English 4A - 2017-2018 - Class Syllabus

Adriane Genette English 4 agenette@durango.k12.co.us

Course Description: Language Arts 4A combines the reading of poetry, drama, fiction, and non-
fiction (including technical material) with writing in varied genres and the applied study of
grammar and vocabulary to assist the students in building essential skills. Students will also
strengthen research, speaking, critical reading, and thinking skills.

The Language Arts 4A curriculum includes the following:

Holt, Rinehart and Winstons Elements of Literature, SixthCourse
Beowulf, author unknown
Grendel by John Gardner
Narrative/college essay writing
Literary Analysis
Research and persuasive writing
Grammar study using resources by Michael Clay Thompson & noredink.com

Assessment: The goal of assessment is for you to provide evidence of meeting the state standards
in reading and writing. Assessment of learning will take place in a variety of ways. Please use
Infinite Campus to check your grades!
1. Formative Assessments (homework, writing practice, quizzes, discussions, learning
journal and in-class activities): 35%
2. Summative Assessments (unit/standard performance such as essays, projects, tests,
socratic seminars): 35%
3. Professional and Positive Behavior Expectations (PPBE): 10%
4. Final Exam: 20%

Required Materials: In addition to your textbook and any additional novel we are reading in class,
please bring the following items to class:
o 1 Composition Notebook (this will become your learning journal and will stay in the
classroom at all times) **composition books are the kind that are black and white or just
have no metal spirals on them
o a 3 ring binder or a section in a binder for English class notes and hand-outs
o pens/pencils
o A four pack of different colored highlighters

In addition, if you are able to, please contribute the following according to your last name:
A-G - Expo markers H-R - Kleenex S-Z Sticky Notes of any color

Class Expectations & Guidelines for Behavior: Please read the following guidelines carefully as
you will be held accountable for your behavior in my classroom based on your compliance to them.
My classroom rules are fully based on the idea of RESPECT.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
 1. Respect others.
Students are expected to behave in a manner that is both conducive to classroom learning.
You should always be respectful of others in the room. Anything that interferes with learning
or infringes upon the rights of others in the class WILL NOT be tolerated.

2. Respect our time.

Be on time and prepared for class.
Do not pack up early or line up at the door to leave. Every second of learning time is
precious.

3. Respect our space and materials.

Throw trash in the trashcan. Dont write on the desks. Be neat. Be responsible.

4. Respect yourself.
Dont attach your name to anything that isnt your best work because you and your name
are worth more than you think. Be proud of your accomplishments and dont throw away the
opportunity to learn and grow and become the best and brightest version of yourself.

Show up - Work hard - Be nice to people

Additional Class Policies and Procedures:

Tardy Policy: Dont be late. It is rude. IF YOU ARE LATE... I probably marked you absent already in
attendance. It is YOUR responsibility to remind me to fix it AT THE END OF CLASS.

Cell Phone/iPod Policy: Cell phones and iPods are permitted in the classroom for EDUCATIONAL
PURPOSES ONLY. Unless I have given you a specific task or you have asked for and received
permission to use your device for an approved purpose, I should not be able to see or hear your
phone, iPod, or other electronic device.

Make-Up and Late Work: Get your work in on time! For major assignments, you will know the due
date in advance; so make sure I receive your work when it is due- even if you are absent. If you
miss a class, I expect you to talk to me the day you get back.
Absences do not alter the due dates for projects, announced tests, essays, and other long-term
assignments (assignments for which you have been given at least 3 days notice).

Plagiarism: Plagiarism occurs when an individual represents someone else's work as his or her own.
Don't do it. The consequences are costly. Students will submit all polished pieces to
www.turnitin.com. (Instructions will be distributed in class before the first polished piece is due.)
*Plagiarized assignments will receive no credit (a ZERO) and a personal call home.*

I look forward to getting to you know this year and to help you prepare for your future, whatever it
may be! I expect you will work as hard as I will at making this year a success for us all. :-)
 To acknowledge receipt of this syllabus, please have your parents email the following information
within the first week of school to: agenette@durango.k12.co.us
**please insert your last name and class period in the subject line of the email so I can better
organize my responses**

Student Name and class period:

______________________

Parent/Guardian Name:

___________________________

Parent/Guardian Cell Phone or Best #:

_________________ ____________

Any other questions or concerns: