Core Literature Texts
English 9H:
Literature and Composition by Bedford (Textbook)
They Say, I Say by W.W. Norton (in-class supplemental textbook)
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
Other selected readings that support concepts studied
English 12 ERWC:
Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
1984 by George Orwell
Other selected readings that support concepts studied (all approved by the ERWC program developed by the California State University)
If you have any of these that you would be willing to donate, please contact me. Thank you.
Literature and Composition by Bedford (Textbook)
They Say, I Say by W.W. Norton (in-class supplemental textbook)
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
Other selected readings that support concepts studied
English 12 ERWC:
Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
1984 by George Orwell
Other selected readings that support concepts studied (all approved by the ERWC program developed by the California State University)
If you have any of these that you would be willing to donate, please contact me. Thank you.
Classroom Behavior expectations
I base my classroom on the principal of respect. The general rules for classroom behavior that help to promote respect among all participants are as follow:
Student Expectations:
1. Cooperate and respect with your teacher and classmates
2. Ask the right questions
3. Carry out your basic student responsibilities(be prepared, take notes, etc.)
4. Put away all cell phones and electronics during class time. If needed, you will be provided with chrome books. In other words, FOCUS on class material.
5. Be positive
Teacher Expectations:
1. Be respectful
2. Be patient
3. Know the material
4. Answer questions
5. Be clear
Eating: Food is an essential source of energy to help us focus in class. I am fine with light snacking in my classroom as long as the following rules are respected:
1. Clean up after yourself. If a mess is left even once, the class will no longer be allowed to bring food.
2. Be conscious of what you bring to eat. Nothing sticky or too crunchy that could be distracting to the lesson.
3. ABSOLUTELY NO GUM. You will be asked to spit it out and I will confiscate what gum you have left.
Restroom: Although the general rule in my class is that once students come in, they stay, I will make allowances for emergency situations. Students who continually abuse the privilege will find that they no longer have that privilege. I ask that students please try to take care of their needs before class. If a student continuously asks to go to the restroom and it becomes apparent that the restroom is used as a way to break away from class rather than to use it for its actual purpose, the student will lose their restroom pass privileges. Exceptions are made for accommodations that are outlined in IEP’s and 504’s.
Materials: To avoid overcrowding at desks, please take out all necessary materials(IE: pen/pencil, notebook, textbook/book) from your backpack and then place your backpack underneath the desk or on one of the hooks. If you need to get anything out of your backpack at anytime, please communicate with me first.
Student Responsibilities
Students will….
- comply with school and district rules while in class or on campus.
- demonstrate integrity in their work, submitting no work not your own.
- respect the property and opinions of others. Keep hands to yourself, don’t curse or interrupt.
- bring text, paper, and a black ink pen(s) and at least 1 #2 pencil to class daily.
- be in your assigned seat and prepared to work when the bell rings. Remain seated at the end of the period until dismissed by the teacher.
- complete and turn in assignments error free, on time, using correct format.
- except for water, keep no food or beverage on desks or consumed in the room.
- conduct personal grooming (hair, nails, perfume, make up, deodorant, lotion, etc) outside the room.
- all personal devices will be safely put away during class time. All students will be provided with a chromebook if the internet is required for the lesson Neither SSHS nor teachers are liable for loss or damage to personal electronic devices on campus.
- track their grade, acquiring absent work/make up tests (you have one week to make up tests missed), and requesting instructor help as needed.
- take responsibility for the learning process (ask questions, check website, contact teacher)
- actively participate in class, demonstrated by actively engaging in discussion and assignments and/or consistent attention focused on class (no sleeping, working on other classes, play on electronics, etc).
Consequences
When possible, discipline will be worked out between the student and the teacher. However, anything that disrupts the learning environment to the detriment of the entire class cannot be permitted to continue.
Infractions of school rules or class expectations will be dealt with as follows:
Infractions of school rules or class expectations will be dealt with as follows:
- Usual escalation of consequences: verbal warning/conference with student; detention referral & parent contact; disciplinary referral. Repeat offenders will be dealt with more harshly. Behavior is considered cumulatively.
- Altering/damaging electronic devices = office referral & possible school-wide loss of computing privileges.
- Severely disruptive behavior such as repeated disruptions, fighting, cursing, physical assault, or verbal abuse of the teacher/others will result in immediate referral.
ACCOMMODATIONS
A student seeking academic accommodations or modifications meets with a counselor who reviews documentation and determines eligibility for services. Those with temporary or permanent physical or medical needs follow the same procedure. The course instructor will schedule time to meet privately with each student requiring accommodations or modifications to discuss particular arrangements. The course instructor will also meet with students who require extended time to determine the appropriate duration prior to deadlines. Extended deadlines are individualized based on student needs and any specific language noted in a 504, IEP, or other plan.
Assignment Submissions
Assignments include all work completed throughout the semester such as homework, classwork, essays, tests, quizzes, reading, etc. All assignments are expected to be turned in on time. “On time” homework must be submitted by the start of the class period (hard copy) or 8AM electronically. Some assignments must be submitted via hard copy, electronic submission won’t be an option. This will be announced when assignment is given.
- Hard copy submission—Homework(typed)is due at the beginning of class for full credit. Work submitted after the bell is subject to late policies. In-class work is due when called for, or by the end of class (EOC) as directed. Work may be submitted via class “In Box”. If absent, hard copy options are to submit on-time work by 8 AM to my SSHS mailbox, via Email, Google Classroom, FAX, or US mail (postmark proves “on time”).
- Electronic submission options
- 1) Most graded work will be submitted on Google Classroom and turnitin.com. Turnitin.com is used as a way to check for balance and originality within a piece while Google Classroom is used for grading. To receive a formal grade on an assignment, it must be turned in to BOTH websites, unless otherwise stated.
- 2) If you cannot print your assignment, or google classroom and turnitin.com is down, you may email me your assignment. Emailed work is a placeholder, proving your work is done, not “in progress”. It does not entitle students to more time to complete/edit the work. Formally submitted work must match emailed work or the student receives “no credit” for academic dishonesty. If you never turn in the work via hard copy, it will not be included in the grade book. The email simply verifies that it was completed by a certain time.
Late Policy
- Extended deadline arrangements due to 504/IEP, school events, “dress rehearsal week”, Road Show, concerts away from campus, medical needs, etc. need to be worked out prior to the due date. Individual due dates will be arranged to accommodate these needs. There is no grade penalty for pre-arranged extension of due date. These date are NOT to be open ended, but a specific date as determined by the teacher, based on student needs.
- If students need an extension for personal reasons, the request must be made prior to the deadline and approved by the teacher.
- If a student requires an extension for personal choice reasons (didn’t do the HW or forgot it at home, etc), the request must be made prior to the deadline and approved by the teacher. There is a grade consequence for such extensions:
- Assignments: you have two days past the due date to submit the assignment with no penalty(though no feedback will be given). After those initial two days, there will be a 10% deduction for each day that it is late. After a week, the students can still submit an assignment up to the end of the quarter for 50% credit with good faith effort. If a student has an excused absence and misses a day the assignment is due, they have one additional day per day of excused absence to make up the missing work without penalty.
- Make up Work— Check the website for work missed during absence AND ask a classmate. Hand make-up work to the teacher or submit online. Do not submit to the In-Box. Students have one day for each day of excused absence, beginning with the day of return, in which to make up work missed. Tests can only be made up in case of a full day absence. Test must be taken within one week (before/after school/lunch) by arrangement with the teacher. Test must be completed in one sitting. Period absences require the student to take the test earlier or later in the school day, on the test date. “Pop” quizzes cannot be made up. There isn’t time in class for make ups; tests/quizzes must take place before or after school, at lunch, or by other arrangement.
Revision Policy: All essays will have the opportunity to revise. You may revise it as many times as you wish up until the “Drop Dead” date for the semester. I will only take a revision if it is clear that you have fully revised the essay, addressing all issues. Otherwise, the essay will be returned to you for you to make another attempt. No essays will be accepted after the “Drop Dead” date for the semester in which it was assigned.
Semester 1 Drop Dead Date: 12/11/2019
Semester 2 Drop Dead Date: 5/27/2020
Tutoring
I always make an effort to help any student that asks for it. All a student needs to do is ask and we can figure out some way to provide needed help. The best time to receive tutoring is to come in during ACE. If you would like to schedule for a time outside of ACE, please write an email with your concerns and at least two possible times you would like to meet.
However, if you want to receive more extensive and consistent tutoring, please talk to either Mr. Duda or Mrs. Hazelwood at Santa Susana High School. They are in charge of the after school tutoring program and can direct you to a tutoring program.
OFFICE HOURS
Tuesday-Thursday: Lunch
Tuesday-Thursday: 3-330
Please let me know ahead of time if you plan on attending my office hours. If neither of these times work for you, you may also schedule a time through email.
Tuesday-Thursday: 3-330
Please let me know ahead of time if you plan on attending my office hours. If neither of these times work for you, you may also schedule a time through email.
Absences
Remember, you are in charge of making up any work that you miss. Always check the Google Classroom for details on assignments.
- Field Trips-- I’ll sign the form provided by your teacher, as long as your grade is a ‘C’ or better. Grades
below a ‘C’ need to be in the academic class, not on extracurricular field trips. - Teacher request—the teacher should send a note, or email me in advance. If an “emergency” a call will
do. Request should specify you by name and state where you’ll be and for how long. - Year Book/Video by student workers — Request by teacher, in advance, preferred. Students with
KSSHS, student films, yearbook, need to plan ahead and not disrupt academic classes gratuitously. ADVANCE request by student workers is required (what it’s for, where you’ll be, and how long student will be out of class- and you must adhere to it!) or the answer is NO. - Tardies-if you show up late to my class for any unexcused reason, it will result in a point off of your Weekly Practice grade. This CAN NOT be made up. If you show up with coffee or fries, you better have some for me.
PLAGIARISM/Academic Dishonesty
Plagiarism and any other activities that result in a student presenting work that is not his or her own from that semester is academic fraud. Academic fraud is reported to the counselors, the vice principal, and a note is placed in the student’s cumulative file (permanent record). Disciplinary action WILL be taken, beginning with a zero on the assignment and a maximum penalty of a drop-fail for the class. Please see the Academic Fraud Policy for further info.
Please note: Self-plagiarism is NOT ALLOWED. This is when you take a previously graded assignment and attempt to re-use it for another class or assignment. Such incidences will be treated as academic dishonesty.
backpacks and materials
Backpacks/Preparation: Backpacks will be stored under your desk. Each day, I will have a list of materials on the board that you need at your desk and you will not be allowed to go into your backpack after the bell rings to get the materials. Failure to have the necessary materials will result in the loss of 2 points from your participation grade. When in doubt, always bring your book and an extra pen. I will confiscate all materials that are not relevant to English and you will again lose participation points. This includes homework for other classes.
Suggested Materials for Success: Students often ask what materials they need to be successful in the English Classroom. Below is a list of suggested materials that I believe will help students be successful in their all classrooms:
- Blue/Black/Red(or other colored) Ink Pens
- Pencil
- Composition Book (college ruled)
- Highlighters (blue, pink, yellow)
- Post-it notes (blue, pink, yellow)
- White Out
- Binder w/ lined paper
Digital CITIZENSHIP
*Neither SSHS nor teachers are liable for loss or damage to personal electronic devices on campus.
* Read the 1-1 Device Policy and the SSHS AUP for further information on use of school-owned technology/devices.
General Rules for Tech:
Use of School Devices:
Students using school devices (computer/iPad/Chromebook) may not tamper with settings & will receive a disciplinary referral, lose the privilege of using a school device in any class, and possibly face fines for costs to reset/fix the altered device.
Internet Access:
Devices, even BYOD/BYOT, connect to the Internet via the school’s network and are subject to the the district filter. It is not permitted to use a “personal hot spot”, MiFi, or “work around” to circumvent the filter and access blocked sites. While on campus, even personal devices are subject to school AUP rules.
* Read the 1-1 Device Policy and the SSHS AUP for further information on use of school-owned technology/devices.
General Rules for Tech:
- NO CELL PHONES: They are to be silent or off and put away during class. If you are caught with your cell phone, it will be confiscated and sent to the office.
- Only for assignments/activities as instructed
- During discussions or presentations by the teacher, you may use laptops to search for more information about the topics we discuss.
- Students caught playing games, taking pictures, doing work for other classes, etc. will lose the privilege of using a device in class and be limited to pen-&-paper.
- No texting/social media/email/etc
- No recording of video, image/pics, audio of other students or teacher.
- No posting of above to online websites or hosting without permission of teacher AND others involved.
- Listening to CDs or iPods or other devices during class is inappropriate. If permission is granted, you may listen to music on the chromebooks with the proper headphones. You may NOT use your cell phones.
- During presentations by your classmates, it is inappropriate to have your laptops open.
- At no time during class is it appropriate to surf the net, play computer games or read email.
Use of School Devices:
Students using school devices (computer/iPad/Chromebook) may not tamper with settings & will receive a disciplinary referral, lose the privilege of using a school device in any class, and possibly face fines for costs to reset/fix the altered device.
Internet Access:
Devices, even BYOD/BYOT, connect to the Internet via the school’s network and are subject to the the district filter. It is not permitted to use a “personal hot spot”, MiFi, or “work around” to circumvent the filter and access blocked sites. While on campus, even personal devices are subject to school AUP rules.
1-to-1 Device Rules
Using school owned devices (Chrome Books, etc) is a privilege. SSHS's technology AUP focuses on desktop/laptop computers. Students have been trained on and understand the use of computers but are sometimes unclear on the parameters of what is allowed on "personal devices" issued by the school for class for use by multiple students throughout the day. Please review the 1-to-1 Device Rules to ensure students understand how to use these devices and the consequences for misuse.
Chrome Book Cart Procedures
AUP is in effect. Devices belong to the school. Devices use the school’s network to access the web.
2. Unless the regular classroom teacher specifically instructs users to do so, users may NOT:
Remember, these are not your devices. Just as you may not misuse a school computer, you may not tamper with these portable devices.
*BYOD / BYOT are also under the AUP, as they are being used on campus, and may be using the school’s network to access the Net. No inappropriate material should be present or accessed.
Cellphones are NOT permitted in class at any time. If you are caught using your cellphone, it will be confiscated.
First Offense: Teacher collects phone and keeps it until end of class. Conference with student. Noted in aeries.
Second Offense: Teacher collects phone and sends it up to the office. Student collects it from one of the administrators at the end of the school day. Entered in Aeries
Third + offense: Teacher collects phone and sends it up to the office. A parent or guardian must collect it.
Chrome Book Cart Procedures
AUP is in effect. Devices belong to the school. Devices use the school’s network to access the web.
- User will:
- be assigned a specific device by the teacher. Same device should be used each session.
- only use the device assigned to the user.
- use the device for school related purposes only.
- conduct only school and task appropriate searches on the Internet.
- visit only school and task appropriate web sites.
- report all issues at the start of the class session (device is altered, defective, out of power, or has other issues).
- be held accountable for damage or alteration to device.
- be held accountable for improper use of device and/or improper Net searches.
- return the device to the correct place in the cart at the end of the session.
2. Unless the regular classroom teacher specifically instructs users to do so, users may NOT:
- remove the device from the cart, or from a protective case.
- alter the physical appearance of the device or remove identification from the device.
- alter settings without express instruction to do so from the regular classroom teacher.
- update the device or apps unless instructed to do so.
- add or delete programs or apps.
- add or delete accounts to mail or other programs.
- move or add icons to the home screen(s) or create folders on the home screen.
- misuse the camera/video for non-task purposes.
- alter or delete documents, notes, or any work created by others.
Remember, these are not your devices. Just as you may not misuse a school computer, you may not tamper with these portable devices.
*BYOD / BYOT are also under the AUP, as they are being used on campus, and may be using the school’s network to access the Net. No inappropriate material should be present or accessed.
Cellphones are NOT permitted in class at any time. If you are caught using your cellphone, it will be confiscated.
First Offense: Teacher collects phone and keeps it until end of class. Conference with student. Noted in aeries.
Second Offense: Teacher collects phone and sends it up to the office. Student collects it from one of the administrators at the end of the school day. Entered in Aeries
Third + offense: Teacher collects phone and sends it up to the office. A parent or guardian must collect it.
Email Etiquette
Whether as a student or, eventually, as an employee, there are rules of etiquette to follow when corresponding with your teacher or boss/client. In a world of texts and tweets, students are often not taught the niceties of formal written communication. Please read the Email Etiquette Guide and follow it when communicating with others.
When communicating with an instructor, students need to be mindful of traditional rules:
When communicating with an instructor, students need to be mindful of traditional rules:
- The ‘Subject’ line should state who you are and what the Email is about (RE: Jane Smith, Period 2, Question about tonight’s HW or Joe Smith’s “PEAO: Narrow Fellow” Period 6).
- Begin with a courtesy opening which addresses the teacher correctly (Dear Ms. Frederick, or Ms. Frederick,)
- Keep the message brief and to the point. Make certain attachments are attached.
- Remember that you are ASKING the teacher to take his/her time to assist you, often on the teacher’s personal time. Phrase your request accordingly; do NOT make demands.
- Remember to thank the teacher for his/her time in your original message.
- Send a ‘thank you’ response if/when the teacher gets back to you. It is always the responsibility of the student or employee to respond to the teacher/employer.
- Do not ask for information you can easily locate elsewhere (on the website or from a classmate).
- Do not ask for privileges not available to all students: to be excused from work assigned, or for alternate assignments because you don’t like the assignment or think it too much work. (Accommodations are available for students with a current IEP or 504).
- Ask specific questions rather than stating “I don’t understand”.
- Expect a reasonable turn around time for a response. The teacher is not in your hurry. Not all Emails require a teacher response (eg: HW turn in). Understand that any email sent after 7pm will not be answered until the following morning.
- Remember it is the student’s responsibility to bring a HARD COPY of your emailed placeholder by the next business day, whether we meet as a class or not. HW not brought in hard copy is late and will not be accepted.
- You are responsible for printing a hard copy of your HW at home, or you may pay to print in the library from your sent messages. The instructor will not print your HW for you, nor may you use the classroom or department printers for this purpose.
- Instructors will only keep HW emails for 24 hours after which they may be deleted. Keep your own records.
Independent reading
Once a semester, students will be required to create their own reading plan that will help them to accomplish their own specific goals. Students are required to have an outside reading book with them in class at all times. There will be 10-20 minutes of in class reading during class each day, unless otherwise instructed. Please be sure that all books are at your appropriate reading level(IE: no fan fiction, elementary level books, etc). If you are not sure, please ask.
Please open and read through the document below for full instructions on the Assessment for Independent Reading.
9H Individualized Reading Program
ERWC Individualized Reading Program
Please open and read through the document below for full instructions on the Assessment for Independent Reading.
9H Individualized Reading Program
ERWC Individualized Reading Program
syllabus
Parents/Guardians, please fill out the following form WITH your student. You will both need to "sign" at the bottom.