Student initial ______

Parent initial ______

Class: English 10
Grade Level: 10th
Date: August 2014-June 2015
Teacher: Mrs. Keli Redd
Contact Information:
keli.redd@larchmontcharter.org
LCSKindlyKRedd.weebly.com

LCS Mission Statement
The mission of Larchmont Charter School is to provide a socio-economically, culturally and
racially diverse community of students with an exceptional public education. We foster
creativity and academic excellence; our students learn with and from each other in an
experience-centered, inquiry-based learning environment. With participation from our entire
community, we strive to instill in each student a dedication to improving the world we inhabit.

Course Description
English 10 is a continuation of the literary analysis that is developed in the ninth grade. This
course is designed to provide a broad range of instruction in reading, literature, writing,
listening and speaking, and language conventions. It also emphasizes the writing process
necessary for clear and effective academic writing, as students will work in various genres
from narratives to research papers. Instruction focuses on reading strategies which enable
students to read for understanding of subtlety, ambiguity, and inference, as well as basic
grade level comprehension. The development of critical thinking skills and literary analysis
will prepare students for higher level English courses. Writing instruction focuses on
strategies that enable students to create coherent and relevant text, including a variety of
essays, student centered projects, and constructivist approaches to writing. Creative
approaches to grammar, spelling, punctuation, and usage will be emphasized for students to
develop a command of standard writing conventions. Participants will use inquiry and the
discovery process in order to fully challenge and engage their diverse learning styles. This
experience-centered approach will mimic the learning required at the college level and in real
life. Finally, this course utilizes various text types in order to help students master the
California State and Common Core Standards.

Purpose: Students will be able to see and utilize improved communication skills,
vocabularies, and writing abilities in an authentic manner. The emphasis is to strengthen all
of the English skill sets in listening, speaking, reading, researching, and writing.

Thematic Integration: This course will aid the student in discussing, conceptualizing, and
determining details relating to What it means to be human, the focus of the years signature
project. It will also prepare the student in the writing and research processes of the project.
The goal is to effectively communicate ideas and information about humanity through clear
and powerful writing.
We will attempt to answer the essential questions:
What does it mean to be human?
What are our authors trying to teach us about human nature?
How do we become better versions of ourselves?
What does it cost us to lose compassion, loyalty, decency, and other virtues related
to the human race?

Grading
The purpose of grading is the following:
To document the progress of students in relationship to the learning goals of the
course;
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To provide feedback to students, families, and the instructor on academic products
and the learning process;
And, to help instructors make decisions about teaching and learning in the
classroom.

This course uses the schools standard grading scale:

A+ 98% and above
A 93% to 97%
A- 90% to 92%
B+ 88% to 89%
B 83% to 87%
B- 80% to 82%

C+ 78% to 79%
C 73% to 77%
C- 70% to 72%
D+ 68% to 69%
D 63% to 67%
D- 60% to 62%
Fail 59% and below

All assignments in class will fall under the following grading categories:

Assessments 50% of total grade
Classwork 10% of total grade (includes quizzes and some minor projects)
Homework 10% of total grade (includes quizzes and some minor projects)
Vocabulary - 10% of total grade
Participation 10% of total grade
Independent Reading Time (IR) 10% of total grade

Materials: Students will need the following materials/supplies to be brought to class daily
One to two inch hardcover binder
College-ruled notebook paper
Blue and/or black ink pens
Pencils and pencil sharpener
Highlighter
Scissors
Independent Reading (IR) book
USB flash drive for computer work
If there are any issues or difficulties in procuring any required materials, please speak with
the instructor.

Student workload and homework: The amount of time a student spends working on
assignments and preparing for the course will vary. Students should expect to be reading
and studying vocabulary nightly. When an assignment is not expected to be completed and
returned the next day, students should be working on a long-term project (e.g., research
paper, essay, group project, presentation) if it has been assigned. Because of block
scheduling, students should expect to complete approximately one to one and a half hours of
work outside of class for every in-session day.
Homework will be posted daily on our class website: LCSKindlyKRedd.weebly.com

Course Policies and Expectations
Almost every facet of life requires communication, and English skills are a tool of aid in this
respect. One of the primary goals of this course is to better prepare students for the next
phase of their lives. In order to do this, high expectations are placed upon each student. The
course policies are meant to keep students accountable and on track with their learning and
help them fulfill the schools Expected Schoolwide Learning Results (ESLRs).

Communication with the Instructor
Email is the best way to contact me. Students must each include their full name and period in
the subject line and body of any such emails.

Work & Materials policy
Students must have all work, notes, planners, books, worksheets, writing utensils, paper,
and all other supplies with them at all times in class. No exceptions. Students are
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responsible for keeping track of their materials and having them ready when the class
begins.



Late Work policy
Regular work can be turned in one day late for 50% of the total credit. After one day late,
students will receive 0% credit. No exceptions students are responsible for turning in their
work on time. The word late MUST be written at the top of any late assignment.
Assignments can be viewed anytime on our class website. Assignments are due at the
beginning of the class period; if an assignment is turned in later in the period or the day it is
late. If a student is excused absent, the assignment will not be late, but the word absent
MUST be written at the top. Assignments may not be emailed to the teacher unless students
get express permission first.

Fix-Up Assignments
All assignments other than tests, quizzes, and vocabulary can be fixed up for up to 100% of
the credit they are worth. The fixed up assignment must be turned in with the original
assignment, and must be labeled as a fix up at the top. Students may fix up assignments
as many times as they wish until they earn the grade they desire. Late assignments may
NOT be fixed up.

Office Hours and Teacher Help
I will be available during school on certain days to assist students during office hours
(extended lunch time). I will also sometimes be able to meet before or after school by
appointment. Students should let me know if they plan to get help from me. Students are
responsible to understand all assignments. If they have questions, they are responsible to
get help during office hours or on their own time. Office hours will be posted in class and on
our class blog.

Test and Quiz policy
Students may not make up missed quizzes for any reason. Students are responsible to
speak with the instructor after school if this is a problem. A student may only make up a test
if he or she is excused absent. If a student misses a make-up test appointment, he or she
will receive a 0 on the test.

Projects, Papers, and Extra Credit Format
All projects, papers, and extra credit assignments must be typed. They must be double-
spaced in standard 12 point Times New Roman font, and must follow MLA format including a
Works Cited page when appropriate.

Binders
Students are to have their binders with them in class every day. All notes and assignments
(completed and current) must be kept in the binders in chronological order by date. No
papers should be in pockets, folders, lockers, or backpacks. Assignment planning sheets
should be in the binders so they can be used to keep track of assignments. Do not ever
throw anything away.

Reading and Writing Assignment Format
All reading assignments must be completed BEFORE the due date to which they are
assigned. Students should annotate texts as they read when possible and include questions
that may arise. This will better prepare students for lessons and projects.
All class work must be written or printed neatly in blue or black ink on white loose-leaf paper.
The heading (students name, instructors name, class and period, date) should be placed in
the upper right hand corner of every assignment and sheet in the student binder, with the
exception of final drafts of papers which will follow MLA format (upper left corner).
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All of the rules in the school/student handbook apply to this course.

The teacher may alter and add to the above listed expectations at anytime during the
school year. If this occurs the students will be notified verbally and in writing.



Course Texts

Texts will be provided by the school. Many will also be available through our class website.

Various short stories and poems
The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams
The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a boy soldier by Ishmael Beah
Julius Cesar by William Shakespeare
Night by Elie Wiesel

Attendance and Punctuality
In order to utilize every moment of class time, it is expected that all Larchmont students
arrive to class in a timely manner and be seated when class begins, prepared with materials
and ready to learn. If students are late, out of their seats, or without supplies, they may be
asked to serve a brief 15 minute detention afterschool or before school the next day. If a
student is absent, it is his or her responsibility to approach the instructor to obtain missed
work. Students have two in-class days for every one missed day to submit excused late work
with the word absent at the top.

Cheating and Plagiarism
Plagiarism is stealing or passing off the ideas or words of someone else as ones own.
Cheating is the use of another persons work as ones own with the intent of deception.

Doing Your Own Work: Each student is expected to complete his or her own work at all
times unless otherwise instructed to ensure that each student is learning on an individual
basis.

Getting Help: If a student needs help, he or she must see the instructor, get permission from
the instructor to work with another student, or work with another student during tutoring. The
student must indicate who assisted him or her in writing on the assignment. This includes
any and all assignments, including classwork, homework, essays, and projects. If a student
receives assistance with an assignment (e.g. a tutor, teacher, parent/guardian/relative,
another student, the Internet, or another outside source), he or she must indicate who
assisted them, for what reason and to what extent. If a student does not declare when he or
she receives assistance, even on a small assignment, it will be considered dishonest
behavior, cheating, and/or plagiarism.

Group Assignments: Students may only work together on in-class or out-of-class group
assignments that the instructor has specifically deemed as group work.

Examples of Plagiarism:
1. Terry writes a research paper and forgets to cite the source of one fact he includes in
the paper.
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2. Terry quotes an author in an essay and does not cite the author.
3. Terry includes a graph in a report from a website and does not cite the website, thus
implying that he created the graph.
4. Terry uses a picture on a presentation and does not cite the place where he copied
the picture.

Examples of Cheating:
1. Jess uses her notes on an exam that is not open-note.
2. Jess writes some answers on her hand to a quiz, even though she does not use
them.
3. Jess writes her quiz answers down and gives them to another student.
4. Jess copies Terrys answer from question #3 on the homework because she didnt
understand it.
5. Jess allows Terry to copy her answer from question #4 on the homework because he
didnt understand it.
6. Jess asks Terry for help the answer to question #1 on the worksheet that was just
handed out without asking permission first.
7. Jess copies a paragraph for her essay from a website.
8. Jess gets help from a tutor on her homework and does not indicate that she received
help.

Consequences of Cheating and Plagiarism: Any first instance of dishonesty, cheating, or
plagiarism will result in an immediate zero grade on the assignment with no chance of
makeup. Any additional instances will result in a zero grade, a call home to parents, and
notification to the school leadership and counseling office. Other consequences may also
include a parent conference, loss of eligibility in honor roll, loss of eligibility in school
organizations (such as clubs or school leadership), failing the course for the semester,
suspension, or expulsion from the school.

And, finally

REMEMBER LARCHMONTS B-LIST!

Be Respectful: To yourself, to one another, to instructors, and to the subject being
studied.

Be Prepared: Bring your materials, homework, and a readiness to learn and
participate.

Be Self-Aware: Dress appropriately, leave the cell in your locker or bag, and come
to school with a positive attitude!

Be Fearless: Take risks and be open to learning new things!

Be Productive: Work hard and take pride in that work!

Be Honest: With yourself, your classmates, and your instructors!









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ENGLISH 10 CONFIRMATION & AGREEMENT DOCUMENT

If you agree to the rules, expectations and possible disciplinary actions set forth in this document and
if you agree to hold your student accountable to the rules, expectations and possible disciplinary
actions set forth in this document please complete the following section.

Students Name


Students Signature


Date Signed by Student


Students E-mail


Students Home Phone Number


Parent/Guardian Name


Relationship to Student


P/G Signature


Date Signed


P/Gs E-mail


P/Gs Home Number


P/Gs Cell/Work Number


/
P/Gs primary language


Does P/G speak English?

yes no
(please circle one)
Is there computer access at home?

yes no
(please circle one)
Is there internet access at home?

yes no
(please circle one)

Comments:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Do you have any specific concerns for your student that I should be made aware of?
__________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________