English 11/12 Course Syllabus

South Lake High School

586-435-1400

Instructor: Mrs. Amy Way E-mail: away@solake.org

Materials needed: Please bring a pencil or pen to class EVERY DAY.

Required Text: The text and supplemental novels will be provided for the student during the school
year. Textbooks and novels will remain in the classroom. If a student wishes to take a book home,
he/she must check out the book with Mrs. Way.

Course Outcomes: At the end of the year, students will be able to:
Read with an emphasis on synthesis, analysis, interpretation, and evaluation.
Make meaning of literature from the following vantage points: authors style and purpose, major
themes, literary and/or historical periods, and personal experiences.
Write with adherence to Standard English conventions; write with focus, support, clarity and
integration in the form of argumentative, informative and narrative pieces.

Course Outline (subject to change):
1
st
Semester: Kaffir Boy and Grammar Practice
Grammar pre/post tests
Grammar lessons
5 Writing Prompts
Informational Reading Lessons
Reading pre/post tests
Reading strategies
Discussion of Apartheid
Movie Clips: Apartheid
Read, Kaffir Boy
o Author/background information
o Historical background
o Focus questions
o Vocabulary Quizzes
o Quizzes on chapters
o Web research

2
nd
Semester: The Illiad and Grammar Practice
Novel/Author background information
Historical background information
Study guides
Focus Questions
Vocabulary Quizzes
Chapter Quizzes
Movie
Test at the end of the novel
Focus Questions
Web Research: Greek Gods


Assessment: Students will be assessed by their writing, tests, projects, class work, homework, quizzes,
participation, and midterm/final exams.





Grading Scale:
A=91-100 D=61-70
B=81-90 F=Below 60
C=71-80

Standard Writing Guidelines: All papers submitted must be formatted in the following manner:
Typed and double-spaced with a one inch margin on all sides
Legible, 12 point font (Times or Ariel)
Page numbers on every page with your last name at the header of each page
No blank lines between paragraphs
Spell-checked
A saved additional copy on disk (just in case)


Classroom Rules:
1. Respect others and they will respect you Anonymous
Always show respect for your teacher, your classmates and yourself. This means you should not talk
when the teacher is talking, you should listen to your fellow classmates, and you should raise your hand
if you need to speak. Disrespectful behavior will be dealt with individually, with parents, and with the
principal, if necessary.

2. Make the most of every minute Thomas Edison
Arrive to class on time! When the bell rings, you should be in the classroom. If you are absent, it is your
responsibility to retrieve your make-up work from your folder in the classroom.

3. Any man can make mistakes, but only an idiot persists in his errors Cicero
Try your best. Do not be afraid to ask your classmates or myself for help if you do not understand
something. Everyone learns in a different way.

4.. There is no duty we so much underrate as the duty of being happy R.L. Stevenson
Finding enjoyment in everyday activities enriches our lives. While there is much work to be done in this
class, lets make the best of our time together as a classroom community. Im looking forward to a great
school year with each of you!

5. Electronic Use: The use of phones, mp3 players, iPods, and/or headphones are only permitted on
Yellow. If a student is using a cell phone in class while on Red, the phone will be confiscated by the
teacher. On the first offense, the phone will be returned to the student at the end of the hour. In cases
of repeated cell phone/electronics violations, the device will be turned over to administration for further
consequences.

6. Food/Beverages: Students may NOT bring food into the classroom. Students are permitted to bring a
beverage into class if they so choose. Any food that is brought into the classroom will be confiscated
and returned at the end of the class period.

7. Hall Passes: Students will be allowed 4 hall passes per semester. Any remaining hall passes will
count as extra credit toward their final grade. If a student has a medical need for frequent hall passes,
please inform Mrs. Way or the office of this need.



Mrs. Ways English Class Contract
E-mail: away@solake.org

Welcome to this new and exciting year at South LakeLets get the school year started off right by
understanding the rules and expectations for this class.

AS THE CLASSROOM TEACHER, I AGREE TO DO THE FOLLOWING:

Treat all my students with courtesy and respect.
Make myself available for extra help when needed.
Return all parent or guardian phone calls or e-mail within 24 hours.
Assess and return class work in a timely manner.

Signature of Teacher _______________________________ Date ______________

AS A STUDENT IN THIS CLASS, I AGREE TO DO THE FOLLOWING:

Bring all needed reading materials, a pen and paper, homework or other assignments, as well
as a good attitude about my classmates, English and learning.
Attend class regularly and on time.
Complete assignments.
Be courteous and respectful towards my classmates and teacher.
Understand that if I am absent, it is my responsibility check my folder for any missing
assignments. I will be responsible to make up a missed quiz or test the day following my
absence.
Complete my own work; cheating will not be tolerated. I understand that plagiarism will result in
an automatic failure for the assignment plus a phone call home.
Follow all the school rules, such as not wearing a head covering, keeping all electronic devices
out of sight while on red, keeping the classroom environment clean, etc.

Signature of Student _______________________________ Date ______________

AS THE PARENT/GUARDIAN, I AGREE TO DO THE FOLLOWING:
Do what I can to ensure that my child attends class regularly and on time.
Encourage my child to develop good study habits.
Stay informed as to what my child is learning and the progress he or she is making.
Call my childs teacher with any questions or concerns.

Signature of Parent/Guardian _______________________________ Date ______________







Parent/Guardian and Student Information

Dear Parents or Guardians,

I am looking forward to working with your son or daughter during the next school year. Please complete
the following information about both your child and yourself so I can keep you informed of any
necessary information. Feel free to call or e-mail me with any questions or concerns you may have as
the year progresses. Thank you!

1. What skills would you like your child to improve upon in this English class?







2. How does your child learn best?







3. What is your favorite characteristic about your child?







Additional comments:






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Contact Information

Name: Relationship to student:

Home phone: Cell phone:

E-mail:

Address with zip code: