The Odyssey

Star Wars!

Romeo and Juliet

COURSE SYLLABUS

Welcome to English I!  My name is Mrs. Kuiper and I  am looking forward to working with you during this transitional year.  I will be available before and after class for questions or minor problems and after school by appointment.  DO NOT BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP IF YOU NEED IT!  Don't be discouraged or give up if you're having a hard time.  Failure Can Lead To Success (Think Babe Ruth or Thomas Edison)!  If you are absent and would like to know what you are missing, you can email me at kuiperj@flaglerschools.com.  The following will show you my expectations:

ATTENDANCE: 

ABSENCES:  In order to get your absence excused, you must bring a parent/doctor note to the attendance office.  If you do not send in a note, then your absence is unexcused and all work done during your absence will not be gvien a grade.  If you’re not in class, then you’re not participating.  That’s a ZERO for everything we do without you, so please be here, and if you cannot be here, then please get your absence excused! 

TARDIES:  You must be seated in the classroom ready to begin working on a Do Now when the bell rings in order to be considered on time for class.  If you miss work and your tardy is unexcused, then you will not be able to receive a grade for that work.

 PASSES:  You will receive two restroom passes per nine-weeks.  Always sign in and out.

 GRADING SCALE:

A—90-100+       B—80-89         C—70-79           D—60-69             F—0-59

 ASSIGNMENTS:  All assignments are due on the due date  (This Is It!)

 First nine weeks:

20%=Class assignments

20%=Homework

40%=Tests/essays

20%=Midterm exam

Second nine weeks:

20%=Class assignments

20%=Homework

40%=Tests and essays

20%=Final Exam 

Late assignments are not accepted without prior approval.  This means your work will not receive a grade if it is late.  Sickness is not necessarily an “out.”  I must SPEAK to a parent/guardian if I do not receive a major assignment and sickness is the excuse.  A note is not good enough.  It is your responsibility to be sure that a parent or guardian gives me a call to make me aware of your illness.  I will call them back if they are unable to reach me, but be sure they at least leave a message for me!  Any assignment that was due the day of your absence or prior to your absence will be due the day you return.  (Ownership)

Any test missed must be made up within five school days.  Be prepared to stay after school for the test.  I will allow you to take a test during your lunch if you cannot stay after school.  Simply bring a lunch to school that day so you can eat it while you make up the test.  Time is short during the lunch periods so make sure you can handle it before choosing this option!  (Balance and Flexibility) 

 MATERIALS  (Commitment): 

-Pen or pencil—This is a MUST!

-Notebook separated into two sections—Do Nows and Notes

-Assigned textbook/novel

 EXTRA CREDIT:  You can receive up to nine extra credit points on your nine-week grade.  This can change your score an entire letter grade!  Take advantage of this opportunity!  (Integrity)  Here’s how:

 -Read!  At any time during the term you can receive credit for reading pre-approved books outside of school assigned reading.  An essay or project that shows me that you’ve read your book must be done in order to receive credit for reading.  You will receive two points per book on your nine-week grade.

-Attend the school plays and/or sporting events!  You get two points if you attend the ENTIRE performance/game and write a review/article. 

-After school videos!  Occasionally I’ll show a video that relates to what we are studying and you will receive one point per video.

 CLASSROOM RULES--Where Do We Live?  Above The Line!:

-Respect is the master key.

-FOOD BRINGS BUGS.  Don’t bring it!  Drinks are ok.  Just try not to spill please!

-One person will speak at a time.

-Plagiarism and cheating of any kind is unacceptable!

-Speak With Good Purpose  (Use appropriate language and keep it positive)

 Consequences (Taking Responsibility) will vary depending on the seriousness of the behavior.  Generally, it will be as follows:

1^st offence:  Verbal warning and Below the Line Ticket

2^nd offence:  Phone call to parent and Below the Line Ticket