ENGLISH IV SYLLABUS
Ms. Jenna Rotondi
Room 113
jrotondi@keansburg.12.nj.us
Hello seniors and welcome to English IV. It is a pleasure to have you all this semester, and as
long as I have your full cooperation, I believe we will have a very successful semester. Because
of my high expectations, it is imperative that you begin this class on a positive note both
academically and behaviorally, keeping consistent progress throughout. To accomplish this,
you MUST be present every day school is in session. It is very easy to fall behind if you miss
class and very difficult to pick yourself back up. Below is a more specific outline of what we will
be studying, grading procedures, policies, classroom rules, and your classroom contract.
Class Novels/Texts (subject to change)
The Joy Luck Club
Life of Pi
“Fish Cheeks”
Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood
Farewell to Manzanar
Siddhartha
The Namesake
The Kite Runner
Assignments
Literature Based research paper
Journal entries/Do Now
Sustained Silent Reading (SSR)
Class activities (group-work and independent)
Unit Projects (group-work and independent)
Discussions
Quizzes/Tests
Grading Breakdown
Major Assignments 50%
Minor Assignments 40%
Independent Student Work 10%
Required Materials
1. Laptop (fully charged, and present every day)
2. Edmodo account
3. Notebook
4. Folder
5. Pen or pencil
6. A positive attitude and an open mind 
CLASS PROCEDURES
1) PARTICIPATION AND BEHAVIOR: While in class, you are expected to be on your best
behavior, participate, and be prepared. You will be able to earn extra credit points each
week based on this criteria.
2) ABSENCES: If you are absent from school, you have five (5) class period to make up
any missed work (Extended time as stated in IEP). Please see me or refer to Edmodo
for missing assignments.
3) BATHROOM: You must ask to go to the bathroom and sign out. If you abuse your
bathroom privileges, then you will not be allowed to use the bathroom during my class.
4) HOMEWORK: All homework will be collected at the beginning of the period. Homework
assignments will be announced in class and posted on Edmodo. You must check daily
for upcoming assignments. It is your responsibility to complete all homework
assignments.
5) HANDING IN ASSIGNMENTS: All assignments must be handed in on time.
Assignments other than designated homework will be accepted late with a 1-point
deduction each day. After five days, you will earn a 55% (Extended time as stated in
IEP).
6) EXTRA HELP: I am always willing to provide extra help. Please see me to arrange time
for extra help. If you are in danger of failing or failing, extra help is required and will be
arranged.
CLASS RULES
In addition to following all school policies as outlined in the KHS handbook, here are additional
classroom rules:
1. RESPECT all classmates and teachers. NO BULLYING, disrespectful behavior, or
offensive language.
2. Be on time. Lates/tardies to class will be documented and must be excused with a pass.
Cutting class is unacceptable and will result in a write up.
3. Laptops, cell phones, IPods, or any other electronic devices will only be used for
educational purposes designated by the teacher. Non-class related use of these items is
prohibited
4. Cheating/plagiarism is an automatic ZERO and is reported.
PLEASE CUT AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION (SIGNED) TO MS.ROTONDI NO LATER THAN
September 11, 2014- THIS COUNTS AS A HOMEWORK GRADE!
I, ______________________________________, (STUDENT) have read and understood and have
agreed to the above rules and guidelines for Ms. Rotondi’s classroom. Should I violate any of the above, I
will expect and accept the appropriate consequences of my actions.
I, ______________________________________, (PARENT/GUARDIAN) have read and understood and
have agreed to the above rules and guidelines of Ms. Rotondi’s classroom. Should my child violate any of
the above, I will expect and accept the appropriate consequences of his/her actions and will be contacted
by phone and/or email.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
Date
phone
email
____________________________________________________________________________________
Student Signature
Date