FOLSOM CORDOVA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
COURSE EXPECTATIONS 2015-2016
FOLSOM HIGH SCHOOL
SENIOR ENGLISH
Mrs. Melinda Malaspino, MA, NBCT, Room A103
Phone: 916-294-2400 ext: 415202
E-Mail: mmalaspi@fcusd.org
COURSE DESCRIPTION: English 12 is the fourth year required course for high school curriculum relating to the development of oral and written
communication skills, using recently adopted Common Core Standards. The senior level English course focuses on a variety of skill sets to prepare
students for college, career, and beyond. One goal is to prepare students for college and workplace writing skills with an extensive review of all modes
of essay and professional writing culminating in a multimedia career research presentation. Another focus is in-depth study of literature representing a
variety of genres, periods, and cultures. Through reading, writing, and verbal activities, seniors will be presented with a rigorous program designed to
prepare them for college and/or the workplace.
GPS INTEGRATED CURRICULAR FOCUS: Senior English students will read challenging works from a broad range of worldwide fiction and nonfiction genres
as they examine the human condition. All courses at Folsom High will integrate with the school-wide GPS curriculum by highlighting globally important issues.
FCUSD COMMON CORE MISSION STATEMENT: 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 all subject areas. 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, or mental or physical disability. 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 see me
immediately to discuss the episode(s) so that I can remedy the situation.
METHOD OF EVALUATION:
Grades will be based on accumulated earned points under the following weighted categories: Writing and Projects (40%), Tests and Quizzes (40%), and Class
work and Homework (20%). Tests, quizzes, essays, assignments, journals, and class participation will be assigned a numerical value based upon importance.
Class participation consists of taking part in class discussions and group activities; bringing your notebook, texts, and assigned materials to class as well as
arriving on time. The semester grade will be based on accumulated points for both quarters, including the final exam. The following scale will be used to
determine a student’s grade:
100+%-100 %
= A+
99% - 93%
=A
82% - 80% = B69%-68% = D+
92% - 90%
= A79% - 78% = C+
67%-63% = D
89% - 88%
= B+
77% - 73% = C
62%-60% = D87% - 83%
=B
72% - 70% = CBelow 60% = F
MAKE-UP: All assignments are due immediately upon returning from an absence. The only exception would be assignments GIVEN during the absence;
these will be due two days after returning to class unless they were designed to be completed over several days. Long-term assignments—those designed to be
completed over a week or more—are due on the day specified, regardless of any absences between the day assigned and the day due. Students can email
written work to me as an attachment at mmalaspi@fcusd.org; however, students must still provide a hard copy to me the next day. Students may also
have a trustworthy friend, parent, sibling, etc. bring the assignment to my classroom throughout the school day. A student with an extended absence of three or
more days will make up work according to the instructor's directions. Again, the student is responsible to inquire about any and all missed work and to make
the necessary arrangements for its completion. A STUDENT WITH AN UNEXCUSED ABSENCE(S) MAY NOT MAKE UP MISSED WORK.
HOMEWORK:
A portion of the academic grade will be based upon homework assignments. Homework in this class will be assigned regularly for the following
reasons: vocabulary study, independent practice of a new skill, writing assignments, and reading in preparation for class discussion, activities, and/or
writing. Assignments may vary in quantity and complexity because of subject matter and ability level. All homework and class work must be submitted
with a proper MLA assignment heading. Final drafts of writing assignments and reports must be typed or word-processed in MLA format. Late
homework will only be accepted the day after an assignment is due for half credit. After one day, late work will receive no credit.
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 advance notice. Makeup exams must be scheduled with the instructor the day the student returns to class. All major tests and quizzes must be made up within a week’s time of
the student’s return to class or before the test/quiz is returned, whichever comes first; if the student does not make up the test within the given time frame,
he or she will receive a zero for that test or quiz. Make-up work will not be accepted a week prior to the end of the quarter or two weeks prior to the
end of the semester. It is the department’s testing policy that ALL electronic devices are turned off and placed in a backpack out of reach of the
student during the entire testing time. Students not in compliance may receive a zero score and low citizenship grade. The offense will also be
reported to administration.
CLASSROOM RULES/CONDUCT: I will keep this simple: be here, be prepared, be responsible, be productive, and be polite.
You gain/keep participation points by:
Answering questions in class
Asking relevant questions in class
Scheduling appointments to see me out of class for help
Contribute helpful comments and questions in peer reviews
Contribute during small and large group discussions
Facilitate discussions and readings
Doing warm-ups/ quizzes
You lose participation points for:
Being late or leaving early
Being disruptive or distracting
Not knowing how to turn off your electronics. Having
electronics out, unless we are using them for an assignment.
Not making up missed work the day you return from excused absence.
Being unprepared (no homework or reading)
Excessive use of bathroom pass
Being in your desk with only needed materials on it at the bell
Missing warm-ups/ quizzes
EXTRA CREDIT: No extra credit will be accepted in place of any assignments. Students are expected to perform the reading and writing assignments
designed for the course.
CHEATING: 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. Not only does plagiarism or cheating result in a grade of "F" (0 points) for that test or
assignment, but 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 year) counts as Step 2 and/or 3. Cheating includes but is not limited to the following: copying another student’s test
or assignment answers, printing and/or photocopying another student’s work, and copying materials from media sources (plagiarism) without proper documentation. The
provider of copied work and the receiver will both earn a zero on the assignment, and a deduction in citizenship. Cheating is not only the act, but the knowledge of someone
cheating and not reporting it.
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.
2.
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.
Marking system
O = Attitude elevates the behavioral and academic level of class.
N = Attitude is negative and nonproductive. Attendance is mediocre;
Attendance is exceptional; lates/ tardies are very rare.
lates/tardies exceed teacher’s limit. Participation and
Participation and volunteerism is continuous and constructive.
volunteerism are rare or inappropriate. Respect is sometimes not
Respect is always demonstrated for people and property.
demonstrated for people or property.
S = Attitude is positive and constructive. Attendance is excellent;
U = Attitude diminishes the behavioral and academic level of class.
lates/tardies are uncommon. Participation and volunteerism are
Attendance is poor; lates/tardies are excessive. Participation and
frequent and constructive. Respect is consistently demonstrated
volunteerism are nonexistent or inappropriate. Respect is often not
for people and property.
demonstrated for people or property.
ATTENDANCE AND TARDIES:
Regular attendance is critical for success in this or any endeavor. Just as with any absence, it is the responsibility of the student to ask about any
missed materials and work. If the student is absent for more than two days, the student and/or parent(s) should contact the teacher in order to
request homework.
Students are allowed to bring water but no other drinks or food will be permitted.
In order to avoid being tardy, students must be in their assigned seats when the bell rings. Excessive tardies will result in suspension from class.
School Wide Tardy Policy: 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.
MATERIALS: The recommended material list for this class includes”

2 - 3 blue or black ink pens

1 ½ inch binder with college-ruled loose-leaf paper and
dividers

sharpened #2 pencil with eraser (for scantron testing
only)




highlighters for annotating texts
PAWS-PORT or personal organizer
Novel (when assigned) to class every day.
Plain colored, two-pocket folder for Sr. Project
Other materials may be needed for certain units or reports. A thumb drive (memory stick) would be of great use to transfer information from
school to home. 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. This includes damage as well as loss and will be billed
accordingly. Damage fees may vary from $2.00 to the full replacement cost of the text or resource material. Payments for lost or damaged
materials must be taken care of at the Student Accounts window.
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. POWERSCHOOLis 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).
CONFERENCES: Students will receive help in class whenever possible. You may also meet with me during PAWS or after school. Please
check ahead of time to ensure my availability. If you are in a sport or some type of campus event and miss class, you will be expected to schedule
an appointment EACH week to make up missed assignments. I look forward to a great year! Sincerely, Mrs. Malaspino