CLASSROOM POLICIES
Christy Reasons ▪ reasonscl@scsk12.org ; reasonscl.weebly.com
English 251
2015-2016
Areas of Study/Performance
This year’s literature study includes a variety of works, including short stories, novels,
drama, poetry, speeches and others mediums from various genres. Students will build
reading analysis, writing, and presenting skills as well as prepare for the new TNReady
exams, which are a large part of the second semester grade. Students will write a variety of
essays in various modes, including research pieces.
Access to a computer and printer throughout the year is necessary. Students must make
arrangements before or after school to use the school library or to use the public library,
friend, or family member’s computer if needed. There are no exceptions to deadlines or to
the printing of typed assignments when it is required.
My goal is to meet the needs of each individual learner so that each student can achieve his
or her full academic potential. A variety of strategies, including Common Core, will be used
to build skills as well as to promote a safe learning environment that values all students.
Supply List
Students should have these items and appropriate text everyday
agenda or personal calendar
journal (recommended)
hi-liters
notebook paper (NO colored paper)
black/blue pens
dry erase marker
3-ring binder
red or colored pens
*post-it notes/flags
Save this handout as the first sheet in your notebook
Supplementary Readings for the Class
Each student is responsible for having his/her own copy of reading material for class and
home use. These books can be purchased, or they can be checked out from the school or
public library by the student. It is the student’s responsibility to have the material in
class by the first day of the unit study (reminder notices will be given in class at least one
week prior). Please note, having a personal copy allows for easier annotation - highlighting
and making notes in the margin.
To Kill a Mockingbird Harper Lee (Q2 )
No Fear Julius Caesar Shakespeare (Q3- optional, original version is in textbook)
A Walk to Remember Nicholas Sparks (Q4)
Classroom Rules
1. Arrive on time
2. Come prepared – having the proper supplies AND being ready to work
3. Be respectful – following directions the first time, refraining from behavior that
is annoying or disruptive to fellow students or to the teacher
4. NO cell phones – per school policy, unless teacher directed for instruction
5. NO food or drinks – except clear water bottles with a top
Consequences for Failure to Follow Policies
1. First: Warning
2. Second: Parent phone call or email
3. Third: Disciplinary referral
* Noncompliance with rules will affect quarterly participation grade per rubric below
**Major violations will be dealt with by the administration, regardless of the above
mentioned consequences
Level of
Engagement
In Class
Behavior
Preparation
10
Student
regularly
initiates
AND
builds on
discussion
Student
is
never
disruptive
Student is
ALWAYS
prepared
PARTICIPATION RUBRIC
9
8
7
Student
Student
Student
listens and
usually
may
builds on
listens and contribute
others’
occasionally
after
ideas
contributes redirected
to class
Student
Student
Student
listens to
usually
regularly
instructor
listens but
attempts
AND is
is
to sleep in
rarely
occasionally
class
disruptive
disruptive
Student is
Student is
almost
Student is
prepared
always
usually
about half
prepared
prepared
the time
TOTAL
5
Student
rarely
listens or
contributes
to class
Points
Student
tries to
sleep AND
and is
regularly
disruptive
Student is
almost
never
prepared
POINTS=
/30
Participation grades will be recorded every 2-4 weeks
(quarterly total 60-120 points)
Conduct Grades
Students are expected to behave in a mature, businesslike manner, taking pride in their
ability, character, and work. General guidelines:
E Follows the rules every day; exercises good citizenship and attitude in the
classroom; exemplary behavior
S Generally follows rules; may have received warning; comes to class
prepared; general good citizenship and attitude
N Frequently disregards rules; excessive talking or tardies; sleeps in class;
sits on desktops
U Cheating/plagiarism, cursing, fighting, insubordination
Academic Grading Policies
Grades are calculated on a “total points” grading system and are based on performance in
the following areas: class participation, homework, projects (includes essay and research
writing), quizzes, and tests.
1. Students will NOT receive a perfect score for simple completion – grades are
based on accuracy and effort; spelling and grammar always count.
2. Students will receive participation grade per rubric given above
3. Students present for any portion of the day that a project or paper is due must turn
in the assignment regardless of check-in after scheduled class time or check-out prior
to scheduled class time; otherwise, the work will be considered late and points
deducted accordingly.
4. Students are responsible for all graded papers and should keep these in the event
a discrepancy should occur. It is the sole responsibility of the student to notify me
immediately if he or she notes any grade discrepancy on Power School.
5. No work is accepted via email unless specifically assigned by the teacher
6. A zero (0) will be assigned for any work missed during an unexcused absence. OSS
is considered an unexcused absence, therefore, no make up work for those days will
be accepted.
7. Students caught cheating or plagiarizing any part of an assignment will receive a zero
(0) – this includes participation in “sharing” work. (see school policy below)
8. Students are expected to submit work on days assigned- “I didn’t know it was due,” will
NOT work. Students and parents are encouraged to take advantage of all resources in
order to stay informed of classroom activities and assignments:
teacher email: reasonscl@scsk12.org
teacher/class website: reasonscl.weebly.com
class reminders: ________________ (write in the class period Remind code)
Late work
Work that is not ready to submit at the beginning of class due will receive no greater than 90%
credit; work submitted after the class period is over, but still on the day it was originally due will
receive no greater than 70%; work submitted the day after it was originally due will receive no
greater than 50% credit; work submitted more than one day late will NOT receive any credit zero (0)!
Saturday school may be assigned to makeup assignments that receive a zero (no greater than 50%
credit will be given).
DRAW a VISUAL REPRESENTATION OF THIS POLICY
Make up Work – Consistent daily attendance is critical for success in this class
According to the SCS Handbook policy, students have one day to make up work for each day of an
excused absence. Students should use the classroom folder system to obtain handouts distributed
during their absences. If a quiz or test is given on the date of absence, the student must make
arrangements to stay either before or after school the day he/she returns to make up the
assessment. If an assignment was given prior to the student’s absence, the student is expected to
have that assignment the day he/she returns. Failure to make up work according to guidelines WILL
result in point deductions
Struggling Students
The parent/guardian of students who are not meeting required course standards will be contacted
regarding a plan of assistance. After-school tutoring is available throughout the year; however, one
or more of the following interventions may be offered at the teacher’s discretion: assignment to
advisory period, extension of late policy to makeup missing assignments, modified assessments,
partial or full re-testing of failed assessments, remediation assignments for point recovery. A
student’s failure to take advantage of the assistance opportunities offered could result in failure to
successfully earn the required course credit.
Students who regularly choose not to do the work assigned are NOT considered struggling students,
but rather are insubordinate. Consequences for failing to follow class policies will be applied as
outlined above.
Extra Credit Opportunities
Do NOT rely on extra credit to salvage your grade - you should protect it along the way!!!
Extra credit opportunities will be offered each quarter. Extra credit means extra work and
extra time put forth on a specifically assigned project. The work must be high quality; if you
want an “A” on the extra credit, you must turn in “A” work. Late extra credit work will not be
accepted. No extra credit opportunities will be available to students who have failed to
complete assigned class work (zeros)
Germantown High School Plagiarism Policy
Germantown High School values academic honesty and believes plagiarism is a serious offense.
Using the work of other people in any way is stealing intellectual property. In the high school setting,
it can result in the failure of an assignment, but in a college setting, plagiarism can lead to failure in
an entire course or worse. Most importantly, if a student plagiarizes, he or she is not learning, and the
ultimate goal of the school is for students to learn.
A student has plagiarized if he or she






Has failed to give credit to the proper sources any time an assignment has been
completed with the aid of an outside source, whether that source is an electronic
translator, literary analysis, or other students.
Has copied another person’s work, be it the work of an author or another student,
without the use of quotation marks and proper credit following the quote.
Has paraphrased an item without giving the original author credit.
Has inappropriately collaborated with other students.
Has allowed another student to copy his or her work.
Has resubmitted his or her own work or the work of another student that was submitted
in a previous class or activity.
The teacher will provide copies of proper documentation to the student showing that the plagiarism
has occurred.
Consequences of plagiarism



If a student has plagiarized, been involved in plagiarism, or allowed plagiarism of his or
her own work, even inadvertently, the student will receive a zero on the assignment.
If two students have turned in work that is the same, all or in part, both students will
receive zeros on the assignment.
Students will also be asked to fill out an honors infraction form. Honorary clubs look at
these forms to determine membership in the organizations.
Return (this page ONLY) to Mrs. Reasons
DUE: Thursday, August 13th
Incorporating the visual aspect of literature is very helpful to many students. As permission
waivers are necessary for works found outside of the English department or our school
library, I am including a waiver for the use of works that might fall into this category. Please
be assured, we will NOT watch movies to replace instruction, but only to enhance what we
are studying in the classroom.
Author biographies, historical era clips, TED talk clips, commercials, speeches…
A Walk to Remember (2002)
Please take this opportunity to choose one option below and to provide your signature
where indicated.
______ I am providing my consent for Mrs. Reasons to use video supplements during
instructional presentations in the English 251 classroom that my child is taking
this school year.
______ I do not give my consent for Mrs. Reasons to use video supplements during
instructional presentations in the English 251 classroom that my child is taking
this school year and may be reached at the following phone or email contact to
discuss the matter further.
Please sign below to indicate that you have read and understand all of the policies,
procedures, and expectations for Mrs. Reasons’ class.
Student Signature _________________________ printed name _____________________
Parent Signature ___________________________ Daytime Phone _______________
Parent Email ______________________________ Evening Phone ______________
If you have questions or concerns at any time, please feel free to contact me – email is the
quickest way to reach me, as I do not have regular access to a telephone during the school
day. I am looking forward to an exciting year!
Christy Reasons
reasonscl@scsk12.org
Reasonscl.weebly.com
TELEPHONE / CONFERENCE LOG
Student Name ______________________
Date
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Reasons for Contact
PLAN
Student Name ______________________
Level of
Engagement
In Class
Behavior
Preparation
10
Student
regularly
initiates
AND
builds on
discussion
Student
is
never
disruptive
Student is
ALWAYS
prepared
PARTICIPATION RUBRIC
9
8
7
Student
Student
Student
listens and
usually
may
builds on
listens and contribute
others’
occasionally
after
ideas
contributes redirected
to class
Student
Student
Student
listens to
usually
regularly
instructor
listens but
attempts
AND is
is
to sleep in
rarely
occasionally
class
disruptive
disruptive
Student is
Student is
almost
Student is
prepared
always
usually
about half
prepared
prepared
the time
TOTAL
Level of
Engagement
In Class
Behavior
Preparation
10
Student
regularly
initiates
AND
builds on
discussion
Student
is
never
disruptive
Student is
ALWAYS
prepared
PARTICIPATION RUBRIC
9
8
7
Student
Student
Student
listens and
usually
may
builds on
listens and contribute
others’
occasionally
after
ideas
contributes redirected
to class
Student
Student
Student
listens to
usually
regularly
instructor
listens but
attempts
AND is
is
to sleep in
rarely
occasionally
class
disruptive
disruptive
Student is
Student is
almost
Student is
prepared
always
usually
about half
prepared
prepared
the time
TOTAL
5
Student
rarely
listens or
contributes
to class
Points
Student
tries to
sleep AND
and is
regularly
disruptive
Student is
almost
never
prepared
POINTS=
5
Student
rarely
listens or
contributes
to class
/30
Points
Student
tries to
sleep AND
and is
regularly
disruptive
Student is
almost
never
prepared
POINTS=
/30
Student Name ______________________
Level of
Engagement
In Class
Behavior
Preparation
10
Student
regularly
initiates
AND
builds on
discussion
Student
is
never
disruptive
Student is
ALWAYS
prepared
PARTICIPATION RUBRIC
9
8
7
Student
Student
Student
listens and
usually
may
builds on
listens and contribute
others’
occasionally
after
ideas
contributes redirected
to class
Student
Student
Student
listens to
usually
regularly
instructor
listens but
attempts
AND is
is
to sleep in
rarely
occasionally
class
disruptive
disruptive
Student is
Student is
almost
Student is
prepared
always
usually
about half
prepared
prepared
the time
TOTAL
Level of
Engagement
In Class
Behavior
Preparation
10
Student
regularly
initiates
AND
builds on
discussion
Student
is
never
disruptive
Student is
ALWAYS
prepared
PARTICIPATION RUBRIC
9
8
7
Student
Student
Student
listens and
usually
may
builds on
listens and contribute
others’
occasionally
after
ideas
contributes redirected
to class
Student
Student
Student
listens to
usually
regularly
instructor
listens but
attempts
AND is
is
to sleep in
rarely
occasionally
class
disruptive
disruptive
Student is
Student is
almost
Student is
prepared
always
usually
about half
prepared
prepared
the time
TOTAL
5
Student
rarely
listens or
contributes
to class
Points
Student
tries to
sleep AND
and is
regularly
disruptive
Student is
almost
never
prepared
POINTS=
5
Student
rarely
listens or
contributes
to class
/30
Points
Student
tries to
sleep AND
and is
regularly
disruptive
Student is
almost
never
prepared
POINTS=
/30