Mrs. Renchen
English
English 1
Course Outline
PURPOSE
English 1 is a course that will help students meet their English graduation requirements. This
course includes the reading and analysis of various types of literature including short stories,
poetry, nonfiction, drama, and novels. Students will write formally and informally for a
variety of audiences, developing skills in researching and the appropriate grammar. This
course also contains a speech component in which students will practice delivering
information in a clear, concise manner.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
 Read and comprehend a variety of literature
 Use textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly and to make
inferences from said text
 Determine the theme of a text and how it develops throughout the text
 Summarize
 Determine meanings of words and phrases, including connotative and figurative
meanings
 Analyze how word choice affects meaning and tone
 Write informative texts to examine and convey complex ideas clearly and accurately
(focus on organization, selection of information, and analysis)
 Produce clear, coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are
appropriate to task, purpose, and audience
 Participate effectively in collaborative discussions (one-on-one, groups, teacher-led,
Socratic), building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively
 Demonstrate a command of formal English, standard English grammar, and appropriate
capitalization and punctuation
 Acquire and use accurately general academic words and phrases to develop vocabulary to
a college or career readiness level
 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in
word meanings
MATERIALS NEEDED
 Laptop and charge cord
 Text Book
 Independent Book
 Folder/Binder specific to this class
 Pen or pencil
 Notebook paper
GRADING
 The teacher will assign points for homework assignments, quizzes, tests, and projects.
 The students will earn points through participation in class discussions, Socratic
discussions, and self-evaluation.
 The final exam will be worth 20% of your overall grade.
Mrs. Renchen
English
CLASS PROCEDURES and POLICIES
Be on time.
That means in your seat (or hurrying there) and quiet when the bell rings.
Dismissal
The bell doesn’t dismiss you, I do. If we are not seated, we will not be dismissed.
Make-up work
Makeup work is your responsibility. Ask for assignments before a planned absence or
the day after you return to school. If you wait multiple days, certain assignments may no
longer be accepted. If you do not ask for work, it will be a 0.
Late work
Late work is not good. Not only does it cause you to fall behind, but it can leave a giant,
gaping zero in the grade book. Late work is accepted, though, with a point deduction
appropriate to the extent of the lateness and the type of assignment.
Classroom Expectations
 To maintain the best learning environment, no food, phones, iPods, headphones,
or electronic games are allowed. See your Student Handbook for further details.
 Please keep all bags and purses on the floor during class.
 It is important to behave respectfully and responsibly in class. Rudeness,
especially directed toward other students will not be tolerated. Have an open
mind, a good attitude, and remember that if you don’t have anything nice to say,
it’s best to zip it.
 Please raise your hand when you want to share.
Computers
The use of computers is a privilege, not a right. Any student found to be abusing this
privilege will have it revoked.
Academic Honesty
Cheating and plagiarism will result in a zero for the assignment on which the dishonesty
occurred. Further consequences will be determined by the teacher and administration.
Bathroom
Asking in the middle of a discussion is not the appropriate time. If you need to go during
a discussion, use this sign language. If I give you the “OK,” then fill out your pass and
bring it to me. Each student receives 5 passes per quarter. *NOTE* If an individual is
wandering the halls, coming into the classroom loudly, or exhibits any other unacceptable
behavior, I will stop giving bathroom passes.
Mrs. Renchen
English
CLASS RULES
 Be Respectful- be polite, use appropriate language and voice, follow directions, respect
personal space and property, treat others the way you want to be treated
 Be Responsible- use time wisely, turn in work on time, be on time, work to the best of
your ability, act like an adult
 Be Ready- be attentive, have materials ready, be in seat and ready when the bell rings
 All School Rules Apply- that means cell phones, cheating, and technology rules in your
handbook will be enforced
You are in high school; I know that I can trust you to act like it.
DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE
1st offense: Warning
2nd offense: Warning or short detention
3rd offense: Detention and contact home
4th offense: Removal from classroom, referral, and contact home
This is the policy for this classroom. As the teacher, I reserve the right to skip steps in
the disciplinary procedure, depending on the behavior of the student. Follow the class
rules and this will be a great year!
CONTACT INFO
Do not hesitate to come see me or email if you have any questions or need extra help. Feel free to stop in
or make an appointment to ensure my availability.
Office: Room 129
Email: renchenj@unit5.org
Class website: www.unit5.org/renchenj
st
1 hour
2nd hour
3rd hour
4th hour
5th hour
6B
6D
th
7 hour
8th hour
Mrs. Renchen’s Schedule
Room 128 (teaching)
Room 128 (teaching)
Room 129 (conference period)
Room 128 (teaching)
Room 128 (teaching)
FMP
Room 129 (lunch)
Room 128 (teaching)
Room 129 (conference period)