Welcome to English 3-4

Syllabus 2019-20
“The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.”
Aristotle
Teacher: April McNary *Office Hours: T-Th 7:30am-8am
Room: 507 2:35pm-3:30pm
Phone Number: (623) 915-8760 ext. 8721 *Hours subject to change
Email: April.McNary@guhsdaz.org
Website: mrsmcnary.weebly.com

Class Description:
The goal in this English class is for students to acquire new reading and writing skills using world literature.
This year we will use Arizona State Standards (similar to Common Core) in order to connect and analyze
various types of text including literature, articles, poetry, prose, speeches and more! Check out my website
for daily updates and weekly announcements. In addition, there are major writing outcomes, which all
students are required to complete. Homework is not assigned daily; however, students should be reading a
book of their choice and logging pages EVERY night at home. Students are held accountable for their
learning in this class.
Required Writing Outcomes:
In English 3-4 there are specific writing outcomes which must be student produced by the end of the school
year. The following is the list of these outcomes:
-Base Writing -Business Letter -Research
-Persuasive Essay -Expository Essay -Response
-Reflective Personal Narrative -Literary Analysis -Argument Essay (DISTRICT PBA)

Materials Needed Daily:

Students are required to maintain a binder designated for English 3-4 with dividers labeled as:
*AOW (articles of the week) *Writing
*Reading Log *Literature & Poetry *Tests
Students will also need the following items: a spiral notebook for English Notes, a composition notebook
for writing workshops), pencils, blue and/or black ink pens, lined paper, highlighters and a book.
Reading:
Students are responsible for reading at least 2 books every quarter for a total of 8 books for the
academic school year. Students will have 4 weeks to read a book and complete an aligned assignment.
Students should read nightly to complete this task. ONE hour per week is dedicated to reading during class.
Students may complete the assignment on or before the designated due dates; however, late reading
assignments are not accepted (plan ahead to avoid losing credit; this is the responsibility of the student.).
Students are given ALL 8 due dates the first week of school, so there is no leniency with the deadlines.
Homework:
Homework will not be given every day; however, students are required to be reading continuously. Reading
at least 20 minutes a night is highly recommended. When homework is due, students will have up to
one minute after the final bell rings to turn in the assignment. Any papers received after that point will be
considered late whether the student is present or not. If the student is to be absent the day an assignment is
due, he or she must find a way to get the assigned work turned in on time for full points. If the student was
absent the day an assignment was assigned, they will have 2 days per absence to turn in this work.*

*Exceptions include tests and reading assignments.

-TESTS must be completed the day student returns.
-LATE Reading assignments are NOT accepted for any possible credit.
Late Work:
Late work may only receive up to ½ credit of the original value. Most assignments will only be
accepted up to ONE week late. The exceptions are major projects and reading deadlines (these are
never accepted late). Late work turned in later than one week will NOT be scored. Please plan
accordingly.
Absences:
If a student is absent, he or she will be responsible for making up any missed assignments. Students
should ALWAYS check the website for a snapshot of what they missed. All class work will be available in a
designated area in the classroom. When absent, the student must check the wood organizer located in the
front of the classroom before asking the teacher. All missed tests must be made up the day the student
returns to school. It is the STUDENT’S responsibility to come in before or after school to make up
a test! Please try to limit absences for the sake of success.
Extra Credit:
Extra credit will be offered; however, it must be understood that extra credit is not a right. Students and/or
parents should not ask for extra credit as the teacher will provide additional assignments as
needed. Extra credit is never assigned to individual students; out of equity, when extra credit is presented,
the assignment will be available to ALL students. Extra credit must be turned in on time for points. Points
will NOT be given for late extra credit assignments.
Grades:
The grade scale for this class is listed below: Grades will also be weighted as listed:
90-100% = A No Credit = 6 Writing = 25%
80-89% = B Incomplete = 7 Reading = 20%
70-79% = C Work in progress = 8 Class work = 25%
60-69% = D No credit/Retake = 9 Tests/Quizzes = 20%
Below 60% = F Final Exam =10%
*Grades will be rounded to the nearest whole percent.

Class Rules: Consequences for Rule Violation:

School rules apply here 1st offense – a warning
Leave the class clean 2nd offense – conference with teacher
One person speaks at a time 3rd offense – call home
Prepared and on task everyday is expected 4th offense – detention
Everyone will be treated with RESPECT 5th offense – administrative referral

Students MUST be in the classroom when the Teacher may skip offenses depending
bell rings or they will be sent to the office to on the severity of the violation.
sign in as tardy.

No one has the right to disrupt the learning environment.

Bathroom:
Students are given ONE bathroom pass for the entire school year (good for 12 total trips to the
bathroom). Lost or stolen passes are not be replenished. The pass is good for 5 minutes per use. Bathroom
pass violators will have their passes revoked and will be assigned a consequence through the office.

Content Disclaimer:
Due to the nature of this class, it must be understood that student writing is public. If a student writes about
something personal displaying any sort of harm (physical and/or emotional) to him or herself, another student, or

***If the student and the parent(s)/guardian(s) have read and understood this document in its entirety, please sign and date the
following page acknowledging complete understanding and turn in. If you have any lingering questions, please contact the teacher
before signing. I’m looking forward to a wonderful year getting to know you!
Welcome to English 3-4
Syllabus 2019-20
“The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.”
Aristotle
any faculty/staff member the writing will be submitted to the proper authorities. Student safety is crucial and
will always be taken seriously.

*Exceptions include tests and reading assignments.

-TESTS must be completed the day student returns.
-LATE Reading assignments are NOT accepted for any possible credit.