Instructor: Mrs. Churchill
E-mail: gina.churchill@cusd200.org
Location: Room 420
Phone Number: 630-784-7300 ex. 3052
Welcome to Freshman A! Through the practice of this course, students will be able to analyze literature, write and revise formal essays, present researched information in spoken and written form, and improve their overall writing, reading, and speaking skills. Students are accountable for a great deal of work that demands skills in all areas. The novels first semester include A Separate Peace, Great Expectations, and Bless the Beasts and Children. The novels second semester include Oedipus
The King, Romeo and Juliet, and A Raisin in the Sun.
Required Course Materials:
1.
You must purchase Great Expectations: Prestwick House Literary Touchstone Classics version (first semester) ISBN#:
978-1-58049-349-9 and also Romeo and Juliet: Folger’s Edition ISBN 0-7434-7711-1 (second semester)
These are recommended; yet, if you cannot find the exact version, please buy one that is similar.
2. A 3 (or more) Subject Notebook for the semester labeled as follows:
-Lecture
-Discussion
- Reflection
3. 1 glue stick
4. Pens or pencils
5. Notecards (100)
Mrs. Churchill’s Classroom Expectations and Procedures
Student Responsibility: I do not simply hand out grades, you earn them. You must take responsibility for your own education by asking questions, coming in for help, and trying your hardest. I am here to help you be successful!
Assigned Seats: Seats will be assigned, and students will follow that plan. If a change is necessary, speak with me after class, or give me a note explaining your request. I expect you to be ready to learn by the time the bell rings. That means you are in your seat and have the necessary materials on your desk. At the end of the period, remain seated until the bell rings. Keep your seat in your seat!
Food and Beverages: No food is permitted in this class. This is a peanut-free room. A water bottle is allowed.
Electronic Devices: No. All electronic devices must be powered down before entering the classroom and may not be used during class without the permission. If I see or hear your cell phone, it will be confiscated and disciplinary action will follow.
Leaving the Room: Use the restroom during passing period. Bring your materials to class (writing utensils, paper, books, folders, homework, etc.). You must ask for permission before leaving the room for any reason.
Late Work:
For Major Assignments: Must be submitted early or on time, otherwise you will earn a “0” for the assignment. Due on its due date WITHOUT EXCEPTION! Assignments must be handed in before 2:15 pm! Get them here by any means necessary. Also, if you know ahead of time that you’ll be absent on the day of a deadline, see me to make arrangements.
For Daily Assignments: You will receive 50% off for late work--always! It is an English Department Policy that all students make up missing work in the English Resource Room. If you do not turn in work, it will be completed during class time. So, do it the first time around! I understand that “life happens” — meaning that there are, at times, reasons why we are not able to complete our work. If this is the case, come talk to me prior to the assignment due date, and we can work something out. If I notice a change in work completion, failure to complete assignments, or just general confusion on a topic, we will require you to attend a make-up resource session during your ACCESS period, study hall, or before/after school.
Plagiarism is a very serious matter: If you are caught plagiarizing in this class, the grade is an automatic zero. There are no exceptions, and you will not be allowed to rewrite the assignment or make up the grade. Coaches, guidance counselors, and parents will also be notified. Turnitin.com is used in this class to deter plagiarism. Also, please see the student handbook for the school-wide plagiarism policy.

2015
Absences: It is your responsibility to catch up.
I keep a webpage with daily class assignments, PowerPoint’s, and announcements that is updated weekly. Students can access it anytime or use it to receive assignments if they are absent, need to make up work, or if they misplace their homework. If you are absent from class, check my webpage to get missing assignments or notes. It is your responsibility to catch up! This means that if an assignment was due while you were absent, you turn it in to me without me asking for the assignment. This means that if we took a quiz while you were absent, you ask for an ACCESS pass to take the quiz in the
English Resource Room. This means that you check the webpage for handouts and ask a peer for assistance.
You can access my webpage by going to the Wheaton North Website>English>Gina Churchill Staff Page>Freshman A
Class Participation: Students are expected to provide meaningful insight through class discussion and participation.
Participation must be relevant, reflective, and educational.
Grades: I update grades weekly. If you have any questions or concerns about your grade, please talk to me about it. Always double check your grade in StudentVUE! The following is a summary of how your grade will be broken down this semester.
Here are the percentages: Tests/Quizzes 30%, Participation/Preparation 10%, Writing 40%, Final 20%
A student who earns an A is not simply meeting the requirements; he or she is going above and beyond
the set expectations. For more information please review the Freshman A Grading Guidelines.
Email: If questions come up outside of school hours, please feel free to email me at
remember who your audience is (me, your English teacher), so please be precise and formal in your writing.
Questions? ASK! Shoot me an email or find me in room 420 before school
(I am usually ready to chat around 7:00am)!
Turnitin.com Instructions:
. Just
1.
Go to Turnitin.com
2.
“Create Account” – Top right
3.
DON’T enter your email yet! Select Student below “Create a New Account”
4.
On the “Create a New Student Account” page enter the following information:
Class ID:
_______________________________ _________________________________
Class Enrollment Password:_______________________________
Your First Name
Your Last Name
Your Email Address (This will be used to log onto Turnitin.com. Write it down!)
Your Password (This will be used to log onto Turnitin.com. Write it down!)
Secret Question
Question Answer (Write it down!)
5.
Submit Papers! The “attach” method is preferred.
Turnitin.com Difficulties?
1.
Problem solve. I don’t take excuses.
2.
Click on the Help tab (Top Left) and search for solutions.
3.
Submissions: Submit assignment online AND Print a hardcopy.
4.
No Computer: Get a pass to use a computer during ACCESS.

2015
Dear Parents and Guardians:
Salutations! My name is Gina Churchill, and I am your son or daughter’s Advanced Freshman English teacher. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and the components of the freshman English course. In class, your child received a copy of the course syllabus (with listed materials) and together, we reviewed classroom policies and procedures. Though the students and I covered this information, I ask that you review these documents so that both you and your child are aware of all course policies. Then, please sign and return the bottom of this form by Monday, August 24 th . Here are a few details I would like to highlight:
 You must purchase Great Expectations: Prestwick House Literary Touchstone Classics version
ISBN#: 978-1-58049-349-9 and Romeo and Juliet: Folger’s Edition ISBN 0-7434-7711-1 by August
25 th . If you absolutely cannot find this, please buy a similar copy.
 (Please tell student to have proof of purchase by this date: either the actual book or a receipt with proof of purchase)
 I update grades using the Synergy program, typically on a weekly basis. Both students and parents have access to this information on your Parentvue account.
 After an absence, it is the student’s responsibility to gather materials and find out what was missed.
I post all assignments each night on my teacher page (Wheaton North/English/Gina
Churchill/Freshman A) Please tell your child to check there and print off any work they missed to stay caught up.
 I stress that frequent and regular attendance strongly correlates with academic success in this class!
 The Plagiarism Policy is in the student handbook. I use turnitin.com to deter plagiarism. Students will not receive any credit for plagiarized work, whether it is a homework assignment, major writing project, or exam.
 If a student is absent on the day of an in-class presentation or project, I ask that a parent call and leave a message on my voicemail, or send me an e-mail BEFORE the presentation so that I can adjust our schedule accordingly.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any concerns. E-mail is the best way to reach me during the school day, but I do check my school voicemail each day. All contact information is listed below. I am dedicated to student success in the classroom, and I encourage you to take an active role in your child’s education. Thank you for your support. I look forward to the semester ahead!
Sincerely,
Gina Churchill
English Teacher, Wheaton North H.S.
(630) 784-7300 X3052 gina.churchill@cusd200.org
I have reviewed the course syllabus and the Wheaton North Plagiarism Policy, in the student handbook, with my child and he/she understands the classroom expectations and policies.
__________________________________ _________________________________
(signature of parent/guardian) (parent/guardian printed name)
I have read the course syllabus, classroom policies, and the Plagiarism Policy in the student handbook. I am aware of my responsibilities and will seek clarification when I am unsure of expectations.
__________________________________
(student printed name)
__________________________________
(student signature)