English 10
Common Core
Mr. Malsky
Syllabus 2015 - 2016
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 - Mirrors & Windows, Level V
Vocabulary Workbook – Sadlier Level E
School Planner
Please purchase the following items:
 1 inch binder
 Folder
 Filler/loose-leaf paper
Students are expected to arrive prepared for class with the appropriate text, their notebook
and folder, the school planner and a pen. These materials are to be used for English only
and are not to be combined or shared with other school subjects.
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
Class Procedures:
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Students will arrive to class on time. They will be seated in their assigned seat
before the bell.
Students will arrive to class with all necessary materials.
Students will arrive in full uniform according to McGann-Mercy High School’s
uniform requirements.
If absent, students will be held responsible for missed work. All assignments will
be posted on the class website. Handouts will be placed inside the class folder for
students to gather upon their return.
Cell phone use is strictly prohibited in the classroom. This policy must be adhered
to or students may receive an after school detention.
Behavior:
Students are expected to perform all necessary tasks including homework and class work
to the best of their ability in order to achieve comprehensive learning.
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%
Preparation Grade:
At the start of each quarter the students receive 50 points as a preparation grade. If a
student arrives late to class, 4 points will be deducted. Similarly, if a student comes to class
unprepared, 4 points will be deducted.
The students’ classroom behavior and participation will be carefully observed on a
daily basis. It will not go unnoticed when a student works toward personal
achievement and a positive classroom environment.
Classwork:
Classwork is not optional. It is the responsibility of the student to complete all classwork
according to the specific instructions provided for assignments. If a student is absent, the
student is responsible for the missed classwork.
Homework:
Homework will be posted on the Sharp School Portal and in the classroom 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 are
legitimately absent must present their completed homework upon their return to school or
they will not receive credit for the homework. Students that miss three homework
assignments will be assigned a formal detention.
Reading assignments are given as homework; therefore, students are expected to complete
these assignments on the days they are assigned so that students will be prepared to
discuss the materials in class the following day. “Pop Quizzes” will be given as needed 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
Mr. Malsky
Teacher’s Name
English 10
Subject
4 September 2015
Date
Extra Help:
I am available for individual assistance by appointment. It is crucial that the student ask
for assistance when necessary.
Tuesday and Thursday – 7:30AM
6th period – by appointment
After School – by appointment
Email: cmalsky@mcgann-mercy.org
Phone: 631-727-5900 Ext. 402
Please detach and return to Mr. Malsky:
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:
______________________________________________________________________