prepared. Come to class ready to discuss—that means READ
the text BEFORE class, be prepared to talk about it. To make
sure you’re ready for the state test, for college, for life beyond
high school, you must be able to participate at 100% of your
capacity. It’s a waste of time for you (and everyone!) if you
come unprepared.
Homework:
Homework is due at the beginning of class. Do NOT do
homework at the beginning of class the day it’s due. The
expectation is that students come to class with homework
completed and ready to turn in. Students who attempt to
complete homework at the beginning of class will be asked to
take it home and turn it in for a late grade.
Late Work:
Late work will receive a late grade. Any work turned in past the due date will have 20% deducted
from the total points possible.
Absences:
Students have one day per absence to make up missing assignments. The homework must be
turned in the day after you return. You, the student, are solely responsible for knowing where
the daily materials are kept in the classroom and for getting those materials, and for completing
the work and turning it in!
Example: Super-Student Steve is absent on Monday when homework is ASSIGNED. Steve returns
to class on Tuesday. Steve must turn in the homework on Wednesday at the beginning of class.
Cheating/ Plagiarism:
Don’t.
Do your own work. Be proud of what you produce. Own it.
Plagiarism is defined as stealing and using another’s ideas and/or writings as one’s own.
This includes, but it not limited to literature, online information, textbooks, newspaper articles,
and other students’ work. If you are caught cheating / plagiarizing, both the student doing the
copying/cheating and the student allowing the copying/cheating, will receive a 0 for the
assignment. No exceptions.
OOPS!:
Because things occasionally interfere with the ability to finish assignments on time, students are
given 3 OOPS! slips each quarter. These slips may be used for the following:
1. A big assignment (such as an essay) can be turned in late (up to a week) will be
considered “on time.”
2. A small assignment turned in late will be considered “on time.”
Unused Oops slips can be turned in for extra credit at the end of the quarter if the student has
no missing work.
Cell phone/ipod/ipad/tablet etc. use in class:
Since each student has a device to use for technological purposes, no cell phones will be
permitted during class time for any reason (Emergencies involving a parent or guardian
excepted).
Food/Drink:
Food, drinks and gum are not allowed as it’s a distraction to all students. Only water is allowed in
the classroom. Students who bring food or other drinks will be asked to dispose of it before
entering the classroom.
Remind 101:
Throughout the course I will use a text message service called Remind 101 that sends text
reminders of upcoming assignments and tests. The text messages are safe and all phone
numbers remain anonymous. I have included instructions for signing up to receive the text
messages below.
Regarding Privacy:
I will not rummage through your backpacks, purses, books, etc.; I expect the same respect shown
to my things. Anything on or behind my desk or my podium should be considered my property
and not be taken or rifled through unless I have given you permission. There will be staplers,
hole-punches, tape, colored pens, etc. available for student use, as well as ample designated
student areas within the classroom.
Course Content Disclaimer:
Because we are reading and analyzing literature, much of it may include mature themes,
including gender, religion, violence, sexual themes, and vulgar language. Any readings or
discussions in class concerning any of these topics will be sensitively handled and restricted to
appropriate academic discussions.
Movies:
Movies (including documentaries and literature-on-film) will occasionally be shown in class when
it is appropriate for our learning objectives. While I do my utmost to make sure that all media is
appropriate for a high school audience and is rated appropriately, some media shown in class
will cover mature themes. Please contact Ms. Shaw (keshaw@mpsaz.org) for any concerns about
media shown in class or to exempt the student from movies or other videos in class.
Tutoring/Extra Help:
I believe every student can succeed in my class. If extra help or tutoring is needed, please
contact me as soon as possible. The success of each student is immensely important to me. I can
be reached most mornings and before class and in the afternoon as well. E-mail is the quickest
way to reach me.
I’m looking forward to working with you this year!
Ms. Shaw
keshaw@mpsaz.org
Syllabus Acknowledgement Form
due: Wednesday, August 19th = 10 points
I, _______________________________________ (Print Student Name) have read and agree to
the rules and policies outlined in the Syllabus for Ms. Shaw’s 10th grade English class for the
2015-2016 school year.
Student Signature:
__________________________________________________________ Date: _______________
I, _______________________________________ (Print Parent/Guardian Name) I have read the
Syllabus as well as the Content Course Disclaimer section and I am aware of and agree to the
classroom expectations that my son/daughter is expected to follow.
Parent / Guardian Signature:
__________________________________________________________ Date: _______________
Parent/Guardian 1 Contact Information:
Name: _______________________________________________ Relation: _________________
Phone #: __________________________________ Phone #: ____________________________
Email: ________________________________________________________________________
I prefer to be contacted by (circle one):
Phone
Email
Parent/Guardian 2 Contact Information:
Name: _______________________________________________ Relation: _________________
Phone #: __________________________________ Phone #: ____________________________
Email: ________________________________________________________________________
I prefer to be contacted by (circle one):
Phone
Email
REMOVE THIS FORM & RETURN TO MS. SHAW BY WEDNESDAY, AUGUST
19TH.