English I Syllabus
Mrs. Kristen Johnson Fall 2014
Conference Hour: 1st Hour
kristen.johnson@fhsdschools.org
www.tinyurl.com/KJohnsonFHN
Follow me on Twitter @kljohnson85
(636) 851-6493
Welcome to the 2014-2015 school year!
Course Description: This skill-based course is an introduction to the literacy skills students will need to be
successful communicators in high school: reading, writing, listening/speaking and research. Emphasis will be placed
on approaching reading and writing as processes. Expository, narrative, descriptive and persuasive writing will be
addressed. Research will be integrated throughout the course. Students will read and respond to literature concerning
self-exploration and cross-curricular studies.
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Lost Textbook Policy: If a student loses or damages a textbook throughout the course of the year, he or she will be
held responsible. The cost of a lost textbook is $75. The cost of damages will depend on the extent of the damage.
Instead of checking out a book to each student I will be keeping a class set. I will only check out books if a student is
absent or needs more time to work.
Supplies Needed: composition notebook (it’s best if the pages can’t be taken out)--your first assignment is to bring in
the book and show me, loose leaf paper, writing utensils
Grade Components: Each quarter is worth 40% of your semester grade. Your final exam is worth 20% of your grade.
Your grade will be composed of:
 Quizzes
 Exams
 Papers
 In class assignments
 Class/group projects
 Discussion/Class Participation!
Grading Scale:
A
B
C
D
F
100-90
89-80
79-70
69-60
59 and below
Grades will be posted on Infinite Campus within three days; however, written work may take longer. Grades will be posted in
classroom on the bulletin board (by student number) every two weeks.
Progress Reports are due from Teachers: September 9, November 14, February 2, April 16
Report Card Grades are due from Teachers: October 20, January 2, March 23, May 22
Homework Policy: The amount of homework you have will depend on the unit we are studying. Some nights you will be
expected to read, write, or research at home. Extra credit will be given at my discretion and will be related to the course
curriculum. If you need extra help, talk to me about setting up time for intervention before or after school.
Late or Missing Work: Our policy is to take 25 percentage points off the first day an assignment is late. After the first day,
the student can make up the assignment for up to 50 percent until the last two weeks in the quarter. No assignment can be
submitted within the final two weeks of each quarter. Teachers reserve the right to adjust this policy for assignments such as
presentations and process-oriented work.
Class Expectations: Be Respectful, Prepared, On Time--Arrive before the bell rings. You will be given two warnings on
tardies before given a detention. I will contact home on the second tardy. You’ll be given a detention when you’re tardy for the
third tardy and each tardy after. I expect you to come to class prepared with the necessary utensils and homework. We will
respect our peers and ourselves while in this classroom. Be prepared to be an active member of this class. Your participation
will improve the classroom experience for all of us, and it is especially important in a communication arts class. Stay in your
assigned seat.
Cell Phones: The use of phones will be decided on a day to day basis. However, if you are asked to put your phone away at
any time, you’re expected to respect that request. If you do not, the first time I will ask you to bring it to the front of the room
and place it in the designated area. You can pick it up after class. The second time you don’t follow the expectation I will take
the phone, write a detention, and send your phone to the office where a parent will have to pick it up. If you refuse to give up
your phone, a principal will be called, and you will automatically be given a one day suspension. If you refuse to give up your
phone to the principal, you will be given a five day suspension. Phones will be not allowed and taken immediately if they are
found out during quizzes, tests, or being used to share answers. What it comes down to is simple: if you’re asked to put your
phone away, put it away. We should be able to find common ground and not have any problems.
Possible Titles: The teachers of English I will be choosing from the following list the books and plays for the students
of this course to read. A title may be chosen for the entire class to read together, for smaller study groups to share or
an individual student to enjoy. Each teacher will select the books for his/her class.
The Maze Runner
The Fault in Our Stars
12 Angry Men
A Christmas Carol
A Midsummer Night's Dream
A Separate Peace
All Quiet on the Western Front
Beyond the Chocolate War
Bronx Masquerade
Dandelion Wine
Ender's Game
Great Expectations
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Last Chance Texaco
Mrs. Mike
Of Mice and Men
Romeo and Juliet
Sixteen Short Stories by Outstanding Writers
Something Wicked
The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman
The Bean Trees
The Chocolate War
The Chosen
The Effect of Gamma Rays…
The Martian Chronicles
The Secret Life of Bees
The Translator
To Kill a Mockingbird
West Side Story
When Legends Die
Z for Zachariah