2015-2016 Language Arts Honors II
Eleanor Roosevelt High School
Mrs. Walker, Room E113
About the Course: The focus of Language Arts 2 Honors is to develop the students’ abilities to use the writing
process in response to a literature-based curriculum, both fiction and non-fiction. The course will integrate reading,
writing, listening, speaking, research, and technology into lessons, exercises, and assessments, thereby assisting
students in mastering the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) as well as preparing for the possibility of AP
Language and Composition. In the honors program, students will read challenging literary works emphasizing
higher level thinking skills such as the application of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of information. Honors
students will be expected to read and write extensively with maturity and sophistication.
Expected Student Behavior:
ELECTRONICS STRICTLY PROHIBITED! Therefore, I have instated a compromised that my students
may use their cell phone quickly outside my classroom door with my acknowledgment. Yet, it is imperative that use
of technology doesn’t occur during any type of assessments, tests, quizzes, or timed writings. Therefore, cheating is
not in question.
The growing dependency on technology can be an amazing educational tool; however, it may also cause
distraction and disruption in the academic classroom.
If technology is permitted to research a topic, word, or MLA question the student may only use it for
educational purposes when the entire class is prompted otherwise, they are in violation of the technology uses of
Mrs. Walker’s room. Students who are using technology without approval and for the wrong reasons will lose their
phone and these privileges when offered to the class.
Please discuss with your student the appropriate time and place as well as simple courtesy for using
electronic devices such as cell phones and music players. Immediate disciplinary consequences will be incurred.
Diverse opinions, beliefs, and backgrounds make the classroom a unique forum for the sharing of ideas. In
order to provide a safe environment that is conducive to learning, students are expected to show RESPECT to their
classmates, to the teacher, and to school property. Students are expected to follow classroom and school rules at all
times. Disregard for the rules will result in detention, parent notification, and administrative conferences. Positive
attitudes and appropriate behavior will be encouraged, appreciated, and rewarded accordingly!
Make-up Policy: Unexcused late work is NOT ACCEPTED unless I have been previously notified of serious
circumstances (the night before the due date does not count as previous notice). It is the student’s responsibility to retrieve
absent/missing work. Late work due to an excused absence must be turned in at the NEXT class meeting in order to
receive full credit. If the student has a paper due and they have an excused absence it must be emailed prior to the
class start time. Then I will honor the hard copy of the paper to be turned in the day the student returns. Some
absences that occur on assignments such as presentations & projects have set dates that are not flexible. It is the
student’s responsibility to notify the teacher 24hrs ahead of their absence so accommodations to present can be
made. Otherwise, student will earn a minimum of 50 % off to a Zero.
In addition, sloppy and/or incomplete work will be returned with a zero OR in some cases prompt revision will
be allowed in order to receive partial credit. Lastly, I will take excused classwork/homework 2 weeks prior to each
progress report and 3 weeks prior to final grades week for each semester. The student is responsible for
attending the make-up week and turning in only completed work or making up a missed test. Remember due to
time restrictions grade may not be reflected until the next grading period unless it is the end of the semester/final
grade.
Grading: Grades will be based on the accumulation of work completed each semester. An approximate distribution
of points follows:
Essays 40%, Assessments 20%, Homework & Classwork 20%, {1st semester Summer Work & 2nd semester
Sophomore project} 10% ( each semester), Presentation/projects 10%
Grading Scale: 89-100%=A
79-88%=B 69-78%=C 59-68%=D 0-58%=F
Academic Dishonesty Policy: Do not plagiarize! This form of cheating will not only be detrimental to your grade,
but also your character. Persons who have been found to commit the act of plagiarism or to have committed the act
of allowing another to plagiarize off one's work will incur equal consequences. Individuals will be referred for
parent and administrative conferences in addition to earning the score of ZERO for the assignment. Do not be
tempted to plagiarize or succumb to peer pressure to help plagiarize. Your actions are your own responsibility!
Turnitin.com accounts will be used frequently to check essays and assignments.
Materials Needed Daily:
1. Textbook Prentice Hall Literature: Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes, Platinum Level
2. ERHS student planner to record daily HOMEWORK
3. One 3-5 subject notebook (multiple single-subject notebooks will work too) with college-ruled paper
4. One composition or single-subject notebook (to be kept in the classroom for writing practice)
5. Highlighters (2-3 of varying colors blue/orange or yellow/green)
6. Pencils and Blue/Black pens (no other colored ink allowed for class assignments)
7. Flash drive to save and retrieve documents
Required Turnitin.com: Create an account if you do not already have one. See instructions on teacher website for
enrollment code and password. You must have an account by September 15, 2015
Questions? Need clarification or extra help? I am available most days after school and may be reached by e-mail
diane.walker@cnusd.k12.ca.us or by telephone at (951) 738-2100 ext. 1513. Students, please try to let me know
ahead of time if you plan on stopping by for extra help. I only request that if a student’s needs tutoring:
1. Make an appointment. 2. Show up on time/leave on time.
Parents, e-mailing is the best way to contact me with any concerns.
Also, refer to my teacher web page through the school website for important dates, assignments, and instructions.
Please sign and return the bottom portion to acknowledge receipt and discussion of the course outline between student and
parent/guardian. Students need to keep the top portion for future reference. Due August 24-25, 2015
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2015-16 ERHS Language Arts II Honors Syllabus
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Print Parent/Guardian Name(s)
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Print Student Name
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Signature of Parent/Guardian
Preferred Contact Info (Please note e-mail or phone number):