English 11		
Fall 2016
Ms. Goldman
River City High School

Please observe the following classroom rules in addition to all school rules:

•	Be respectful to all people and property
•	Refrain from disruptive language
•	Come to class prepared with all materials
•	Come into class quietly, remove your backpack and be ready to work at the tardy bell
•	No food or drink allowed in the classroom (except water)

Failure to comply with these rules will result in consequences such as but not limited to, teacher/parent conferences, after-school detention and/or office referral. Please remain aware of all classroom rules (stated or otherwise understood). 

Behavior problems disrupt the educational process.  Stopping instruction to deal with issues resulting from negative behaviors cannot occur.  Please show yourself and others respect by conducting yourself accordingly.

Please bring the materials everyday:
•	Dedicated binder or folder for your English work
•	Binder paper-- spiral bound paper is not acceptable
•	Pencils, pens and highlighters--- use only blue or black ink for regular work
•	Color pencil &/or markers for creative assignments
•	Index cards for vocabulary flashcards
•	Composition book—college rule—100 pages
•	Flash drive (thumb drive or jump drive) for saving essays and other important work
•	Agenda---must have dates and space for writing assignments

Course of study follows the curriculum adopted by RCHS and Common Core State Standards.  Benchmarks will be giving throughout the term to monitor student progress as well inform instruction.  Assignments include (but are not limited to) grammar exercises, journal writing, vocabulary, in-class and extended essay writing, reading in and outside of class, answering study questions, in-class discussions, projects and presentations.  All assignments are geared to prepare students for the state tests in May, as well as foster college and career readiness. 

Core novels include: The Crucible by Arthur Miller, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansbury.  Students will also read one novel from a provided list as an independent reading project.

Unit	Dates	Title	Core Readings	Extended Essay Due Date 	
1	8/18-9/30	America’s Identity	The Crucible	9/14/16	
2	10/3-10/21	Individuals & America	The Crucible	10/12/16	
3	10/24- 11/18	America in the 20th Century	The Great Gatsby	12/7/16	
4	11/28-1/12	Modern Voices	A Raisin in the Sun	1/11/17	
You can plan on approximately 30 minutes of “homework” every night Monday through Thursday.  It is the student’s responsibility to plan accordingly. “Homework” does not include reading novels, vocabulary flashcards, studying for tests, completing projects, journal writing and extra credit.

Tests, quizzes, projects and essays are given at regular intervals through the course.  

Grades are then calculated using total points. Be aware that in order to receive the college prep designation on your transcripts you must have at least a 70% in the class. Grade checks are available through your teacher or HomeLink.  Students may also print grades at home via ABI, have them signed by a parent and returned on Mondays for extra credit.

Attendance and participation is mandatory.  If you have an excused absence, it is the student’s responsibility to get the work and make it up in a timely fashion.  Students must make arrangements with your teacher to make-up tests and quizzes.  Class time may not be used for make-ups.  All assignments are marked as a zero until the work is made up.

Late work (including due to unexcused absences) will be accepted and will be worth 50% of the original point value.  Incomplete work or messy work may receive fewer points at the teacher’s discretion.  Late work will not be accepted after the grading period ends.  Those dates are: 9/15; 10/19; 11/17; 1/11. 

UNACCEPTABLE work will not be tolerated.  Unacceptable work includes but is not limited to the following: messy, illegible writing, incorrect or missing headings, no name papers, and torn papers.  Unacceptable work will be, in most cases, recycled without warning. 

Tutoring is available before school, after school or during lunch.  Please contact your teacher for an appointment.

Please feel free to contact your teacher through the school at (916)375-7800 ext 2353
or email me at:
agoldman@wusd.k12.ca.us

Thank you in advance for you hard work, patience and respect.

Amy Goldman