www.afuntab.com
Welcome to English 10
Mr. Duchin
Room 302
Quaker Valley
4 High School
2014 - 2015
S.W.E.A.T. pledge
(Skill and Work Ethic Aren’t Taboo)
NOTE: The following guidelines were borrowed from Mike Rowe [Dirty
Jobs].http://profoundlydisconnected.com/skill-work-ethic-arent-taboo/
1. I believe that I have won the greatest lottery of all time. I am alive. I walk the Earth. I live in
America. Above all things, I am grateful. [Value your life, yourself and others around you.]
2. I believe that I am entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Nothing more. I also
understand that “happiness” and the “pursuit of happiness” are not the same thing. [Seize the
day!]
3. I believe there is no such thing as a “bad job.” I believe that all jobs are opportunities, and it’s up
to me to make the best of them. [Every assignment is an opportunity to learn and grow as a
person.]
4. I do not “follow my passion.” I bring it with me. I believe that any job can be done with passion
and enthusiasm. [Maintain a positive attitude throughout every task in every lesson. Create energy!]
5. I deplore debt, and do all I can to avoid it. I would rather live in a tent and eat beans than borrow
money to pay for a lifestyle I can’t afford. [Invest in yourself; earn your best grade; don’t fear
failure.]
6. I believe that my safety is my responsibility. I understand that being in “compliance” does not
necessarily mean I’m out of danger. [Powerschool is not a safety net – it’s a scoreboard.]
S.W.E.A.T. pledge
(Skill and Work Ethic Aren’t Taboo)
NOTE: The following guidelines were borrowed from Mike Rowe [Dirty
Jobs].http://profoundlydisconnected.com/skill-work-ethic-arent-taboo/
7. I believe the best way to distinguish myself at work is to show up early, stay late, and cheerfully
volunteer for every crappy task there is. [Feel free to come in before/after school to check progress.]
8. I believe the most annoying sounds in the world are whining and complaining. I will never make
them. If I am unhappy in my work, I will either find a new job, or find a way to be happy. [Enough
said.]
9. I believe that my education is my responsibility, and absolutely critical to my success. I am
resolved to learn as much as I can from whatever source is available to me. I will never stop learning,
and understand that library cards are free. [Take initiative to catch up or move ahead. Challenge
yourself.]
10. I believe that I am a product of my choices – not my circumstances. I will never blame anyone for
my shortcomings or the challenges I face. And I will never accept the credit for something I didn’t do.
[Take responsibility for your learning and protect your integrity (no cheating) for future opportunities.]
11. I understand the world is not fair, and I’m OK with that. I do not resent the success of others.
[Respect and support everyone’s right to learn; do not distract others with off-task
behavior/attitude.]
12. I believe that all people are created equal. I also believe that all people make choices. Some
choose to be lazy. Some choose to sleep in. I choose to work my butt off. [Make the choice everyday.]
Required Materials for English 10
• Pencil/pen
• Assigned text
• Completed homework
• Calendar book for deadlines
• Folder to organize class materials
• Notebook for class discussions/activities
• Laptop (to be issued/authorized by QVHS)
Mr. Duchin’s Class Procedures
• Arrive to class on time – before the bell.
• If you’re outside the door when the bell rings, you’re late.
• Three late arrivals will result in a detention.
• NOTE: Punctuality is a part of integrity.
• Immediately take out your notebook and pen for the following tasks.
• Look up at the front board and copy the day’s date.
• Copy the day’s quote (including the name of the author/speaker).
• Copy the learning targets for the day.
• Check out the board behind Mr. Duchin’s desk for deadline information.
• NOTE: Responsibility is a part of integrity.
• Fully participate in the lesson.
• Treat the lesson like an important meeting – politely listen/respond to others.
• Use your notebook to take notes on information shared.
• Write down questions in your notebook – ask them!
• Write down deadline information from the board behind Mr. Duchin’s desk.
• NOTE: Respecting others (and class procedures) is also a part of integrity.
• Turn in all assignments on time – especially after an absence
Powerschool vs. Blackboard
• Check Powerschool for grades and overdue assignments.
• Assignments turned in on time will remain blank until graded.
• “Ex” in Powerschool indicates an excused assignment.
• “M” in Powerschool indicates a missing assignment.
• “L” in Powerschool indicates a late assignment.
• Late assignments will be penalized 20% for each day past.
• Use Blackboard for assignment information/deadlines.
• Students will self-enroll on Bb after laptop distribution.
• Students should check Bb daily for lessons, deadlines, etc.
English 10 Assessments
• Assessment FOR learning (formative) = 20%
• Journal prompts
• Process writing and preliminary reader responses
• Graphic organizers, worksheets, etc.
• First drafts
• Notebook checks
• Grammar and vocabulary practice
• Class activities, discussions, and spar debates
• Blackboard applications and Study Island (online)
• A 20 percent penalty will be imposed for each day work is late.
• NOTE: Students must take the initiative to submit excused or unexcused late work.
• Assessment OF learning (summative) = 80%
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Formal reading responses and final drafts
Quizzes and exams (online and on paper), and presentations
Independent and collaborative projects AND formal debates
A 20 percent penalty will be imposed for each day work is late.
•
NOTE: Students must take the initiative to submit excused or unexcused late work.
English 10 – Terms A and C
• Literary analysis [Reading Comprehension and Interpretation]
• Fiction: short stories, novels, and plays
• Nonfiction: news articles and personal essays
• Poetry
• Application of literary terms
• Study Island/Keystone practice
• Writing process
• Journal and reader response
• Expository, personal and persuasive essays.
• Functional grammar and vocabulary applications
• Princeton Review Hit Parade – 100 words
• Grammar pyramid (next slide).
• Development of 21st Century skills
English 10 – Selections of Fiction
• The Language of Literature (Grade 10)
• Ray Bradbury’s “The Pedestrian,” “There Will Come Soft
Rains,” and “A Sound of Thunder”
• Kurt Vonnegut Jr.’s “Harrison Bergeron”
• Kissing Doorknobs by Terry Spencer Hesser
• Animal Farm by George Orwell
• Swallowing Stones by Joyce McDonald
• Sunrise Over Fallujah by Walter Dean Myers
• A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry
• Macbeth by William Shakespeare
[Various poems will also be analyzed and appreciated.]
English 10 – Selections of Nonfiction
• Media Sources (including but not limited to...)
• Time
• The New York Times
• National Public Radio
• The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
• The Pittsburgh Tribune Review
• Personal, persuasive and expository essays
• Internet research
English 10 – Term B
• Speaking and Presenting
• Apply purpose, audience and form.
• Use/analyze credibility, charisma and meaningful idea.
• Utilize rhetorical devices.
• Reinforce 21st Century skills.
• Complete formal presentations.
• “A Moment of Truth”
• “The Future Is Now”
• “A Change for the Better”
• Develop and apply research skills, outlining, and technology.
• Continuation of functional grammar and vocabulary
• Continuation of process writing
• Personal Project Deadlines! (See Dr. Conlon/QV website.)
Contact Information
• Email Mr. Duchin at duchinm@qvsd.org
• Start your subject heading with your first and last name.
• Title all attachments with your full name followed by a title.
• Check for Mr. Duchin’s response within 24 hours – save it.
• Feel free to see/call Mr. Duchin before/after school.
• Find Mr. D in room 302 - no appointment is necessary.
• Call Mr. D at 412-749-5557 (X-6704) and leave a message.
• Contact Mr. Duchin within 24 hours after an absence.
• Use email! (Follow the above guidelines.)
• See Mr. Duchin before or after school. (Class time is limited.)
Just let go and enjoy English 10!