HONORS ENGLISH II SYLLABUS
Course Description
This advanced course will concentrate heavily on expanding vocabulary, refining your composition skills, reviewing grammar skills, and digging into reading. This course is centered on the study of the major authors, poets, and playwrights who contributed to the development of a truly American literature. Along with many short stories and on-going independent reading, we will read Of Mice and Men, The Glass Castle, The Great Gatsby, and A Doll’s House. The class is highly student-centered, will move at an advanced pace and will hold students to advanced expectations. Students will be expected to read an average of 10-15 pages a night, as well as, complete homework each night, and also during extended holidays (Winter Break/Spring Break) and over weekends. Projects and essays are explained in class, but most will require commitment outside of class to complete.
CHARACTERISTICS OF AN OHHS HONORS STUDENT
Ability to learn, in-depth thinking, evaluative thinking
- Works well independently. Seeks help only when necessary. Does not require detailed or repeated directions from teacher in order to proceed.
- Likes to analyze, generalize, derive, prove, and abstract; to investigate relationships and alternative solutions.
- Readily applies learned principles to new situations. Can solve novel problems. Responds well to guided discovery.
- Has strong intuitive sense for the subject matter, sorts out relationships quickly.
- Has experienced high achievement in courses without undue stress. Has not depended on rote learning or tutoring.
- Shows above average ability in oral and written expression.
- Is creative. Can think of things to try, or use original methods, when faced with a problem situation.
- Is able to build off of others, works well in groups, with complex problem solving situations.
- Responds positively to challenging situations. Show persistence in searching for solutions. Finds satisfaction in independently solving problem rather accepting another person’s solution or help.
- Shows interest and motivation in subject matter: You LIKE to read and you LIKE to write; innately sees value in content, wants to learn the material, contributes to discussion, and keeps the classroom positive, does NOT complain. Is intellectually curious and a critical thinker.
Required Supplies
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Suggested Supplies
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Grading Policy
As per school policy, you/your parents can access your grades daily using Progress Book. I update grades at least once a week, typically more frequently than that. If you EVER notice an error, PLEASE come talk to me! Typically, I have more time to devote to your questions before and after school. You will be given a point value for graded assignments and activities, in addition categories are weighted (Classwork/Quiz/Participation 30%, Homework 20%, Tests/Projects/Final Essays 50%). You can figure your grade using the school grading scale below:
A = 89.50% - 100.00%
B = 79.50% - 89.49%
C = 69.50% - 79.49%
D = 59.50% - 69.49%
F = Less than 59.50%
B = 79.50% - 89.49%
C = 69.50% - 79.49%
D = 59.50% - 69.49%
F = Less than 59.50%
Be Respectful |
Be Responsible |
Be Aware |
Be Cooperative |
Be accountable
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Respect
Students will be expected to respect their peers, the teacher, and the learning environment in the classroom. The student code of conduct, including the dress code, will be upheld at all times. Major infractions will receive an immediate referral to the office. Minor issues will be dealt with in the following manner: 1st offense=warning 2nd offense=phone call home 3rd offense=teacher detention 4th offense= office referral. Please note: profanity has no place in the school or the classroom and will be dealt with like any other matter of disrespect. You can find the OHHS Code of Conduct here.
Homework Policy
Homework is required and will be assigned as needed. Homework is a large part of your grade. I will not collect all homework assignments but may simply check for completion. However, we will incorporate all assignments in our daily lessons. I cannot stress enough the value of completing each assignment. Most of your homework will require reading. Since we do discuss these readings in class, it is imperative you do your homework! I do NOT like excuses for missing or incomplete homework.
Late Assignments
Late work will be accepted the next day at the beginning of the bell for a maximum of 50%. After the one day extension, you will automatically receive a zero. Exceptions may be made in extreme circumstances at my discretion. Assignments that are illegible will be returned to you and considered late until we receive a legible copy.
Makeup Work Policy
It is YOUR responsibility to get all makeup work.
- Known absences (Doctor’s Appointments, Field Trips, etc.): Please email me or see me BEFORE or AFTER school for your make-up work PRIOR to your absence.
- Excused absences (Illness, etc): You can always shoot me an email from home if you are sick. If you can’t, then please see me BEFORE or AFTER school for missing work.
- Unexcused absences: I leave it to my discretion to allow makeup work for unexcused absences. School policy dictates a student receive a zero.
- You will be given only the days you were absent to make up work. Failure to make arrangements will result in a zero for the assignment.
- Check website!
- Exchange numbers with a responsible classmate and ask them what you missed.
- If notes were taken, copy them from a classmate.
- As honors students, I would expect that you contact me if you are absent, especially for extended amounts of time, so that you can keep up with the pace of the class.
- Email, email, email.
Academic Dishonesty
Cheating/Plagiarism is the student’s intent to be dishonest and/or to misrepresent work that is someone else’s as his/her own. It is also cheating when one aids another to cheat. Cheating in homework exists when the process of self-discovery is defeated. Not following directions (such as talking during a test) may be interpreted as cheating. In addition, to academic penalties (e.g., receiving a zero), incidents of cheating will be communicated to both your parents and house principal.
1st offense-Student/Teacher conference. Depending on intent of student, teacher discretion will be used. If determined it was a minor infraction and unknown plagiarism resulted, the student will be given a second chance to complete. I will mark all instances of plagiarism in the notes field within ProgressBook.
2nd offense-Student/Teacher conference. Parent Communication. Zero on assignment.
3rd offense-Referral to principal. Maximum consequence is failure for quarter.
4th offense-Referral to principal. Maximum consequence is failure for course.
1st offense-Student/Teacher conference. Depending on intent of student, teacher discretion will be used. If determined it was a minor infraction and unknown plagiarism resulted, the student will be given a second chance to complete. I will mark all instances of plagiarism in the notes field within ProgressBook.
2nd offense-Student/Teacher conference. Parent Communication. Zero on assignment.
3rd offense-Referral to principal. Maximum consequence is failure for quarter.
4th offense-Referral to principal. Maximum consequence is failure for course.
Cell Phones
Students are NOT permitted to use their cell phone in my classroom unless I give permission to do so. I accept NO excuses for having a cell phone out without permission. Cell phones need to be put away in bags or purses. If I allow cell phone use for an activity, students are only permitted to use the resources and web pages I approve. Twitter or any other social media platform, as well as, recreational Internet use is not approved or permitted during class time.
School Policy: GRADES 9-12: A student who carries a cellular telephone must keep the device turned off during the school day. A student may only place a call on a cellular telephone with permission of a teacher or administrator. Misuse of an electronic communication device during the school day may result in confiscation of that device by a staff member or administrator.
- Please make sure to arrange rides, lunch money, etc. before you come to school as these become major distractions to learning during our time.
- Parents can leave items in the front office and the office can call the room to let you know to get any items left for you.
- Students must report to the nurse if they are too ill to stay at school. ALL communication regarding leaving school due to illness MUST happen through a phone call in the Nurse's office.
School Policy: GRADES 9-12: A student who carries a cellular telephone must keep the device turned off during the school day. A student may only place a call on a cellular telephone with permission of a teacher or administrator. Misuse of an electronic communication device during the school day may result in confiscation of that device by a staff member or administrator.
Tardiness/Restroom Passes
Students are expected to be in class on time. Excessive tardiness and/or restroom passes (over 3 tardies and/or 3 restroom passes per quarter) will result in students staying before or after school for 15 minutes.