English 9 Honors Syllabus
Ms. Amy Trickett
amy.trickett@lcps.org
2015-2016
Course Description
Hello and welcome to English 9 Honors! This year will be an exciting journey as you acquire and
cultivate your literacy skills, critical thinking skills, and problem solving skills. You will learn ways to
read at a richer level by making connections, reflecting thoughtfully, and developing your capacity for
analysis. You will write widely and often, and through the writing process, you will learn how to revise deeply.
Finally, during the third quarter, you will complete a big question research product, which is required by LCPS.
Expectations
Be respectful.
Treat peers and adults with respect and kindness. Respect the classroom by throwing
away your trash and keeping the room clean.
Be honest.
Plagiarism is the use of someone else’s words and ideas as your own. Cheating is copying
someone else’s answers. Plagiarism and cheating are not tolerated.
Be involved.
Be willing to share ideas orally and in your writing. This class is primarily focused on your
ability to think, write, and speak critically. Please bring your curiosity, a strong work ethic,
and a positive attitude to every English class.
Be responsible.
Come to class on time, which means you are in the classroom when the tardy bell rings.
Read the daily agenda and begin “Do Now” tasks immediately. Further, have all required
materials and homework with you so you can actively participate in the lesson.
Cell phone policy: We will have structured time to use your cell phone; however, when class begins, turn your
phone off and keep it in your backpack. Texting and checking social media is a distraction. If you are told to
put your phone away:
 First time: warning from teacher
 Second time: email/call to parents
 Third time: referral to administrators
Materials
pen or pencil
highlighter
1-inch binder
5 subject spiral notebook
(optional) Post-it tabs
Texts
Major works of literature will be selected from the following:
John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, Homer’s Odyssey, Harper
Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of
Romeo and Juliet, Chris Crutcher’s Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes,
and Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak.
You will also be reading a variety of shorter pieces.
Assignments
**The reading list is subject to change.
Assignments will fall into one of two categories- formative (developing a skill) or summative
(demonstrating level of mastery of a skill).Assignments include: discussions, journals, single-draft essays,
final-draft essays, reading response, grammar exercises, vocabulary activities, presentations, research
components, annotations, and lots or reading.
Absences & Make-up Work
Homework
Be sure to check the white board for
homework and reminders. Record
your assignments in your agenda or
cell phone.
Come to school as much as possible. It is your responsibility
to get any missed assignments from Phoenix, a classmate, or
me. Handouts and assignments will be posted on Phoenix
the day they are assigned.
Assessment & Grading Policies
Students will earn grades for assignments on a point basis. Possible points
earned will depend on the individual assignment. Grades will be the result
of the total points earned by the student divided by the total points possible.
Numerical grades in English 9 are assigned in accordance with the grading
scale established by Loudoun County Public Schools.
Rubrics will
be provided
for major
writing
assignments.
Retake/Rewrite Policy
o Students who have earned a D or F on a summative assessment are encouraged to relearn
the material.
o Retakes/rewrites on summative assessments will ONLY take place if you have met the
following criteria:
 have turned in all formative assessments
 met with me for a reteach/relearn session (it is your responsibility to arrange a time
to meet)
o The higher of the two grades will be entered in the grade book.
o No retakes/rewrites for any summative assessment will be permitted the final week of the
quarter.
Late Work
All work is due on the due date at the beginning of class. Late work will be accepted up
until two weeks from the original due date unless otherwise discussed privately with the
teacher.
On-time Grades
o You will earn two grades for major summative assessments -- an on-time grade and a content
grade. The on-time grade is worth 10% of the summative grade. For instance, if the assignment is
worth 50 points, you will earn a 5-point on-time grade. If you turn in an assignment late, you will
earn a 0 for the on-time grade. This grade cannot be made-up.
o The content grade, on the other hand, shows your level of mastery on the assignment. Even if you
turn an assignment in late, you may still earn full credit for the content grade depending on your
performance. I will mark a “T” in Phoenix indicating that you “turned in the assignment) until it is
replaced with the grade.
Contact
Me
You can find me in the English workroom (Room 232) during 2nd (10:35 12:07)and 7th (12:13-2:13) periods. I also encourage you to make an
appointment to meet with me before or after school or during PriROARities as
needed. You may also email me at any time with questions:
amy.trickett@lcps.org