English 10- Common Core
Ms. Donnelly
2015-2016 Syllabus
COURSE OBJECTIVE:
This course is based on the Common Core English Language Arts Standards. Students will
be responsible for reading and interpreting works of literature from a wide variety of
writers including J.D. Salinger, William Golding, Niccolò Machiavelli and William
Shakespeare. The short story, the novel, poetry, drama and an array of non-fiction pieces
will be examined through essay writing and discussion in class. Students will work to
analyze an argument, find evidence-based claims in non-fiction texts, and assess credible
sources. Emphasis will be placed on honing writing process skills, enhancing vocabulary
acquisition and usage of literary elements and poetic devices.
MATERIALS:
Textbook - The EMC Mirrors & Windows, Level V
Vocabulary Workbook – Sadlier Level E
School Planner
Please purchase the following items:
 Three ring- 1 inch binder
 Folder
 Loose-leaf paper
 Blue or black pen
Students are expected to arrive to class with the correct text as well as the required
materials. These materials should be used solely for English-Language Arts and should not
be shared with other classes.
Books are available to be purchased in the McGann-Mercy School Store. It is imperative
that students purchase the books provided by the school to align with the teacher edition
for classwork, classroom discussion, and homework assignments. With the purchase of
these books, students build their academic libraries and will be able to mark passages while
reading for further comprehension. Students are responsible for all books during the school
year, and he or she must keep them in a safe place until work is assigned. It is necessary for
students to purchase the following titles from the school store for use throughout the year:
Catcher in the Rye
J.D. Salinger
Lord of the Flies
William Golding
Macbeth
William Shakespeare
The Prince
Niccolò Machiavelli
ATTENDANCE, PROCEDURES, AND BEHAVIOR:
 Students will arrive to class on time. They will be seated in their assigned seat and
ready to work before the bell. In addition, students may be expected to begin
working on an assigned “Do Now” immediately upon entering the classroom.
 Students will arrive to class with all necessary materials.
 Students will arrive in full uniform according to McGann-Mercy High School’s
uniform requirements.
 Students are expected to perform all necessary tasks, including homework and
classwork, to the best of their ability.
 If absent, students will be held responsible for missed work and must make it up
within 2 class days. Handouts will be placed inside the class folder for students to
gather upon their return. Students will not be given class time to make up missed
classwork, tests, or quizzes, and should schedule an individual extra help session.
 Cell phone use is strictly prohibited in the classroom. This policy must be adhered
to or students may receive an after school detention.
 Students will demonstrate sincere respect for each other, themselves, and the
teacher throughout the class period. Each student is responsible for his/her own
actions and is expected to act with dignity.
GRADING POLICY:
Students will receive a variety of assignments throughout the school year. They will be
given the grade that they earn and deserve. Students are expected to learn the material
necessary for successful completion of the course, which includes completing the outside
reading assignments. Each quarter’s grade will be determined according to points. Grades
are calculated based on a total points system. Homework, tests, and projects are assigned a
point value. Final grades are calculated by dividing the amount of points received by the
total possible points.
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Class Participation: 50 pts. 25 pts for 1st half and 25pts for 2nd half.
Homework: 10 – 20 pts per assignment.
Quizzes: 50 pts.
Essays and Tests: 100 pts.
Projects: 100 pts.
The school’s weighting for final grades are as follows:
 Each Quarter: 20%
 Midterm: 10%
 Final: 10%
HOMEWORK:
All assignments will be posted on the Sharp School website and written on the board at
the beginning of the class period. All homework should be legibly written and in complete
sentences unless otherwise directed. Homework will NOT be accepted late. Students that
miss three homework assignments will be assigned a formal detention.
Reading assignments are given as homework; therefore, students are expected to complete
the reading by the assigned days in order to participate in class discussions. Reading quizzes
will be given regularly to ensure students are completing their reading assignments.
TESTS/ESSAYS/PROJECTS:
It is the responsibility of the student to follow ALL instructions on essays, projects, and
tests. Late essays and projects will NOT receive a grade. However, students MUST submit
late assignments; late assignments will be graded as a zero. If the student does not
submit the assignment within three school days of the due date, the student will receive a
zero, as well as a detention.
HEADING:
MLA (Modern Language Association) heading is to be written on all handouts, quizzes, tests,
essays, and homework assignments.
Joseph Jones
Your Name
Ms. Donnelly
Teacher’s Name
English 10
Subject
11 September 2015
Date
EXTRA HELP:
I am available for extra help Tuesday after school from 3-4 and 6th period by appointment.
In addition, students can schedule individual assistance Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
after school in the library.
A sign up sheet for extra help will be posted on the bulletin board in the classroom.
Students should sign up for extra help regardless of whether they are coming with a group
or requesting an individual appointment.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
I am available by email, phone, or appointment if a problem or concern arises during the
school year. Feel free to contact me with any question or concern.
Email: jdonnelly@mcgann-mercy.org
Phone Number: 631-727-5900 Ext. 339
___________________________________________________________________________
Please detach and return to Ms. Donnelly:
I have read and understand what is expected of my student.
Parent/Guardian Name:
Parent/Guardian Signature:
I have read and understand what is expected of me.
Student Name:
Student Signature:
Phone Number where a parent/guardian can be reached: (_______)
______________________
Email where a parent/guardian can be reached:
___________________________________________________________
Student Email address:
______________________________________________________________________