Folsom-Cordova Unified School District
Honors Tenth Grade Expectations
HONORS SOPHOMORE ENGLISH 2015 - 2016
Instructor: Miss Sarah Bone
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Honors English 10 is the second year course for the honors secondary language arts
curriculum. Emphasis is placed on higher levels of student performance with more complex assignments, which
includes but is not limited to writing, reading and analyzing. Students will more keenly develop higher level
thinking skills, as well as be able to demonstrate the ability to critically analyze specific writing styles and more
sophisticated pieces of literature. Closely following the new Common Core language arts content standards,
students will hone their writing, reading, and oral language skills in Honors English 10. Students will develop the
speaking skills needed in both small and large group discussions; write essays of greater length and level of
sophistication; demonstrate the proper use of the MLA format for all assignments; do research of a more in-depth
nature with a broader range of sources and an original thesis; and read and analyze a higher level of literature in
terms of language, literary elements, and thematic content (emphasis will be placed on this aspect of the
curriculum and the summer reading book How to Read Literature Like a Professor). Two of the focuses of Honors
English 10 is student preparation for the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) and entrance into AP Language
(11th grade). The CAHSEE, which is based upon the language arts content standards, is given to all students in the
spring of their tenth grade year. CAHSEE is used to ensure a minimum of competency in reading and writing.
Governed by the State Board of Education, the test measures these competencies in students. A board-approved
literature list constitutes the basis of student instruction in literature. Approved by the FCUSD Board of Education,
the list sets forth all literature from which teachers will draw their literary curriculum. Students will also have an
opportunity in the spring to test into the AP Language class here on campus. Their class grades from this class will
also be factored into whether or not they will be placed in the AP class.
GPS INTEGRATED CURRICULAR FOCUS: All students will be provided with curriculum that extends to a global
perspective.
COMMON CORE: Creating inquiry-based classrooms in which students are challenged to explore ideas, interact
with text, and develop thoughtful and logical understandings of their world is the common goal in of the English
department. The key to literacy is the idea that every teacher teaches reading, writing, and critical thinking in a
classroom that integrates the three through discussion, exploration, and problem solving.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: The Folsom High School English Department is committed to equal opportunity for all
individuals in education. My classroom shall be free from discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation,
ethnic group identification, race, ancestry, national origin, religion, color, mental or physical disability, or any
other unlawful consideration. My classroom shall be readily accessible to individuals with disabilities. If a student
feels he/she has been discriminated against by anyone in the classroom, please have him/her see me
immediately to discuss the episode(s) so that I can work to remedy the situation.
METHOD OF EVALUATION: Grading Policy:
Grading Scale:
99% = A+
88% = B+
93% = A
83% = B
90% = A80% = B-
78% = C+
73% = C
70% = C-
68% = D+
63% = D
60% = D-
59.9% and lower = F
This class uses the weighted grade system. This means that each category is worth a specific percentage of the
student’s overall grade. Because of this, some assignments, like essays and outside reading, are inherently worth
more than others since there will be fewer assignments in the category. The final grade will be calculated using
the following scale:
30% Essays
15%Final
15% Homework/Discussion
20% Test/Quizzes
10% Outside Reading
10% Participation/Class work
No late work will be accepted. Only prior approved extensions beyond the due date will be accepted.
HOMEWORK: A portion of the academic grade will be based upon homework assignments. Although
assignments will be made regularly, they may vary in quantity and complexity based on subject matter and ability
level. Since only your best effort is acceptable to you, me, and your parents or guardians, late or incomplete work
will not receive credit for long term or major papers/projects. Students MAY be allowed the opportunity to turn
in smaller assignments one day late with 50% taken off the graded score. This event will depend on the student’s
communication with the teacher prior to the date turned in.
TESTS: Students will receive at least two days notice prior to major tests, which will be both objective and essay.
The semester exams, which will include information from any part of that semester, may also be both objective
and essay. Quizzes may be given at any time and without advanced notice. Make-ups will be taken the day the
student returns to class. If this is not possible, it is the student’s responsibility to arrange alternate scheduling on
that return day. It is the department’s testing policy during ALL testing situations, that all electronic devices
MUST be placed into the student’s backpack and the backpack must be placed at the front of the room – no
exceptions. Students not in compliance may receive a zero score and low citizenship grade. The offense will
also be reported to administration.
MAKE-UP: All tests and assignments are due upon returning from an absence. The only exception would be an
assignment GIVEN during the absence; these will be due two days after your return unless the assignment was
designed to be completed over several days. Long-term assignments – those designed to be completed over a
week or more – are due by class time on the day specified, regardless of any absences between the day
assigned and the day due. If you are absent on the date due, you must still turn the assignment in on the due
date. You may e-mail me the assignment and provide a hard copy upon your return. Students may send their
work via a trustworthy friend or have a parent, sibling, etc. or drop it in my box or classroom before the end of
YOUR class period. A student with an extended absence of three or more days will make up work according to the
instructor’s directions. It is the responsibility of the student to inquire about any and all missed work and to make
the necessary arrangements for its completion. If a student is on campus any part of a day in which an assignment
is due, the work must be turned in that day to receive credit—whether or not the actual English class is attended.
A STUDENT WITH AN UNEXCUSED ABSENCE (S) MAY NOT MAKE UP MISSED WORK.
EXTRA CREDIT: No extra credit will be accepted. Students are expected to do the reading and writing assignments
as designed for the course.
ATTENDANCE AND TARDIES: Regular attendance is critical for success in this or any endeavor. A portion of the
grade will be based on class participation for which you must be in attendance. We cannot recreate the
circumstances surrounding what you miss; therefore, this type of assignment cannot be made up even when the
absence is excused. However, there may be alternative points available. Just as with any absence, it is the
responsibility of the STUDENT to ask about this and any missed materials and work. If the student is absent for
more than two days, an email to me requesting homework should be sent in order to keep the student up to date
(SBone@fcusd.org or sarahebone@gmail.com). Please add your name and period in the subject line of the email.
Students should also regularly check the website for posted homework and materials. There is NO excuse for not
knowing what was missed. The use of the restroom will be at the teacher’s discretion and must be reasonable the use of your PAWS-PORT as a hall/bathroom pass is mandatory. You may bring in your own water, trips to get a
drink will NOT be allowed.
SCHOOL RULES: Campus rules and policies in the PAWSPORT will be adhered to in this classroom; see appropriate
pages for a detailed list. Remember that no food, drink, or gum will be allowed; all iPods, cell phones and
accessories must be turned off and placed out of sight during class; and all staff will be enforcing the school dress
code throughout the entire school day.
CITIZENSHIP: The citizenship grade is measured by a student’s ability and willingness to follow the policies of this
class. As an English Department, we value courtesy, cooperation, and respect. These policies reflect the
standards conducive to an orderly, productive classroom environment. Therefore, the following will be used to
determine your citizenship grade: attendance and class contribution, following directions, obeying rules, and
attitude toward the teacher, fellow classmates, and substitutes. The following citizenship grades will be part of the
academic grading report:
1. Supporting ideas for marking citizenship
a. A good citizen must assume responsibility for his/her own behavior.
b. A good citizen respects himself/herself, adults, fellow students, teachers, the school, and the
property of others
c. Each student will follow the rules and regulations of the school and each classroom
2. Marking System
O= Attitude elevates the behavioral and academic level of class. Attendance is exceptional; lates/ tardies
are very rare. Participation and volunteerism is continuous and constructive. Respect is always
demonstrated for people and property.
S= Attitude is positive and constructive. Attendance is excellent; lates/tardies are uncommon.
Participation and volunteerism are frequent and constructive. Respect is consistently demonstrated for
people and property.
N= Attitude is negative and nonproductive. Attendance is mediocre; lates/tardies exceed teacher’s limit.
Participation and volunteerism are rare or inappropriate. Respect is sometimes not demonstrated for
people or property.
U= Attitude diminishes the behavioral and academic level of class. Attendance is poor; lates/tardies are
excessive. Participation and volunteerism are nonexistent or inappropriate. Respect is often not
demonstrated for people or property.
CITIZENSHIP: School and classroom rules are in your PAWSPORT. Consequences for inappropriate behavior in
class may include rule reminders, verbal warnings, detention, parent contact, or class suspension depending on
the circumstances. Evaluation of a student’s citizenship is based on two principles:
 The science class room is a place for students and teacher to explore and experience scientific ideas.
Behave in a way that allows this to happen.
 People and their property have the right to exist unharmed. Please be respectful.
Semester Citizenship Grades will be based on the following:
 O Student demonstrates outstanding attitudes and/or behaviors toward class, subject, teachers and
fellow students.
 S Student demonstrates acceptable attitudes and/or behaviors toward class, subject, teachers and fellow
students.
 N Needs improvement. Student sometimes behaves in ways that do not support the principles of the
class.
 U Student’s attitude and/or behaviors seriously interfere with classroom instruction.
*A key difference between Satisfactory (S) and Needs Improvement (N) is whether or not you correct
inappropriate behavior with one or two gentle reminders. If you cannot do this, then you will receive an (N) or
(U).
MATERIALS: The recommended material list for this class includes 2 - 3 blue or black ink pens, sharpened pencil
with eraser (for scantron testing only), green or red pen (not a crayon, marker, pencil, or highlighter) for
correcting only, highlighter, 1 ½ binder with loose-leaf paper, PAWS-PORT, and outside reading book to class
every day (with the exception of the outside reading book which will only be used on block days). Other materials
may be needed for certain units or reports. A flash drive (memory stick) would be of great use to transfer
information from school to home, and all students should know their Google Derive login information. Final drafts
of writing assignments and reports must be typed or word-processed in MLA format. Successful students will
maintain an orderly binder in which they keep their notes, handouts, journals, assignments, and other course
materials.
TEXTBOOK/MATERIALS RESPONSIBILITY: Students are financially responsible for any and all books and materials
provided to them from class sets of handouts to class sets of literature books to novels. This also includes damage
or loss to any part of the book – including the barcode - and will be billed accordingly.
CHEATING/PLAGIARISM: All students at Folsom High School are held accountable to the school wide Academic
Honesty Policy as stated in the PAWSPORT (22). Please consult the policy for a detailed list of what constitutes
cheating and consequences for each step. A single instance of cheating counts as a Step 1 Offense and follows a
student throughout his/her entire class schedule and throughout all of his/her years at Folsom High. The next
instance (even if in a different class or year) counts as Step 2 and/or Step 3.
CHEATING: Cheating will be defined as using someone else’s efforts in place of your own or providing work for
someone else. Consequences for all individuals, both receivers and providers, involved in cheating will receive a
zero on the assignment in question. Examples include letting a friend copy your work, providing answers to a test,
or printing two copies of work produced on a computer. All students at Folsom High School are held accountable
to the school wide Academic Honesty Policy as stated in the PAWSPORT. Please consult the policy for a detailed
list of what constitutes cheating and consequences for each step. A single instance of cheating counts as a Step 1
Offense and follows a student throughout their entire class schedule and through all of their years at Folsom High.
The next instance (even if in a different class or years later) counts as Step 2.
FHS WEBSITE is called SCHOOLWIRES. Our school website is http://www.fcusd.org/fhs . There, under teacher
websites, you will find my webpage. I highly recommend for you get comfortable checking in to my website
(http://www.fcusd.org//Domain/1341). POWERSCHOOL is where you can find my grade book. Please check
that you can get in with your login and password within the first week of school (see FCUSD website Parent tab
for additional help in this area).
Class Expectations: 10th grade
Campus rules and policies in the PAWS Port will be adhered to in this classroom. Remember that no food, drink,
or gum will be allowed; all iPods, cell phones and accessories must be turned off and placed out of sight during
class; and all staff will be enforcing the school dress code throughout the entire school day.
Classroom Rules and Conduct: The following rules will apply, as well as those outlined in the PAWS-PORT
Be Prompt:
Be in your assigned seat before the tardy bell rings.
Be Prepared: Clear desk of all materials not pertaining to the task at hand; have needed materials ready
before bell.
Be Productive: Participate in class work, activities and simulations.
Be Positive:
Avoid behavior that disrupts the learning process.
Be Polite:
Treat all students and the instructor with kindness.
Also, we expect everyone to follow the 4 R’s for appropriate communication in the classroom:
Respectful, Relevant, Reasonable, & Responsible
Electronic Devices (cell phones, all musical apparatus, games, etc)
During class time, all electric devices must be turned off/powered down and carried in a non-visible
manner. If the device is visible and/or in use during this time period, the student or device shall be sent to
the administration office to be collected by the student after school.
Tardies:
Tardy = not in your assigned seat when the bell rings and materials ready to prepare for daily activity
1st and 2nd = Teacher’s Discretion
3rd
= 50 minute detention*, suggested that teacher contacts parent
4th
= 50 minute detention*, teacher contacts parent
5th
= Teacher suspension for the period, files class suspension, teacher contacts parent, admin meets
with student.
6th
= Teacher suspends student for two class periods, files class suspension, teacher contacts parent,
admin meets with student.
th
7
= Teacher suspends student for two class periods, files class suspension; Parent, student, teacher
and admin have conference.
*Student has two days to serve detention. Failure to serve detention will result in a classroom suspension.
CHEATING: All students at Folsom High School are held accountable to the school wide Academic Honesty Policy
as stated in the PAWSPORT (p21). Please consult the policy for a detailed list of what constitutes cheating and
consequences for each step. A single instance of cheating counts as a Step 1 Offense and follows a student
throughout his/her entire class schedule and through all of his/her years at Folsom High. The next instance (even
if in a different class or years later) counts as Step 2 and or 3.
DISTRICT NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY: The Board of Education is committed to equal opportunity for all
individuals in education. District programs and activities shall be free from discrimination based on gender, sexual
orientation, ethnic group identification, race, ancestry, national origin, religion, color, or mental or physical
disability. District programs and facilities, viewed in their entirety, shall be readily accessible to individuals with
disabilities.
CONFERENCES: Students will receive help in class whenever possible. You may also meet with your teacher
before or after school and during PAWS. Please check ahead of time to ensure availability. During second
semester I will not be available more than 20 minutes after school for help as I coach the swim team. Please
make other arrangements with me if you need help during second semester.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND INFORMATION FORM
Honors English 2
DIRECTIONS FOR VERIFYING RECEIPT of INFORMATION: All parties need to sign on the appropriate lines to indicate that you and at least
one of your parents or guardians have read this and will abide by these policies and standards in my classroom. After signing and filling
out the information to the best of your ability, please return the completed form for your first assignment points. This previous sheet
should be kept along with the syllabus in your notebook or folder for handy reference to its information. This form is due back to me on
Tuesday August 18, 2015.
A request to parents/guardians: Please do not call me unless your student has been to see me individually. One of our curriculum
requirements is to teach our students problem solving skills. A conflict or misunderstanding is a perfect opportunity to acquire a realworld skill they will need throughout life. Please brainstorm with them strategies for resolution but do not try to resolve things for
them. Unfortunately, we cannot always agree on everything. I realize you would do things differently in some instances than I will do,
but I need you to trust me to make the decisions that will help your student become an adult. My policies and procedures are time
tested and work in providing what the 35+ students in each of my classes need to be successful. I know this is what we are all working
toward, and I appreciate your support and confidence. If you do need to reach me, please use the email address on the previous page,
which I check daily.
My signature indicates that I have read and agree to abide by the course expectations.
Student Name (print) _________________________ Student Signature _____________________________ Date ________
Email_________________________________________
Phone __________________________
Address
_______
City
CA ___________
Zip
Do you currently have access to internet and computer typing at home? ______
Do you currently have or will you have a job during the school year? ______
What three adjectives best describe you? _________________ _________________ ________________
What would you like me to know about you?
Parent Name (print)___________________________ Parent Signature _______________________ Date ________
Email_________________________________________ Cell Phone __________________________
Home Phone __________________________
Work Phone __________________________
What three adjectives best describe your child? ______________________________________________
Parent Name (print) __________________________ Parent Signature ________________________ Date ________
Email_________________________________________
Home Phone __________________________
Cell Phone __________________________
Work Phone __________________________
What three adjectives best describe your child? ______________________________________________
Please indicate if your child has any special needs I should know about _________________________
________
___
________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
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