Ms. Schutkoske
Room 202
Phone: (715) 684-3321 Ext. 162
Email: hschutkoske@bwsd.k12.wi.us
Class Description:
This year-long course for sophomores is designed to immerse students in
the writing process, using fiction and non-fiction, prose and poetry,
speeches and essays, movies, vocabulary, and grammar/usage drills to
strengthen and enliven that process.
Throughout the year, we will be reading a variety of short stories (both fiction and non-fiction), one long
work of literature (The Kite Runner), and a play (Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar). We will also be
completing several writing assignments (both formal and informal). One assignment will be a welldeveloped research paper that will take us approximately six weeks to complete. In addition to reading
and writing, sophomore English covers public speaking skills. Students will be required to give
approximately four to six speeches over the course of the school year.
Required Materials:
All materials need to be brought to class each day.
 Notebook
 Folder
 Writing utensil
 Vocabulary book – This book will be provided for you.
 Library book(s) for book reviews
 Classroom issued materials such as novels that we will be studying
Classroom Expectations:
The following guidelines are expected at all times in order to create a positive learning environment.
 Be on time. You should be in your seat and ready to work when the bell rings. Three tardies equal a
detention.
 Come prepared. Make sure you have a notebook, folder, writing utensil, vocabulary book, and reading
book with you EVERY DAY.
 Be polite. Use your manners and treat everyone with respect.
 Turn in assignments on time. A late assignment will only earn a maximum of 50%.
 Be responsible. If you are absent for any reason, YOU are responsible for the material you missed.
You will have make-up time that is equal to the length of your absence. If you do not complete your
assignments and/or quizzes during the given time, it is considered late.
Grading:
All LATE assignments will only earn a maximum of half credit.
R=Rewrite or redo by the date indicated. It will remain a zero in the grade book until it is redone, and if it is
not completed by the date indicated it will be considered late.
Grading Scale:
Percentages:
99-100
95-98
93-94
91-92
88-90
86-87
84-85
82-83
80-81
78-79
74-77
70-73
69
Daily Work – 10%
(Includes daily activities and assignments)
A+
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF
Vocabulary – 10%
(Includes workbook activities)
Writing – 20%
(Includes in class writing, informal writing assignments,
and formal essays)
Speeches – 20%
(Includes all formal and informal speeches, outlines for
speeches, and note cards for speeches)
Test/Quizzes – 20%
(Includes unit exams, reading quizzes, vocabulary
quizzes, and grammar quizzes)
Book Reviews – 10%
(Includes book review assignments given on dates shown
below)
Participation – 10%
(Includes daily participation points, reading
participation, and discussion participation)
All assignments are expected to be turned in on time and completed to the best of your ability. If an
assignment is barely complete or slopped together, you can expect a large “R” written on your paper. This
means you must redo or rewrite the assignment by the date I have indicated.
It is important to do your best the first time because there aren’t always second chances in life. It is a waste of
your time to turn in junk as it is a waste of my time to grade it. Do your best and you will be successful.
Participation:
Every day you will be given 5 FREE points for being in class and participating in discussion and/or activities.
You need to be present to participate; therefore, if you are absent from class for any reason (excused or not) you
do not earn these points. If you are tardy, you will lose your points. Three tardies equal a detention. You can
also lose points by breaking classroom rules or school policies. Infrequent absences will not severely alter your
grade. There are opportunities available to make up points for excused absences. If you wish to make up
points, see Ms. Schutkoske for an alternate assignment, or visit the class webpage for extra credit options.
Plan accordingly- if you know you will be missing several classes due to illness, family reasons, or athletic
events be sure to ask Ms. Schutkoske about make up options.
Book Reviews:
Each quarter you are required to read 500 pages outside of required class reading. You are encouraged to read
anything that interests you, as long as it fits within the following guidelines.
1.
Your book must be age & reading level appropriate. If the book you choose to read and report on is not
appropriate for your level, you will only be able to earn a maximum of half credit on that report.
2. It cannot be a cookbook, manual, magazine, graphic novel, etc. No credit will be given for any of these options.
3. Books that have been made into movies will not be given credit.
4. Books that have already been reported on for a different English class will also not earn credit.
If you receive a zero on a book review (for any reason) you will not be able to redo the assignment or make it up at
a later time. BE RESPONSIBLE. Be sure to follow all guidelines when selecting your book and reporting on your book.
ALWAYS bring your book(s) to class because you will frequently be given time to read.
Book Review DEADLINES
500 pages / quarter
QUARTER 1
QUARTER 2
#1 - Wednesday, September 26 (165 pgs)
#1- Wednesday, November 28 (165)
#2 - Wednesday, October 17 (330 pgs)
#2 - Wednesday, December 19 (330)
#3 - Wednesday, November 27 (500 pgs) #3 - Wednesday, January 16 (500)
QUARTER 3
#1 - Wednesday, February 20 (165)
#2 - Wednesday, March 13 (330)
#3 - Wednesday, April 3 (500)
QUARTER 4
#1 - Wednesday, April 24 (165)
#2 - Wednesday, May 15 (330)
#3 - Wednesday, May 31 (500)
Extra Credit:
Extra credit is exactly what its name suggests…EXTRA. Therefore, you will not be eligible for extra credit
until all assignments have been completed. Extra credit is for students who have met all requirements and
wish to improve their grade or go above and beyond.
Extra credit opportunities will be posted on my webpage and some may be announced in class as they come up.
I do not provide a lot of extra credit opportunities, so it is important to take advantage of opportunities that
come up throughout the year.
Please sign below indicating that you have read through this syllabus and are fully aware of all classroom procedures,
grading procedures, and class expectations.
Student name _________________________________________________
PLEASE PRINT
Parent/guardian name ________________________________________
Signature ________________________________________________
Signature ________________________________________________