Sebring High School
Intensive Reading - Syllabus
Instructor Mrs. Cook
608
Room
E-mail
Phone
cookj@highlands.k12.fl.us
863-471-5500
Course Description:
Intensive Reading is designed to improve reading skills in every part of your life that involves
reading. I also aim to get reading to play a bigger part in your life. We’ll learn more about what
reading is, and why and how we read. We’ll explore various strategies and skills to improve your
reading comprehension throughout this class.
If you make an effort in this class, you should see improvement in every other class you take this
year, and throughout high school. There will be little homework, but the trade-off is that you will
make a consistent effort to be an outstanding student while you are here. The characteristics of
an outstanding reading student are similar to the characteristics of an outstanding reader: you will
be an active member of the class; you will be thinking about your work and not just going
through the motions; you will be open-minded and curious.
Grading:
Grading will follow the policy of the Highlands County School District
A = 90% - 100%
B = 80% - 89%
C = 70% - 79%
D = 60% - 69%
F = 0% - 59%
I do not “give” you a grade. The grade you will receive is the grade that you have earned.
Evaluations:
Grading will be done on a point scale with daily assignments ranging from 5-20 points each and
projects, quizzes, or tests multiplied by up to four times.
Journals – will be graded according to their completeness, evidence of comprehension and
insight.
Tests/Quizzes – weekly quizzes will be given to assess your knowledge of vocabulary words.
Daily Work – consists of homework, class participation, class work, and other daily instructional
components. You are expected to participate in class discussions and complete all assigned work.
Projects – will be graded according to effort put forth, neatness, and over all knowledge of the
topic.
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Rules and Regulations:
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Respect others and their property. (Listen carefully. Do not interrupt the teacher or other
students. Rudeness and disrespect will not be tolerated. Put litter in the trashcan, return
borrowed items, do not write on desks or walls, etc.)
Exercise self control at all times. (Crude and offensive language will not be tolerated. No
items are to be thrown or tossed inside the classroom. Tone and volume of voice will be
controlled at all times.
Do not touch items from the teacher’s desk, any computer wiring or other off limits
electronics in the classroom.
FOLLOW ALL SCHOOL RULES: Electronic devices in the classroom will be
confiscated and given to a dean
No GUM!!!
Procedures:
Before Entering the Classroom
 Use the restroom! You only get 5 passes each 9 weeks. “Emergency” restroom passes
may be given for special conditions (e.g. urinary tract infections).
 Make sure you have paper, pen/pencil, complete assignments.
When You First Enter the Classroom
 Sharpen your pencil before the tardy bell.
 Be seated in your assigned seat.
 Begin Bell Work.
When the Bell Rings to End the Period
 Stay in your seat. Breaking this procedure will result in a detention.
 Pick up all books, papers, folder, trash, etc.
 Leave only when I dismiss you (normally at the bell).
Tardy Policy
 I follow the rules presented in the student handbook and code of conduct. I do not tolerate
tardiness.
 2 tardies is an automatic referral.
Late Work & Make-up Work
 A student with an EXCUSED absence has three school days to make up missed
assignments. The STUDENT is responsible for requesting any missed assignments. I am
not required to find you and hand you this information. Do not interrupt my teaching time
to get missing work; see me before or after class.
 Students with ISS must see me in advance to obtain work for ISS. If this work is not
obtained prior to the day ISS is served, it can not be made up for credit.
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Students who have an unexcused absence will not be allowed to make up work. (This
includes any days of OSS).
Computer Use
 When finished working, push in your chair and log off (remove the CD!), and make sure
no wires are dangling
 Computer games are strictly prohibited in the classroom and computer lab.
 Do not pound on the keyboard or repeatedly click the mouse.
Consequences of Misbehavior:
1st--Warning
2nd--Phone call to parent
3rd--Detention – Before lunch.
4th--Referral – The above steps may be skipped depending on severity of misbehavior.
Rewards:
Class Tickets
*These may be earned by following the rules, earning a 100 on quizzes, or through class
competitions.
Helpful Hints:
Remember, I am here to help you in any way I can. If you need extra help, you are welcome to
ask me any questions you might have or arrange to see me before/after school for help. I am
happy to answer all of your questions to the best of my ability and will do my best to make
things clear for you. It is up to you to make the first step.
Situations may arise that are not covered in this syllabus. The first rule is always use
common sense. If you think that doing something might get you in trouble, don’t do it. If
you are not sure, play it safe and don’t do it.
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We have read and understand the contents of the intensive reading syllabus.
Student Name (please print)
Student Signature
Date
Parent Name (please print)
Parent Signature
Date
Please print clearly the following information:
Address: __________________________________
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Home Phone: ______________________________ Best time to call: _____________________
Work Phone: ______________________________ Best time to call: _____________________
Cell Phone:
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Parent email address: ____________________________________________________________
Comments/Concerns: ____________________________________________________________
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