Avondale High School
English 9—Semester Two
Course Syllabus
January – June 2010
INSTRUCTOR
Mr. Edmond Guay
Room E-2 / Black Box Studio
Email: Edmond.guay@avondale.k12.mi.us
Voicemail: 248.537.6135
Website for info: www.avondaledrama.com
COURSE DESCRIPTION
English 9 emphasizes reading strategies, the process writing, composition, and grammar. We also focus
on study skills, organizational skills, and thinking skills in order to help students be successful in all
classes. This course is aligned with Michigan Merit Curriculum and benchmarks; both semesters of
English 9 aim to help students discover their own answers to the state of Michigan “Essential Questions”
for ninth graders (see below).
LENGTH OF COURSE:
20 weeks
PREREQUISITE:
None
TEXTS:
Literature and Language, McDougal Littell
Writers Inc, Write Source
Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare
To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee
Various Short stories, poetry, and non-fiction
State of Michigan Language Arts Essential Questions: 9th Grade Focus
“Inter-Relationships & Self-Reliance”
 Who am I?
 How do my skills and talents help to define me?
 How do I relate to my family, my community, and society?
 How do I build networks of people to support me?
 How am I a reflection of my relationships?
 How do my relationships within and across groups affect others?
 What influence do class, religion, language, and culture have on my relationships and
my decisions?
 What can I contribute as an individual?
 What is my responsibility to society?
 How do I see my beliefs reflected in government policies and by politicians?
SECOND SEMESTER OUTLINE (not necessarily in this order)
Unit One: Literary Terms (Short stories, poetry)—2 Weeks
Unit Two: Shakespearean Drama (Romeo and Juliet) — 6-7 Weeks
Unit Three: Research Project—3-4 Weeks
Unit Four: Classic Literature Study (To Kill a Mockingbird)—4-5 Weeks
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COURSE MATERIALS:
Three-Ring Binder: Please designate a binder specifically for this course.
Include dividers and loose-leaf paper. You should have a section in the binder for each unit of study
(five in all—see above). We a will also work on grammar throughout the semester; please keep all
grammar assignments and notes in Unit One.
*You are expected to bring your binder, a pen or pencil, and our current piece of literature with you
daily. We will have binder checks throughout the semester. To get credit on the BC, you must have
your binder in your possession when you come to class.
*We will read Romeo and Juliet from our literature anthology. Copies of TKM will be provided for you.
However, you are welcome to purchase the books on your own if you would like to write in them
rather than take notes in your notebook. The cost is $1.
EVALUATION PROCEDURES:
All assignments and tests are graded on a point system. Point values are determined based on the
length and nature of each assignment.
 Daily assignments/Notes: 10-50 points. A “check system” is also used: Check plus = 13 points,
check = 11 points, and check minus = 9 points. Some assignments are checked for being complete,
while others are checked for accuracy.
 Writing assignments: 50-150 points. All pieces of the writing process (brainstorming, rough
drafts, etc.) must be submitted with polished pieces of writing.
 Participation/Cooperation Points: This is a class that demands collaboration and cooperation
from all members of the class community. You are expected to be an active, willing participant!
Participation credit may be given for various activities.
 Quizzes & Tests: Unannounced quizzes can and will be given at any time. Any information
discussed in class pertaining to the present work being done can and will be included on
quizzed, tests and final exams.
 Attendance: You may have heard that I have a very strict attendance policy. Well…it’s true.
Each student receives 10 points for showing up for class and in the room, ready to work, before
the tardy bell BEGINS ringing. Students will lose those 10 points for not being in class on time
FOR WHATEVER REASON. Excused absence do not waive the grade, nor do any absences or
tardies related to school events. So plan ahead. These grades cannot be made up, and eventually
count for between 25-33% of your overall grade in the class.
CLASSROOM POLICIES:
Homework
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Get rewarded for doing what you are supposed to do! Incentives for turning work in on its due
date will be discussed in class.
 In general, assignments are due when they are due. Late works accepted for credit will lose the
equivalent of one grade per day. However, some assignments will bear the label, “This
assignment may not be turned in for late credit.” Discussion questions that receive “check in”
points are one type of assignment that will be labeled as such. Another kind of assignment that
may not be turned in late is one that you are given class time to complete!
 Missing assignments that show up on AC reports may not necessarily be completed for credit—a
missing assignment report is a tool that lets teachers and parents know what you’re doing in
class (or not doing, as the case may be).
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Assignments due the day before a vacation may not be turned in for credit upon return from
vacation unless you have made arrangements with me ahead of time.
When you know beforehand that you will miss class because of a school sponsored field trip or
activity, it is your responsibility to see that any assignments due that day are handed in at the
required time. Extra time will not be given for these assignments, nor will the assignment be
accepted late.
Likewise, if you miss this class, but are in school for any portion of the day and an assignment is
still due that day.
Note that you will not be permitted to make up weeks and weeks worth of assignments if you
are failing. Stay on top of your assignments and always be aware of your grade! The late policy is
fair and will be enforced.
ASSIGNMENT STANDARDS
 All writing assignments not completed in class must be typed and follow MLA format (12 point
font, Times New Roman, double-spaced, and one inch margins). Many examples will be made
available throughout the year.
 Print assignments before arriving to class.
 Assignments turned in after I collect them are considered late, even if turned in the same class
period.
 Assignments turned in that do not meet standards will be returned to you. You may resubmit the
assignment with a 10% penalty.
When you are absent
 Check my website for information. Email me if needed!
 Ask a classmate for any notes you missed
 See me if you need clarification.
 Make arrangements to take a missed quiz or test in AC.
 If a test or quiz is announced prior to your absence, it must be taken upon your return. If
a homework assignment is due the day of your absence and you were in class when it was
assigned, you must turn it in upon your return, as well.
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
*Note that the following are common expectation for all freshman classes.
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FOOD AND DRINK: Please refrain from eating and drinking in class (water is permitted).
GUM: I despise gum chewing – it’s a particular pet peeve of mine. So please make sure you finish
whatever you are chewing and deposit it in the trash receptacle upon entering the class.
 BACKPACKS are NOT permitted inside the class room. When you arrive for class, please procure
any material you will need for the class, including assignments due, texts, notebook, writing
paraphernalia, etc, and then leave the backpack in the hallway along the wall.
 ELECTRONICS: Cell phones and electronic devices (such as iPods and hand held games) are not
permitted in class. If you have them in your possession, they must be kept silent and put away. The
phone or device will be taken and given to administration if you can’t abide by this rule. One “ear
bud” of your iPod in your ear is not acceptable!
 TARDINESS: To be considered “on time” to class, you must be in your assigned seat when the bell
rings. If you arrive late because you were in another class or the administrative offices, you should
have a pass. Arriving to class more than five minutes late constitutes an absence. The AHS tardy
policy will be enforced!
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BELL-to-BELL: This means that we are in “English mode” from the time the bell rings to start class
until it rings to end class. Please do not pack up or line up before the bell rings.
 PASSES: You must use your agenda to leave the room for any reason. I will highlight four passes in
your agenda at the start of the semester. Do not ask to leave the room once instruction has begun.
PERSONAL CONDUCT
 Defacing school property, a classmate’s property, or Mrs. Allan’s personal property is grounds for
disciplinary action.
 Insults and derogatory language will not be tolerated, even if meant in jest. Words are powerful and
can make or mar someone’s spirit. Speak your mind, but use your “internal filter” first to make sure
you are not going to be offensive.
 Doing work for other classes while in this class is rude and unacceptable. I will talk to your other
teacher(s) about this behavior if it becomes an issue.
 Bottom line: Treat others with respect … and you will earn respect from classmates and from me.
*Frosh Rules Quick Reference Guide*
1. Be on time
2. Have your materials with you and on your desk without being told
3. Keep iPods, phones, and other electronics off and out of sight
4. Have only water with you—no other food or drink is permitted
5. Work bell-to-bell—no lining up at the door
6. Bring and use your agenda daily
7. Late work: one week past due date = maximum of 50% earned; however,
some assignments can’t be turned in late and will be labeled as such
(these are “check-in points” assignments).
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