Syllabus for 2010-2011

English with Ms. Popick

epopick@ellingtonschools.net

(860) 896-2352 ext. 434

In order for you to be successful this year, I want you to make consistent progress.  Don't be satisfied with the easiest way out; the bare minimum is unacceptable. Continue to improve on the skills that you have learned on a daily basis, and always remember that I am here to help you and will gladly meet with you after school to help you reach your potential. 

Credit in this class comes in theform of class participation, homework, essays, tests, quizzes, discussion, contributions, attentiveness and personal effort.  Also, I appreciate creativity!

Sincerely,

Ms. Popick

Ellington High School Mission Statement

Ellington High School prepares students to become knowledgeable, respectful citizens who value learning, integrity, personal wellbeing, equity, and diversity.

Ellington High School Objectives

A. Academic

          Listen and view with understanding.

          Read and write effectively.

          Reason effectively, think critically, and solve problems.

         Utilize resources including media, computers, and other technologies.

B. Civic

          Meet the responsibilities of citizenship.

         Demonstrate leadership and service to the community.

C. Social

         Practice moral and ethical conduct.

          Affirm diversity and practice respect.

         Demonstrate skills and competencies for personal well         being and growth.

Academic Expectations for Daily Class Achievement in English

Our primary focus in the English department is to teach students to read and write effectively.  We will also focus on teaching students to develop the following skills:

Listen and view withunderstanding

Reason effectively,think critically and solve problems

Utilize resourcesincluding (but not limited to) media, computers, and other technology

Students are expected to deliver at least two school-wide rubrics (specific to this English class) to their assigned advisors.  There are two separate rubrics used in English class based on the skills we will teach the students:

The Ellington High School student will read effectively.

      Components of this rubric include the following measurements of success in each of the following categories:

Understanding

Interpretation / Inference

Connection

Critical Stance

The Ellington High School student willwrite effectively.

            Components of this rubric include the following measurements of success in each of the following categories:

Thesis Statement

Supporting Evidence

Analysis

Grammar & Mechanics

Clarity & Organization

Style

Materials you need to bring EACH DAY:

• Notebook
• Two-pocket folder for handouts, worksheets, and rubrics
• Blue/black pen AND pencil
• Book(s) we are currently reading
• Effective system for recording long term and short term assignments
• Independent reading book...you choose a BOOK of interest to YOU!

Classroom Rules and Procedures we will go over this in detail in class):

1. Use MLA format in your writing.

2. Be in your seat when class starts so that you are not marked tardy.

3. If I send you to get forgotten classroom materials, you will be marked tardy.

4. If I do not send you to get forgotten classroom materials, you wil have a detention to make up missed time/work/etc.

5. It is your responsibility to see me, not during class, to discuss missed work from an absence.

6. The handbook states that you have two days to make up missed work from an excused absence.

7. Missed tests and quizzes must be made up immediately upon your return to school.

8. Homework is not accepted late.

9. For larger projects, the English Department has a shared policy in terms of late work. The English Department...

...defines "on time" as the beginning of class.

...will only accept projects or papers one day late--with a 10% penalty.

...will deduct 20% from projects or papers that are "one day late" involving the weekend (i.e. Friday due date but turned in Monday morning).

...will require projects or papers to be turned in by 7:15 the following morning if the student's class does not meet.

Please print of these rules and expectations. They must be signed and dated by both the student and by the parent/guardian. Also, please provide a parent e-mail address.  This is much appreciated! Thank you!

Student Name: _________________

Student Signature: _______________

Date Signed: ____________________

Parent Name: ___________________

Parent Signature: ________________

Date Signed: ___________________

Parent E-mail: __________________