ENGLISH 9 SYLLABUS

Brandon Valley High School English Department

Required materials:      The Language of Literature by McDougal Littell copyright 2008

                                    (Each student will also be given access to an on-line version of this text)

                                                1. Folder and notebook                           3. Student planner

                                                2. A pencil and a black or blue ink pen   4. A motivated attitude

Course of Study:          This course will cover the following units in the textbook:

1.      Short stories

2.      Non-fiction

3.      Romeo and Juliet

4.      Odyssey

5.      To Kill A Mockingbird

Grammar, vocabulary, writing, and other activities and projects will be incorporated within these units.

Grading:                      Tests and quizzes- approximately 50% of quarter grade

                                    Daily work and projects- approximately 50% of quarter grade

Classroom guidelines: 1.   Show respect for your teacher, fellow students, and room.

2.   Be prepared for class each day, if unprepared you may use your sabbatical pass to get your items or receive a tardy.

4.       Be in your seat when the bell rings or be counted tardy. Also, remain seated until dismissed by the teacher.

5.       Have all assignments completed on time.  Completed assignments will be accepted late for 50% credit.  When you know you will be gone for an excused absence, work must be turned in before the date you will be absent. (doctor’s appointments, vacations, school functions, etc. )

6.       There is NO talking during tests.  You may raise your hand to ask a question; any other talking will be viewed as cheating. Cheating and plagiarism results in an immediate zero.

7.       All students are responsible for meeting with the teacher to get make-up work; this includes all reading assignments, tests, quizzes, and writings.

You will be given a Sabbatical Pass at the beginning of each semester. You have 5 opportunities to leave the classroom to get a drink, go to your locker, go to the bathroom, etc.  If you want to leave the room and have already used your 5 opportunities, you can choose to stay in the room or leave and receive a tardy. 

The Brandon Valley School District grading scale will be followed—refer to your planner.  Keep a record of your grades in your planner; to figure your grade, divide the number right by the number of points possible.  Extra credit is offered minimally and available to the entire class.  Grades will be posted regularly at the Family Access link within the Skyward program found at the Brandon Valley High School website: www.brandonvalley.k12.sd.us.