English 11
Miss Achor
rfachor@exeter.k12.pa.us
610-779-3060 ext. 2603
Materials Needed
 folder or three-ring binder
 one composition book or notebook to be used only
for this class
 pencils or pens (only blue or black ink)
 Chromebook
Sample Texts
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
by Mark Haddon
“Joyas Voladoras” by Brian Doyle
Vocabulary for Success by Sadlier-Oxford
Various short stories, poetry, and essays
Course Description
This course is for juniors who did not achieve proficiency on the PA Literature Keystone Exam as sophomores. While the
curriculum is based off of the topics and skills that students must master in order to pass that test, the class serves as a
stepping stone to any literature or technical writing class that the English department offers seniors.
Study Island
Study Island is an internet-based learning tool that will be used to assess each student’s mastery of various topics. Each
assignment will be at least 20 questions long. When a Study Island activity is assigned, each student will have seven
calendar days to complete it. A student can access the assignment as many times as he or she wants to within those seven
days. At the end of those seven days, if a student has earned a 70% or above, that grade will be entered into Skyward. If a
student does not reach at least 70%, his or her grade in Skyward will be a zero. This grading policy is constructed for the
sole purpose of motivating students to do their absolute best: trying again and again is highly encouraged!
Grading
Each assignment’s grade will be calculated by points and weighted in Skyward as follows:
Assessments: 50% (could include quizzes, tests, projects, speeches, essays, etc.)
Homework, classwork, and class participation: 50%
Please note: Due to this weighted grading system, be prepared if your overall average fluctuates at the beginning of the
quarter when there only might be one or two assignments in Skyward.
Absent Policy: As stated in the student handbook, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the teacher on the day he or
she returns from the absence to make arrangements for any missed assignments and/or assessments. All missed
assignments and/or assessments must be made up within three school days from the day the student returns.
Late Assignments: All assignments are due at the beginning of class. Each homework assignment not turned in at the
beginning of class on the day it is due will only receive a maximum of 50% if turned in after class or the following day.
All homework assignments turned in thereafter will automatically receive a zero.
For major writing assignments and projects, a 10% penalty will be subtracted for each day the work is late. There is a
three-day limit to the number of days for which one of these assignments will be considered late and still receive credit.
Please note: If a student is not present on a day that an assignment is due but
was present the day it was assigned, he or she must turn it in on the day of his or
her return to avoid a late penalty.
Behavioral Expectations: Please see the back of this sheet!
COMING SOON!
Starting in mid-October, I will
have a website on Schoology,
where students can access the
class calendar with due dates,
electronic turn-in options, and
class documents.
RISE Classroom Policies
1. RESPECT: Protecting and honoring others’ roles
a.
b.
c.
d.
The teacher
i. Trust that I am working for your best interest
ii. Allow me to help you succeed by giving me your attention
iii. Avoid speaking when I am speaking
iv. Follow instructions completely and without complaints
Your classmates
i. Help each other to succeed
ii. Refuse to call each other names
iii. Encourage one another
iv. Avoid speaking when someone else is speaking
Yourself
i. Acknowledge your own strengths and weaknesses
ii. Refuse to compare yourself to others
iii. Keep yourself from being content with the minimum
iv. Be proud of your accomplishments
The property of others
i. Avoid using something if it is not yours
ii. Ask permission to use something you do not own
iii. Keep your desk area clean
2. INTEGRITY: Doing what is right, regardless of consequences
a.
b.
c.
Academic honesty
i. Tell the truth in all situations
ii. Avoid plagiarism
iii. Refuse to copy others’ work or allow others to copy your work
iv. Respect the privacy/work of others
Courtesy toward others
i. Seek each other’s best interests
ii. Speak kindly and politely
iii. Build each other up
iv. Hold each other accountable
Avoidance of making excuses
i. Know where you need to improve
ii. Acknowledge mistakes
iii. Learn from your mistakes
3. SELF-DISCIPLINE: Cultivating a healthy work ethic
a.
b.
c.
d.
Timeliness
i. To class: be in your seat when the bell rings
ii. With assignments: turn in assignments the day they are due (see homework policies)
iii. With make-up work: after three days without a note, an absence is unlawful
Preparation
i. Bring appropriate materials to class daily
ii. Organize your desk area
iii. Be ready for assignments and assessments
Controlled behavior
i. Avoid disruptions or outbursts
ii. Provide appropriate responses to class proceedings
iii. Exit/enter the room without distracting the class
iv. Be silent when silence is requested of you (i.e. during assessments)
Challenge
i. Reach beyond what you know: ask questions!
ii. Never be satisfied with yesterday’s achievements
iii. Exceed expectations
4. ENGAGEMENT: Participating with enthusiasm
English 11
Signature Form
My signature indicates that I reviewed the syllabus and understand the expectations, specifically the student’s
responsibility to procure materials and adhere to the homework and absentee policies.
Student:
___________
Date
_____________________________
Student Name
______________________________________________
Student Signature
Parents/Guardians:
___________
Date
_____________________________
Parent/Guardian Name
______________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
Parent/Guardian email address: ________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian phone number(s): _____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
NOTE: This counts as one of your first homework assignments, so please turn it in by Wednesday!