avisonHighSchool

Mr. Robert Belprez

STAY CONNECTED
Email: rbelprez@davisonschools.org
Phone: (810) 591-0659 x 1257
Conference hour: 11:20-12:20
Class Webiste: bit.ly/belprez
English 12 | 2014-2015
"Unless you try to do something beyond what you
have already mastered you will never grow."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Course description
English 12 focuses helping students build on, and refine, the skills they will
need to be successful at the college level. Major areas of emphasis include
researching, writing, public speaking, debate and persuasion, literary analysis,
leadership, and critical thinking. Furthermore, students will need to become
independent learners, building accountability for their work and academic
success as they endeavor throughout the school year to complete a 5-stage,
career-based Senior Exit Project.

Materials Needed
Access to a computer with internet connectivity is vital
A USB Flash Drive is not required, but may prove useful
3-ring binder or pocket folder dedicated solely to English 12 documents
DHS Student Handbook Agenda
Writing Utensil and Paper

Grading Scale Grade Weighting
100-93=A
93-90=A-
90-86=B+
86-83=B
83-80=B-
80-76=C+
76-73=C
73-70=C-
70-66=D+
66-63=D
63-60=D-
Below 60=E
Tests/Papers/Projects = 50%
Quizzes/Mini-Projects = 40%
Homework = 10%
Final Semester Grades Weighed as Follows:
Sem 1 | Sem 2
Semester Average = 80% | 70%
Semester Exam/SEP* = 20% | 30%*
Students 2
nd
semester exam grades are comprised of their cumulative SEP grade


Classroom Rules
I Have Only Two Rules to Abide by in My Classroom:
Be RespectfulThis includes respecting the ideas, actions, expectations,
and property of the school, the teacher, your classmates, and yourself.

Be PreparedThis includes showing up on time and ready to learn
physically and mentally, and with all the necessary work and supplies
needed to take ownership and responsibility for your education and
success.

DHS School Policies:
Students are expected to act in accordance with, and adhere to, all
policies, procedures, and standards of behavior set forth in the
Davison High School Student Handbook. These include, but are not
limited to the following: acceptable use of school property and
computers, dress code, truancy and tardiness, Cardinal Code, and hall
passes.

Semester 1
1
st

Marking
Period
Sept
Nov
Introduction to Google, Chromebooks,
and online learning resources*
Introduction to SEP, career selection,
and practicum / project brainstorming.
Understanding the communication
model and building confidence
Who Am I Speech of Introduction
Listening, nonverbal communication,
delivery styles
SEP career mock interviews, resumes,
and cover letters*
2
nd

Marking
Period
Nov
Jan
Introduction to logical fallacies
Argumentative MLA research paper
Persuasion and debate terminology
Group balloon debates
Completion of 8 hours of practicum job
shadow or volunteer work*
Career research and practicum
speech*

Note: The Mock Interview project and resume/cover
letters comprise the first step of the Senior Exit Project
Note: The 8 hours of practicum work and corresponding
speech make up part 2 of the Senior Exit Project and count
towards students midterm exam grades.

Semester 2
3
rd

Marking
Period
Feb
Apr
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Satire, parody, and allegory
Building leadership skills
Dystopian fiction and building
text-to-world connections
1984by George Orwell
4
th

Marking
Period
Apr
June
Completion of 1984 dystopian
unitStudent journaling, chapter
quizzes, and unit test
1984 Text-to-world connections unit
project
Anthemby Ayn Rand
Completion of SEP leadership projects*
Speech presentation sharing the
development and creation process
behind their SEP leadership project*
Reflection paper over the SEP
experience*

Note: The SEP leadership project, speech presentation,
and reflection paper make up stages 3-5 of the SEP. The
total earned points of all 5 stages represent the semester
2 exam

avisonHighSchool

Mr. Robert Belprez
STAY CONNECTED
Email: rbelprez@davisonschools.org
Phone: (810) 591-0659 x 1257
Conference hour: 11:20-12:20
Class Webiste: bit.ly/belprez

**Regarding the Use of Technology, Social Learning Networks, and Acceptable Online Behavior**

Dear Parents, Students, and Guardians:

The evolution of online social networking and collaboration technology tools has reached the point where advancements in
security and accessibility has made it possible to safely and effectively integrated them into the high school classroom. To
help familiarize students with the kinds of digital environments they will be exposed to throughout college and into their
careers, I will be requiring all of my students to create and maintain active accounts with Edmodo and Schoology (in addition
to their DCS Google account). These are online social learning networks (SLNs). They are free and secure online sites for
teachers, students, schools and parents and allows us to view lesson resources, submit assignments, receive feedback,
and participate in learning activities.
They are accessible online using any Internet capable device, such as a PC, Mac, tablet (iPad), and Smartphones (including
Android devices and iPhones). Free downloadable apps allow students to quickly and easily access their accounts from any
mobile device or computer and set up notifications to receive text or email alerts regarding important class assignments
and upcoming events. Parents will also be invited to create their own accounts which will allow them to monitor their
childs assignments, grades, and posting activity.
These will not be used as a social networks like Facebook. The site will be used to discuss school-related content only, in an
open forum design. Private student-to-student messaging is not a supported feature of these resources.
All students will be required to sign the code of conduct on the following pages which outlines the rules and
expectations governing students online behavior. This is required before they will be permitted to use some of the
classroom Chromebook laptops and iPads.

All school rules and consequences related to harassment apply online and will be strictly enforced.

Students who violate the guidelines above may face disciplinary action including, but not limited to: suspension of
their online accounts, loss of computer privileges at school, detention, or suspension from school.

Adapting to new technology will often pose unique challenges; however, I am confident that, by working together, these
new tools will continue to be utilized in a responsible manner that helps maximize student success and learning.

Formoreinformation:Thankyou,
Emailmeat:rbelprez@davisonschools.org
VisitmyClassWebsiteat:https://bit.ly/belprez
VisitmypublicEdmodoprofileat:http://www.edmodo.com/mrbelprez

RobertR.Belprez

Acceptable Online Conduct & Computer Usage Policy
for Mr. Belprezs Classes
The following rules and guidelines act as a reminder of the Davison High School Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). The
rules outlined below are not a substitute for the DHS AUP, but a list specifically created by Mr. Belprez which
functions as a supplement to the existing school policy.
All students and their legal guardians must sign this code of conduct and return the acknowledgment
form to Mr. Belprez before the student will be allowed access to the classroom laptops or tablets.
If you have any questions regarding any portion of this list, please contact me at rbelprez@davisonschools.org
1. I will not access my personal email accounts, social networking account or internet chat
accounts at school. I understand that school Gmail may be used under certain conditions
and only with the permission of a teacher.
2. I will never post any information more personal than my first name nor will I post pictures
or videos of myself or peers related to or taken in school.
3. I will never access another student's account in order to pose as them or look at their
personal content, but I will advise them when they haven't logged out of their computer
from my own account.
4. I will not plagiarize; instead I will expand on others' ideas and give credit where due.
5. I will not insult my fellow students or their writing.
6. I will not bully others in my blog posts or in my comments.
7. I will not provoke other students in my blog posts or comments.
8. I will not spam (including, but not limited to meaningless messages, mass messages, and
repetitive messages)
9. I will not reveal a home address or phone numbers of myself or others.
10. I will not write anything that I would not want read in a newspaper. I understand that I
waive the right to privacy once I post something online.
11. I will not destroy data, hardware or software (including the uploading or creation of
computer viruses).
12. I will not install or download any software unless specifically told to by the teacher.


13. I will not listen to music, watch videos or play games, unless they are educational in nature
and only when I have permission by a teacher.
14. I will not seek out inappropriate or harmful material.
15. If by accident I come across inappropriate material, or know of someone who is accessing
inappropriate material, I will immediately inform an adult in charge.
16. I will be polite and use language appropriate for school.
17. I will only post information that I am comfortable with everyone seeing; other
information I will keep as drafts.
18. I will use constructive/productive criticism, supporting any idea, comment, or critique I
have with evidence.
19. I will take all online content creation seriously, posting only things that are meaningful and
taking my time when I write.
20. I will try to spell everything correctly.
21. I will respect the public nature of online information, and in doing so, I will respect the
wishes of my fellow students for keeping their information (full name, compromising
stories, etc.) private.
22. I understand that the school district has the right to review any material I create or handle
on school computers.
23. I understand that if I damage any school property while in my care I may be responsible
for payment for replacement.
24. I understand that use of the Internet in this school is a privilege, not a right, and can be
revoked at any time if it is determined I am not using it for educational purposes as
outlined by my teacher.
25. I understand that the school is not liable for damages, including viruses caused by school
computers. The school does not guarantee that all services and programs will be available
at all times.


Statement of Agreement for Students
Please read the following statements. By signing on the line below, you are agreeing to
the policies set in place for this year:

Cell phones and MP3 devices should be turned off and put away unless granted permission by the teacher.
It is my responsibility to get the work done in a timely manner. If I do not, I will be penalized.
If I am having trouble with any material or work, it is my responsibility to inform my teacher BEFORE the assignment is
due, preferably the day before, not when the assignment is due.
If I am absent, it is my responsibility to turn in the work according to the timeline set forth in the student handbook
(students are given an extension equal to the number of days absent plus one additional day)
I understand the class policies and the guidelines for acceptable technology usage as outlined in this syllabus.
I understand there may be disciplinary consequences for any failure to comply with the class policies, technology usage
guidelines, or any reasonable requests by the teacher.

Student Signature __________________________________________ Date _______________

Statement of Agreement for Parents
Please read the following statements. By signing this, you agree that you have read and
understood the syllabus and agree to statements below:

I understand that my child is responsible for the Student Agreement statements above.
I understand that if I would like to find out how my child is doing in class, it is my responsibility to contact the teacher
directly, preferably by email at rbelprez@davisonschools.org, or by phone at (810) 591-0659. The teacher will return
the contact within 48 hours
The teacher will attempt to contact me by email and/or phone when the teacher becomes concerned regarding a drastic
change in behavior or academics.
The teacher will send home a grade report to be signed at the designated times set forth in the DHS school calendar.
Ensuring the progress report is signed is the shared responsibility of the parent and student.
The teacher will keep parents up-to-date by posting announcements on the class calendar located on the teachers
website at http://bit.ly/belprez. This includes when grade sheets have been sent home. It is my responsibility to check
the website for information.
If I have a concern, issue, or question regarding the teacher and/or my student, I will contact the teacher first to resolve
it, preferably by email at rbelprez@davisonschools.org, or by phone at (810) 591-0659. The teacher will return the
contact within 48 hours.

Parent/Guardian Signature ____________________________________ Date _______________