CP English Course Description and Expectations
Mrs. Vice-Hisey, A and G blocks, room 334, email: lvicehisey@concordcarlisle.org
Freshman English (CP)
Course Description and Expectations
Course Description:
This course is based around the notion of self-discovery. In order to think about and discuss this theme, we will read various types of literature (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama). Throughout the year, students will be encouraged to share their ideas and to develop their own insights in great depth not only through discussions, but also by writing, working with classmates, and completing projects and activities.
Materials students need for class:
- three-ring binder
- assignment book
- pen or pencil
- book or other material we are using in class (like a handout or packet)
- computers
Grade Scale:
97-100 A+ 93-96 A 90-92 A-
87-89 B+ 83-86 B 80-82 B-
77-79 C+ 73-76 C 70-72 C-
67-69 D+ 63-66 D 60-62 D- Below 60 F
Summative assignments (usually tests, essays, large projects)=60% of the quarter grade
Formative assignments (usually in-class writings and responses, smaller projects, reflections about readings, writing work that continues through the entire novel or work)=30% of the quarter grade
Scholarship is worth 10% of the quarter grade (participation, homework, reading and vocabulary quizzes, work handed in on time)
Please remember that when looking at the grade and average in Aspen/X2 this can be deceptive because the average can significantly swing given the weight of an assignment. This weighting can mean that at the end of the quarter, with an essay or a test, or both (!), a student’s grade average can change sometimes by a full grade.
I do not offer extra credit opportunities (so forget about that mad rush at the end of the quarter!). Ten percent of your quarterly grade falls in “Scholarship,” and you definitely have control over this: assignments in on time, participate in class, attend your writing conferences/extra help appointments, cooperate in groups, keep off your phone 🙂
Class participation:
Participation is an essential element in this class. Satisfactory participation means coming to class on time with the necessary materials, completing your homework, behaving in a courteous manner during class, and contributing enthusiastically and consistently to class discussion and group activities.
Extra help:
I encourage students to seek me out; I am eager to help in any way I can. The best way to schedule me for extra help is by making the request in person or through an email. My teaching blocks this year are A, B, G, and H. I have D block duty in the SSERC and the English Break out space–you can come for extra help during my duty (as well as my other “free” blocks but make an appointment with me so I can plan).
Attendance and tardiness:
Students are expected to be in the classroom, prepared for the day, and ready to begin when the bell rings. If students arrive late, they should sign the late book and leave a pass on my desk. Unexcused late students will not have extra time to finish quizzes, tests, or other work the rest of the class may have started unless otherwise noted in an IEP or 504 plan. Continued tardiness will result in one or more of the following consequences: phone calls or e-mail home and/or detention after school. It is helpful for students and parents to read and follow the school’s attendance policy as stated in the Student Handbook to avoid any difficulties with attendance issues.
Class Rules and Policies:
- Cell phones, electronic communication devices, and computer policy:
Cell phones and other electronic communication devices must be turned off and stored during class. In addition, computers are to be used for class purposes, not for social networking, gaming, or homework for other courses. If a student uses a phone, computer, or other communication devices contrary to class rules, the student will be asked for the device and may lose computer privileges. Cell phones will be returned to the student at the end of class; a “repeat offender” might have to get the phone from the office later in the day!
- Class behavior:
I expect everyone to treat each other with courtesy and respect. Tolerance and cooperation are essential to supporting each other. Insults, intimidation, sarcasm, harassment, and bullying do not belong in our classroom. If I am absent, I expect everyone to cooperate with the substitute and be productive during my absence.
Cheating and plagiarism will result in a zero for the assignment, including tests and exams. Cheating includes using a summary of a literary work from sites such as Sparknotes, copying another’s homework, notes, or assessment answers, and presenting someone else’s writing or research as your own. Plagiarism is deemed as using another’s ideas, words, or work as if they were your own. It is a form of cheating and CCHS rules will be enforced (see CCHS handbook). There is no reason to cheat in our class; anyone having difficulty completing work needs to talk to me in order to manage and solve the problem.
- Care of class materials and classroom:
Students need to return any course materials in good condition at the end of the year. If damaged or missing, a replacement cost is charged. I expect students to adhere to the school rules regarding food in our classroom and to leave the classroom and desks in good condition–just as they found them upon entering the room.
Homework and make-up work:
- Homework assignments are announced in class, listed on the daily agenda and sheet for the week, and, posted on the calendar on my class website.
- All work missed due to an excused absence must be made up in a timely manner. Students can keep up with missed work by checking my website and class calendar. Usually, assignments will also be shared with students via Google classroom. Missing assignments receive a zero at the end of the quarter.
If students anticipate a problem meeting a deadline, it is their responsibility to talk to me ahead of time. I am reasonable about granting extensions, but students must make an effort to plan ahead and talk to me about the circumstances.