English 10 Class Syllabus
SY 1998-1999
Mr. McCarthy
The school year has been divided into 4 quarters:
Quarter One:
I. We will be centering around short stories and the Writing Process. The stories selected are from a variety of sources. Some are traditional classics while others are modern up to date stories. We will be discussing characterization, setting, details, plot,theme, introduction-rising action- climax, -falling action- climax, etc.
Students will be completing a variety of projects with each story such as vocabulary skills and comprehension.
The opposite of reading is writing. Most of the stories prompt some type of writing such as an essay, personal account, reaction paper, newspaper article. Even though we read one story, the student may have two or three assignments stemming from it.
II. Students are to also pick and read high school level book for a book outline due September 25, 1998 and October 30, 1998. These MAY NOT be turned in late for any reason. This is used as a major test grade and completed entirely as homework. The student CANNOT do a book outline on a story we've done in class.
III. Vocabulary will be started in class on Mondays. The student will have until Friday to finish. We will grade units on Friday and take a test. If the student is absent on Vocabulary Friday, it is the responsibility of the student to make it up on the following Monday. Too many times, students use "I FORGOT" as excuses for not being responsible until quarter report cards come out. Unfortunately, the O's for not completing work will be bringing down their grade point.
Second Quarter:
I. 10th Grade English will be studying The Elements of Poetry and writing skills.
II. Book outlines are due November 25th and December 18th. Remember: these may be turned in early but NOT LATE.
III. Vocabulary units and tests.
Third Quarter:
I. We will be studying William Shakespeare and reading Julius Caesar. I have outlined all notes for the students in order to give them the Best of the Best. Please look forward to these notes and help review the material with them The majority of the work will be done in class due to the number of books available. There will be a test covering the material at the end.
IMPORTANT! I will be able to only make enough copies of the notes to give each student one copy. If they should happen to loose them, I'm sorry! These notes might also be used later on in a History or a Government class.
II. Book Outlines are due:
January 29, 1999
February 26, 1999
March 26, 1999
III. Vocabulary Units and Tests.
Fourth Quarter
I. Grammar:
Yes, Virginia the 8 parts of grammar still exist.
II. Book outlines are due:
April 30, 1999
III. Vocabulary units and tests.
Typhoons and Power Outages do make a difference in keeping up with the lesson plans.
I would like to invite all parents to come into the class when it is convenient for them and to observe and see what is expected of the student. Parents are the back bone to a successful educational experience.
Attendance
A. Attendance will be taken everyday as soon as the bell rings.
B. Students must be in assigned seats and quiet, not to be counted as tardy.
C. Attendance will be recorded in attendance book; until condition of absence is determined.
D. After three tardys, a student will be written up to the Assistant Principal.
E. The student will have the same number of days to make up work as he was absent.
1. It is up t o the student to find out what he missed from me, on his own time.
2. No late, make-ups will be accepted for credit, but should still be completed, to keep up in this class.
3. Paper late for other reasons than being absent will be accepted for one day for half credit.
Grades
A. Homework - 50% total
1. Homework will be assigned 3-4 times per week
2. Homework will be graded.
B. Quizzes - 35% total
1. There are announced quizzes.
2. Some will be in class and some will be take-home.
C. Class grade - 15% total
1. Attitude
2. Participation
3. Pop quizzes (cannot be made up)
D. Grading Scale
1. 90-100 A
2. 80-89 B
3. 70-79 C
4. 60-69 D
Below 60 will be failure
5. + - will be given for the top and bottom of each interval.
6. A student may inquire about grades at any time on his own time except the last three day sof the grading period.
7. The only extra credit offered will be offered to the entire class - no individual extra credit.
Classroom Rules
A. No food or drink of any kind in the classroom.
B. During a test or quiz, a zero will be given for any talking until everyone is finished.
C. The room is to be left as it was when you entered.
D. During class time a student must raise his hand to talk.
E. A student must stay in his seat during class time.
F. I will dismiss class at the end of the period.
G. When anyone is talking students will refrain from any distracting actions.
H. Silence is expected during breaks in classroom activities.
I. Any questions on papers will be handled by me and not during entire class's time.
J. When class study time is given everyone is to work on this class's assignments- nothing else is acceptable.
K. It is mandatory that each student give his attention during class. Anything else will not be tolerated.
L. I will not write passes out of this room during class time.
M. Do not ask to go to the restroom except in SERIOUS EMERGENCY.
N. Everyday students will need pencil, book, and 11-9 paper.
PAPERS THAT ARE TO BE TURNED IN
A. Must have proper heading, as stated the first day of school.
B. Must be neat enough to be read easily. Work must be on paper unless otherwise stated for any credit.
C. Each student is expected to do his own work.
EXTRA HELP TIME
A. End of period during study time when given.
B. Before school - Must let me know in advance that you are coming in.
C. After school - Must let me know in advance that you are coming in.
D. I will call parents if you are not working up to your potential.
E. Make-up work can be done in a few minutes at the beginning of LUNCH!
Consequences of Not Abiding Classroom Rules
A. Minor offense
1. Verbal warning
2. Private conference
3. Detention with me or extra busy work (inform your parents)
4. Written up to the Assistant Principal
5. Any of above.
These offense include such things as talking, not paying attention, not having materials, distracting from class, etc.
B. Major offense
1. Making fun of anyone in any way, profanity, fighting, loud classroom disruption, not doing what is asked of him, caught cheating, disrespect for teacher, etc., are examples of major offenses.
2. The student will immediately be sent to the office for a major offense.