Folsom-Cordova Unified School District
Tenth Grade Expectations
SOPHOMORE ENGLISH 2015-2016
Instructor: Kristen Stravers
Phone: 916.294.2400 ext.415804
Email: __KStravers@fcusd.org____
COURSE DESCRIPTION: English 10 is the second year course for the secondary language arts curriculum. Emphasis is placed on higher levels of student performance with
more complex assignments. 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 Common Core State Standards, students will hone their writing, reading, and oral language skills in
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. One of the focuses of English 10 is student preparation for the California High School
Exit Exam (CAHSEE). This test, 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.
First Semester: This year starts with the essential question, “What is the nature of mankind?” Through literature, students study the behavior of mankind due to nature and
elemental impacts.
Second Semester: We are continuing to the next step by taking student understanding of mankind and applying it to new text information about mankind’s view upon justice
and the actions of mankind based off those views. This unit is designed to address the essential question: “What is the nature of justice?”
GPS INTEGRATED CURRICULAR FOCUS: All students will be provided with curriculum that extends to a global perspective. GPS Courses at Folsom High will integrate
with the school-wide GPS curriculum by highlighting the globally-important issues concerning water resources.
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 program is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals. Activities shall be free from discrimination based on
gender, race, color, religion, national origin, ethnic group, marital or parental status, physical or mental disability or any other unlawful consideration
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
59.5% = D-
59.4% and lower = F
No late work will be accepted. Only prior approved extensions beyond 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 graded
score. These opportunities will depend on student’s communication with the teacher prior to 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 advance 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
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.
PARTICIPATION POINTS:
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
Being in your desk with only needed materials on it at the bell
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
Missing warm-ups/ quizzes
MAKE-UP: All tests and assignments are due upon returning from an absence. The only exception would be 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 classtime 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. 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 made to keep the student up to date (KStravers@fcusd.org ).
Please add your name and period in the subject line of the email. 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: Grades shall be assigned by each teacher. These marks set behavior standards that describe an appropriate educational environment for all students. See
PAWSPORT for marking system.
MATERIALS: The recommended material list for this class includes:

2 - 3 blue or black ink pens,

sharpened pencil with eraser (for scantron testing only),

5 highlighters (orange, blue, yellow, green, pink),

You will also be required to have an organizer, like your PAWSPORT, everyday.

World Cultures’ supplies

1 ½ inch binder with college-ruled loose-leaf paper with 5 dividers
inside labeled:
1. Vocabulary,
2. Grammar,
3. Reading,
4. Writing,
5.
MISC.
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 from class sets of handouts to
class sets of literature books, novels, and Chrome books. This also includes damage or loss and will be billed accordingly.
FHS WEBSITE: Our school website is http://www.fcusd.org/fhs . There, under teacher websites, you will find my webpage. POWERSCHOOL is where you
can access your grades. You will also use google drive (google.com) and google classroom (classroom.google.com). 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).
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 according to the school policy established in the Pawsport.
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.
7th
= 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. 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 and
or 3. Cheating is not only the act, but the knowledge of someone cheating and not reporting it.
CONFERENCES: Students will receive help in class whenever possible. You may also meet with me during PAWS, before school or after school. Please check ahead
of time to ensure 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 for 10
min for every hour missed. At times, the meeting will be longer for you to make up work.