9th Grade English Syllabus
Mrs. Wiley
emmasabaker@gmail.com
Junction City High School
(785) 717-4312
Overview: Welcome to 9th Grade English! I am excited to have you in my class this year. This year, we
will explore new texts that are both fiction and non-fiction. We will learn how to analyze a text and tease
out a deeper meaning. You will learn to negotiate difficult language, and understand the subtleties of
language. Additionally, you will learn to write in a variety of genres, from argumentative texts, to narrative
and informational. You will learn research skills and how English is used in the real world.
Texts:
-Monster by Walter Dean Meyers
-Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
-House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
-The Odyssey by Homer
-Various short stories and other supplemental texts
Materials Needed:
The following materials must be brought with your to class every single day. Arriving to class without
these items will result in loss of participation points.
1. 3 Ring Binder (A 1 inch will suffice, or you may get a 3-inch and combine your notebook with other
classes)
2. Divider tabs
3. Paper/Pencil
4. Personal Reading Book (Can be checked out of the school library, Mrs. Wiley’s classroom library, or a
personally owned book. I will also accept magazines and newspapers).
Grading Breakdown:
There will be a variety of assignments given in class and outside. All assignments will be graded in three
categories:
Daily Assignments
Projects
Tests
Percentage points of grades will breakdown as follows:
100-90% = A
69-60 = D
89-80% = B
59 & Below = F
79-70% = C
Projects: Students will be given a number of diverse projects and assignments meant to increase their
learning and involve them in the learning process. Longer writing assignments will be included in this
category as well as book projects.
Tests: Throughout the year, students will be assessed on their retention, comprehension, and skill level in
a variety of ways. These assessments will be frequent and both formative and summative. Quizzes will
occur randomly, or as needed. There is the potential for pop quizzes, but most will be announced in
advance. Additionally, tests will appear in many forms - as formal multiple choice exams, essay exams,
final papers, final projects, or even discussion. All tests will be announced in advance.
Daily Assignments:
In class, we will complete a number of assignments meant to enhance learning. These will potentially
include worksheets, journal writes, binder-checks, discussion evaluations, and other assignments. I will
also include a participation grade for every six weeks in the daily assignments category that will address
student participation in daily activities and discussions.
Absences and Tardies:
I adhere to all school rules regarding attendance and tardies. Students who are tardy will be recorded
according to school procedures. Students who are absent are allowed to make up all missed work.
However, students are responsible for getting make up work. On the class website, I will have a calendar
with all assignments listed; students should look up the assignments online. All work will be accessible via
Edmodo for students to print off and complete. Additionally, I will have a folder in class with extra copies
should the student need them. Students will have one week after returning to school to turn in missing
assignments without penalty.
Late Work:
Each student is given one permit per term for which they can turn in an assignment two days late without
a penalty to their grade. Without a permit, I will still accept late work until school starts the morning after it
is due. After this time, all late work will be graded for partial credit (59%). Please be aware that I will
accept any assignment via email at any time during the day. I will not accept assignments from a
particular unit after the unit has ended.
Make-up Work:
To me, mistakes are learning opportunities. Therefore, I will allow students to re-do assignments for full
credit as long as:
 You received a C or lower on the assignment
 You schedule a conference with me to go over the assignment
 You schedule a conference within 2 days of the assignment being given back
 If the assignment was late to begin with, it will be graded out of however many points it was
originally graded from.
Extra Credit:
My guidelines to extra credit:
 All extra credit will be valuable to the subject area (no presents, treats, etc.)
 All extra credit is available to all students; no special deals will be made for one student, and all
extra credit will be equally accessible to students
 Each term there will be at least two opportunities for extra credit. Such opportunities will be clearly
posted on the class website.
Electronics:
I abide by all school/district policies regarding electronics. There will be times when I allow you to use your
iPods/cell phones during class for music, or other classroom purposes. These times will be indicated with
clear permission from me. Other than that, your cell phone, iPod, tablet, DS, or laptop should be kept in
your bookbag or locker. I should NOT see it at all during class (HINT: It is REALLY easy to tell when you
are texting during class). If I see any electronic device and deem it is distracting from class activities, I will
take it and follow school procedures from there. If you refuse to give up the electronic, I will send you out
and call a parent. Also, remember, it is a REALLY good idea to keep your phone on silent during school - I
will take your phone even if it just goes off accidentally).
Classroom Rules:
1. Respect
2. Prepare
3. Engage
Please detach section below with requested student and parent signatures by Monday, August
_____.
Does your child have access to the internet, computer, and printer at home?
Are there any allergies or medical conditions I should know about your child?
Is there anything else you wish for me to know about your child as this school year begins?
Best Phone Number/Contact:
Name(s):_____________________________________________________________________
Phone:_______________________________________________________________________
Email:________________________________________________________________________
Best time to contact: ____________________________________________________________
I, __________________________ (Print Student Name), have read the above document and agree to
abide by all classroom procedures listed here in.
X:_________________________________________
Date:_______________________
I, __________________________ (Print Parent Name), have read the above document and agree with all
classroom procedures, and will encourage my student to abide by said procedures.
X:______________________________________
Date:_________________________
HONORS Requirements:
Because you have signed up for English 9 Honors and reap the benefits of this class on your GPA, you will be required to
adhere to a more rigorous curriculum. These alterations will include some of the following and more:
-Individual Reading at home on a daily basis
-Regular projects on reading to be completed largely at home
-An increased pace of regular classroom curriculum; this means less review time before tests, more rapidly
approaching due dates, etc.
-More extensive enrichment activities
None of these curricular extensions will diminish the class time spent on Common Core Standards. All standards will be
addressed and adequately covered. These alterations assume that the student takes on more responsibility at home to
study on their own time, prep on their own time. Honors students may seek the same assistance as any student and may
come to me during seminar class and email any questions they have at any time.
If you feel nervous with these curricular enrichments, then PLEASE come talk to me within the first two weeks of school.
Otherwise, I will assume you are prepared for this and will proceed without complaint.