English I Honors
Heritage High School
Wake Forest, NC
Spring 2013
Teacher: Ms. Koning
Email: mkoning@wcpss.net
Website: www.mkoning.weebly.com
Twitter: @knowkoning
Office Hours: Tuesday—after school by appointment
Before/after school on other days—please contact me to make arrangements
Husky Help—Wednesdays; all students with a D or F
Room 1604 (1st & 2nd period) and 1614 (3rd period)
Materials:
3--ringed binder—this will be your notebook for in class notes, class work, grammar, etc.
College-ruled white, loose-leaf paper for your 3— ringed binders
Composition notebook—this is for your journals ONLY—will remain separate from your binder
Blue or black pen
Flash drive
Texts:
- Elements of Literature: Third Course
-The Odyssey, A Raisin in the Sun, To Kill a Mockingbird, Romeo and Juliet, Fahrenheit 451
*In addition, students will read a variety of texts that link to the core materials.
Course Goal:
Heritage graduates can read a complex text independently and with confidence.
Heritage graduates can “read like detectives and write like investigative reporters.”
Course Description:
The ninth grade English/Language Arts curriculum emphasizes reading and writing
through three major units which provide an introduction to literature to give students a
dynamic experience. The writing component includes three major papers plus additional essay
writing. This course integrates literature and composition with an emphasis on reading
comprehension skills and clear, coherent writing. Writing focuses on mechanical correctness,
fluency, and structure. Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking skills in understanding,
applying, and evaluating key concepts. Students will have the opportunity to improve speaking
and listening skills, as well. Students should expect homework assignments and compositions
that reinforce classroom instruction.
Course Plan:
1. Vocabulary—Students will be give a list of Greek and/or Latin roots, prefixes, or suffixes
each week and are expected to work on the assignment as independent study. A quiz on
word recognition and definition will be given each Friday. A list of each week’s words
can be found at: www.quizlet.com/heritagehsenglish
2. Grammar—The student will review American grammar through the analysis of his/her
writing in a series of “mini-lessons” designed to instruct, correct, and improve grammar
and syntax.
3. Composition—Students will write three rhetorical compositions after examining a
model. Further experience in writing will be done through literary analysis. A guided
writing process will be used, and all student drafts will be kept in a portfolio to provide
on-going assessment. Student will also keep a journal in their portfolio to respond to
changes/improvements that can be made in writing. Students will be required to print
out a rubric when essays are due to turn in with his/her paper.
4. Literature—Student will use various texts from the WCPSS anchor texts list. The focus of
analysis will be through class discussion. Texts will be examined using the Common Core
Standards.
5. Multi-genre projects and mini-presentations—students will be given the opportunity to
reflect on their reading by producing materials that creatively express the literature they
have read. Students should expect to complete book reviews, group reports, speeches,
and technology presentations.
6. Homework—Assignments will be given during the week to prepare students for class
work and to assess their understanding of material. Homework will be collected at the
beginning of class. Students are expected to complete reading and writing assignments
that are given for homework.
Classroom Survival:
1. Attendance is NEVER an option in this class. Come to class ON TIME and PREPARED.
The class format will include much discussion.
2. Please note the rules in the Student Handbook: THERE IS NO EATING OR DRINKING IN
CLASS.
3. There is NO EXTRA CREDIT given in this course. Because of the work load and the level
of work expected from the students, this would be a burden rather than a benefit.
4. Students are responsible to make up work they may miss because of an absence.
Please note the guidelines for this in the Student Handbook. It is the student’s
responsibility to contact the teacher. If/when absent visit: www.mkoning.weebly.com to
see what was missed that day.
5. Late work will be accepted but penalized. Students should expect a penalty of 10% per
day, not to be below 70% of the earned grade.
6. When an assignment is due it is in your hand ready to turn in to me at the beginning of
class. If you do not have the assignment it is late. I WILL NOT PRINT ANYTHING FOR
YOU, NOR WILL I ACCEPT WORK EMAILED TO ME.
7. Make-up work will follow the WCPSS policy—please see student handbook.
DISCIPLINE PLAN: Student behavior should not be an issue. However, just to make sure we all
understand the “ground rules,” I believe it is beneficial for you to know my basic premises:
1. Be prompt. In other words, be in your assigned seat and ready to learn when the bell
rings.
2. Bring all materials needed to class.
3. Raise your hand to speak during class discussion or if you have a question that you want
addressed. Don’t speak out of turn or interrupt the class.
4. No throwing of ANYTHING for your safety and mine.
5. No food or drink in the classroom.
6. Do not pack up belongings “early.”
7. No sleeping in class—keep your head up and look at the teacher. If you choose to sleep
in class you will be standing for the rest of the period.
8. Keep aisles clear of back-packs, purses, feet, and materials.
9. Respect your peers and the teacher.
10. Please take care of personal matters BEFORE coming to class. There is not a revolving
door to this room. This includes leaving your drama baggage at the door. (You will only
get 4 bathroom passes for the semester—use them wisely!)
11. Respect school property.
12. No cheating or plagiarizing—see English Department guidelines.
13. ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES NEED TO BE POWERED DOWN AND TURNED OFF. Failure to
do so will require the student give the device to the teacher, as per school policy.
All of these guidelines fit under the school’s behavior plan: RISK—Respect, Integrity, SelfDiscipline, Kindness.
Consequences:
First Time
Warning
Second Time Parent contact and/or detention with teacher
Third Time
Referral to administration
Please note: Behavior and consequences are governed by the “Code of Conduct” explained in
the student handbook. Some student infractions may warrant an automatic referral without
warning.
Grading Policy:
Please see attached material from the department for detailed point values.
Final grade is determined using the following percentages:
Quarter 1 Grade= 40%
Quarter 2 Grade= 40%
Final Exam= 20%