9th Grade English I
Course Syllabus 2013-2014
Mrs. Priscilla Izurieta-Coronel
pcoronel@somersetcentral.org
Room D206
Somerset Academy Mission Statement
Somerset Academy Central Miramar Schools promote a culture that maximizes student
achievement and fosters the development of responsible, respectful, self-directed life-long
learners in a safe and enriching environment.
Course Description
This class is structured around the curriculum of Somerset Academy Central Miramar, the
Florida Next Generation Sunshine State Standards (NGSSS), Common Core, and College
Board’s Pre-AP program, SpringBoard. This class is designed to provide students with the
knowledge and skills required for success in college-level work. It will prepare a student to
successfully communicate through formal writing and presentation utilizing effective grammar
and vocabulary skills.
During the school year, the course will cover reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary. As
ninth grade marks many important transitions in a student’s life, the theme for this year is
“Coming of Age.” Students will learn what it means to “come of age” and also understand how
their experiences and the things they are exposed to shape who they are. Throughout the school
year, many of our readings, activities, and writing topics will help the student explore this
theme.
Course Objectives
With hard work and determination, by the end of the year you will be able to:
 Effectively recognize and communicate literary elements
 Distinguish between formal and informal writing and speaking
 Read and write within the guidelines of the Florida Next Generation Sunshine State
Standards, as well as the SpringBoard standards
 Increase FCAT scores
 Expand vocabulary
 Illustrate the ability to deconstruct sentences grammatically
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Course of Study
You will be assigned a SpringBoard Level 4 textbook that will be kept in the classroom. We will
be reading and reflecting on literature selections from our SpringBoard textbook, as well as
additional sources, complimenting the themes studied in the 9th grade English I course.
We will be reading the following novels as a class.
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Romeo and Juliet – William Shakespeare
House on Mango Street – Sandra Cisneros
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn – Mark Twain
Uncle Tom’s Cabin – Harper Lee
I will send notice, with ample time, if or when any novel should be purchased. We will also be
reading and reflecting on additional literature selections with which we will practice our
literary analysis strategies.
In addition, each student will be required to read 4 novels INDEPENDENTLY. These are to be
chosen from a pre-determined list. If you would like to read a different novel, it must be at a 9th
grade reading level or above, and approved. You will have to complete 2 assignments per
novel. Please note that if you do not have a library card, now is that time to get one.
REQUIRED SUPPLY LIST
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blue/black pens (no other colors)
#2 pencils
1 Flash Drive
1 Pocket Dictionary/Thesaurus
Professional, working e-mail account
1 pack of sticky notes
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One 2” 3-Ring Binder
Pack of Tab Dividers
1 Composition Notebook
one 3-prong paper folder with pockets
Lined paper (college ruled)
Please be aware that if a student is not prepared for class (does not have pen/pencil, paper,
etc.), he/she will lose participation points.
WISH LIST
The following items will be used throughout the school year to maintain a productive, healthy
classroom environment. Please bring items with receipt(s) if you wish to receive volunteer
hours. (Remember: $4 = 1 volunteer hour.)
Toner for "HP LaserJet
P1102w
Printer paper (all colors)
Dry Erase cleaner
Pens and Pencils
College Ruled Paper
Markers/Color Pencils
Scissors
Index Cards
Manilla/Green Hanging
Folders
Labels
Invisible Tape
Grade level novels
Construction Paper
Binder Clips
Staples
Easel/Chart Paper
Hand Sanitizer
Tissues/Paper
Towels
Cleaning Wipes
Paper clips
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COMPUTER AND INTERNET ACCESS
We will utilize many forms of technology in the classroom. It is important for each student to
have a working knowledge of Microsoft Word (or comparable word processing program) and
PowerPoint. Major assignments will need to be typed and presentations will be made through
PowerPoint; therefore, students should have access to a computer, the Internet, and to a printer
outside the classroom.
If technology access outside of the classroom is limited, please be aware of the following:
 Students have access to school computers from 3 pm – 4:30 pm, Monday - Thursday.
 Students have access to classroom computers during the above mentioned times.
 Students can make appointments with the teacher if additional time is required.
Please be aware that “lack of technology access” is not a valid excuse for incomplete work,
homework, or projects. Plan your time wisely.
Students may not use personal technology (cell phones, mp3s, iPods, E-Readers, etc.) during
class. As per Somerset's established rules, any student found using personal technology is
subject to disciplinary action and will have their device confiscated and turned in to the office.
Students are encourage to follow the official class Instagram account: @reading_with_coronel,
as well as the official class Twitter account: ___________________________________.
These will be used throughout the year to enhance learning and motivate students.
GRADES
Grades will stem from a variation of assignments including bell work, class work, Home
learning, tests/quizzes, projects, notebook checks, and participation.
Please be advised of the following:
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Home learning assignments will be due at the beginning of the following class period
unless otherwise specified.
Grading Scale:
Tests/Quizzes
Classwork
Projects
Home Learning/Participation
30%
35%
20%
15%
Parents and students are encouraged to subscribe to the teacher’s online class. This will
automatically send alerts and reminders for home learning assignments, due dates, and other
important information.
To view the assignments, please follow these directions:
1) Go to http://www.somersetcentral.org
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Click on STUDENT
Click on CLASSES/HOMEWORK
Click MIDDLE/HIGH READING/LA
Click on Eng I/Eng I Honors – Priscilla Coronel
Click ADD TO MY CLASS LIST (bottom left)
Follow instructions for account setup if you have not registered. Otherwise, log in.
Parents and students are also encouraged to keep track of student progress via Pinnacle online.
Parents can set-up an account with Pinnacle that will automatically send e-mail alerts
containing any changes in grades, attendance information, etc.
To view student grades, please follow these directions:
1) Go to http://www.somersetcentral.org
2) Click on PARENT
3) Click on PINNACLE PIV
CLASSROOM RULES AND EXPECTATIONS
It is our goal to produce responsible, productive members of society. For this reason, I expect
all students to come to class on time, maintain a positive attitude, and put forth their best
effort throughout the year. Additionally, I expect all students to practice organization, selfcontrol, self-motivation, and determination and be able to apply the following principles in and
outside of the classroom.
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Treat your peers and authority with respect.
Be honest and fair.
Be responsible for your actions.
Obey all school rules. (See the Student Code of Conduct.)
Be on time and be prepared for every class.
Complete all assigned work.
Treat school and teacher property with respect.
Adhere to school uniform policy.
Turn off all electronic devices during school hours.
Raise your hand to ask questions and/or contribute to a discussion.
INFRACTIONS AND CONSEQUENCES
If you choose to break a classroom/school rule, the following disciplinary action will be taken:
1st Offense: Verbal warning
2nd Offense: Written warning - student/teacher conference, parent contact
3rd Offense: Detention, parent contact, Administration contact
4th/5th Offense: Detention or Referral, parent/Administration conference
6th/7th Offense: Referral, Saturday detention, parent/Administration conference
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Please be advised that the teacher reserves the right to bypass the order of action contingent
upon the severity of the student’s behavior.
ATTENDANCE AND TARDIES
Your attendance is directly related to your grade in this class. Multiple absences or
tardies will cause you to miss important instruction and information. It is in your best interest
to be present and on time. Please note that “tardy” is defined as NOT INSIDE THE
CLASSROOM WHEN THE BELL RINGS. If a student is late, he/she must have a written pass
from another teacher. If student does not present a pass, students will lose participation points
and the following consequences will be enacted:
1st Tardy
2nd Tardy
3rd Tardy
4th Tardy
5th Tardy
6th Tardy
Verbal Warning
Written Warning sent home
Detention-Written Warning sent home
Detention-Written Warning sent
home/Administration
Detention-Written Warning sent
home/Administration
Referral
Please be advised that the teacher reserves the right to bypass the order of action contingent
upon the severity of the student’s tardiness.
MAKE-UP WORK
Students will have an additional 24 hours to turn in make-up work ONLY IF THERE IS A
LEGITIMATE ABSENCE. (1 day absent = 1 day to return work) A legitimate absence is defined
as an excused absence, absent for an entire day, field trip, etc. Please note the following:
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It is the student’s responsibility to ask for and turn in make-up work.
Make-up work is only allowed due to a legitimate absence. Skipping, being tardy,
sleeping in class, and generally being off task during class time DOES NOT earn the
student the privilege of make-up work.
LATE WORK
NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED. NO EXCEPTIONS.
RESTROOM PASSES
Each student will receive four (4) passes each quarter. You are encouraged to save your
passes for emergencies. At the end of the quarter, you can turn in your unused passes for extra
credit. Health issues will be an exception. (Please provide the teacher with a parent or doctor
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note.) No student is allowed to use the restroom during the first and final 10 minutes of class. If
the student uses more than 4 passes per quarter, they will lose participation points.
Assignment Requirements
Required Paper Heading (Written in the upper right-hand corner of paper):
Assigned Number
First Name, Last Name
Date:
Period:
Name of Assignment
1.
** Please Note: Papers with no name will be discarded into the recycling bin on a daily basis. **
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All assignments must have the proper heading.
All work must be submitted in dark blue or black ink only.
All out of class writing assignments must be typed using the following format:
- Size 12pt
- Double Spaced, 1” Margin
- Arial or Times New Roman
- Printed in Black Ink on Clean White Paper
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Research papers will be written using the MLA format. [Hint: Citation Maker located under
“Tools” link on the left at http://myt4l.com/ (Recipe 4 Success) is a great resource for this.]
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NEATNESS COUNTS! If an assignment is turned in wrinkled, stained, illegible, or
otherwise messy, you will be required to re-do the assignment and may lose points.
(You always have the option to type all your assignments.)
A Few Words about Misrepresentation
Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated or accepted in any way shape or form.
Plagiarism, dishonesty, and misrepresentation (all big words for CHEATING) are not
acceptable. Plagiarism is using someone else’s ideas or writing as your own. This includes not
using proper documentation or citation when using another person’s writing, such as in an
essay or report.
Plagiarism will result in a zero for the assignment. A second plagiarism offense will be
referred to administration.
Cheating, in all its forms, will result in a zero for the assignment as well as a detention and
an unsatisfactory conduct grade for the semester.
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9th Grade English I
Course Syllabus 2013-2014
Mrs. Priscilla Izurieta-Coronel
Student/Parent Acknowledgment Form
This form must be signed and returned. You will receive a grade. This form must be completed,
signed by both the student and the parent/guardian, and returned no later than August 26,
2013.
I hereby acknowledge that I have read and fully understand the requirements of the course as
outlined in this syllabus and Somerset Academy Central Miramar’s curriculum guide.
My child and I are fully aware of the following:
1) Students will read and complete assignments for 4 novels outside of class.
2) Students who are not prepared for class will lose participation points.
3) Students using electronic devices will have them confiscated and turned in to the office.
4) Students may use school computers after school for home learning and projects.
5) Assignments are posted on the teacher website and grades are available on Pinnacle.
6) Students must follow all classroom rules.
7) A tardy is defined as “not inside the classroom when the bell rings.”
8) Make-up work is the student’s responsibility.
9) No late work is accepted. No exceptions.
10) Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated.
Class Period ________
__________________________
______________________________
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Print Student Name
Student’s Signature
Date
______________________________ ________________________________ ___________________
Print Parent’s/Guardian’s Name
Parent’s/Guardian’s Signature
Date
Please fill in the contact information on the back of this sheet.
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PARENT/GUARDIAN CONTACT INFORMATION
Please print legibly
Parent/Guardian Name(s) _____________________________________________________________
Home Phone _____________________________________
Work Phone ______________________________________
Cell Phone ________________________________________
E-mail(s) ____________________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name(s) _____________________________________________________________
Home Phone _____________________________________
Work Phone ______________________________________
Cell Phone ________________________________________
E-mail(s) ____________________________________________________________________________
In case of emergency, please contact:
Name(s) ________________________________________
Relationship: ____________________
Home Phone _____________________________________
Work Phone _____________________________________
Cell Phone _______________________________________
E-mail(s) ____________________________________________________________________________
Student Name _____________________________________________________________
Professional E-mail __________________________________________________________________
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