12th Grade English
Mrs. Obenski
Phone Number:
610-853-5900 ex. 2203
Website:
http://www.haverford
.k12.pa.us
/192320910134539163
/site/default.asp
Room Number:
203
Email Address:
tobenski@havsd.net
Google Drive:
tobenski@haverfordsd.net
Course of Study:
Senior English traces the development of Western thought. Students explore the
development of individual concepts of justice, human nature vs. society, science vs.
society, and the rise of class and race consciousness. The course focuses on analytical
reading, essay writing, and concept analysis.
Literature:
Choice Summer Reading
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Macbeth by Shakespeare
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Selected articles and poems
Major Class Projects:
1) Students will complete a variety of writing pieces which will undergo various levels
of revision.
2) All students will create a book report after completing their SSR book(s) which will
include information regarding the author’s style, characterization and
development, setting, key passages and quotations, themes, motifs, SAT-style
vocabulary, and literary devices. I must approve your SSR books. Use your daily SSR
time to read your books.
3) Students will complete various projects to demonstrate knowledge for each core
text, including but not limited to acting out a parody of a scene in Macbeth, writing
a group sonnet, developing a utopian community with fellow students, etc.
4) Students will keep a class binder, which will be checked for organization and
completion. The binder should be at least 2 inches and will be used solely for the
12th grade English class. Students will need to keep an accurate table of contents
and correctly label all class notes, assignments, and handouts.
Required Supplies:
-Something to write with – a pencil or pen
-A 2-inch binder with loose-leaf paper
(blue or black ink)
-A package of post-it notes
-Your student planner
-A highlighter
-Class novel, SSR Book, and any other accompanying materials
Technology Policy:
While we will use a variety of technology and web-based applications in this course,
students are NOT permitted to use their cell phones or personal electronic devices in class
unless specifically directed to do so by the teacher. Violators of these rules will be
automatically referred to their grade-level principal for discipline and will be written up.
Senior English
Classroom Expectations:
1) Respect
Respect other students and the teacher by using appropriate language, being
prepared for class, following directions, adhering to all school policies, and keeping
an open mind.
2) Be Prepared
Always come to class prepared. This means coming to class and being seated
when the bell rings, bringing your writing materials and supplies each day,
completing homework on time, and keeping up with reading assignments.
3) Be Positive
Your attitude plays an important role in your education. If you believe you can
succeed – you can! Encourage your classmates to succeed too.
4) Be Responsible
Take personal responsibility for your learning: set goals, make progress towards
those goals, adhere to high standards, and revise your performance when needed.
Ask questions when something is unclear, participate in classroom discussions, and
ask for extra help if you need it. Take ownership of your classroom. This is your
space to learn; keep it clean and organized. This is your education – get everything
you can out of it! Please wait until after class to engage in discussion with me about
grades, concerns, misunderstandings, etc.
Mrs. Obenski treats seniors with the respect that adults deserve and expects seniors to reciprocate.
Come to class. Be on time. Be prepared. Be respectful. Do your work. Produce results.
Let’s have a productive and informative semester!
Homework, Assignment, and Attendance Policies:

Students should keep track of assignments in their Haverford planner.

Copying, cheating, and/or plagiarizing will result in zero credit and disciplinary
action. Plagiarizing is defined as using someone’s research, ideas, or words
(whether they are the words of a scholar or another student) without
acknowledging the author of the idea. If you looked it up, you must give credit to
the author through parenthetical citations and a works cited page.

In order to receive full credit on all assignments, students must turn in their work at
the start of class on the designated due date. All late assignments (including daily
assignments, homework, essays, and projects) will be accepted up to one week
late for reduced credit. If you foresee a problem, you must speak to the teacher on
an individual basis before the assignment is due. Students are not permitted to print
homework assignments or projects in class.
Senior English

Attending class is essential to your success. Tardiness and unexcused absences will
have an adverse effect on your grade. If a student is caught cutting class, he or
she is ineligible to earn credit for missed work. This policy includes long-term
assignments due on that date, missed exams or quizzes, and missed class work.

In the case of an excused absence, students are responsible for making up all
missed work and for any class notes given during their absence within two days.
Students should plan to speak to the teacher after class upon return to reschedule
missed exams.
Grades:
Quarterly grades are weighted as follows: 80% for exams, tests, quizzes, and long-term
projects; 20% for binder checks, homework, classwork, SSR logs, journals, warm ups, and
short-term projects. Each quarter counts as 40% of the semester grade for a total of 80%,
and the midterm and final exams count as 20% of the overall grade for the course.
A+ = 100%-98% A = 97%-93%
B+ = 89%-88% B = 87%-83%
C+ = 79%-78% C = 77%-73%
A- = 92%-90%
B- = 82%-80%
C- = 72%-70%
D+ = 69%-68% D = 67%-63%
F = 59%-0%
D- = 62%-60%
I have read and understand the class syllabus and policies for Mrs. Obenski’s 12 th grade English
class. If I have any questions or concerns, I know that I can contact Mrs. Obenski at either
610.853.5900 ex. 2203 or at tobenski@havsd.net.
Print Student’s Name:____________________________________________
Student’s Signature: _____________________________________________
Parent/Guardian’s Signature: ____________________________________ Date: ________________________
Comments or Special Concerns: _________________________________________________________________