There are only a few simple rules I ask my students to follow.

Adhere to these rules and procedures and we will have a great school year.

           1. Be on time for class and in your seat with the necessary materials.

            2. Respect all class members and their property.

            3. No food or drink in the classroom.

            4. Follow the directions the first time they are given.

            5. Hall passes are issued on an emergency basis only.

Classroom Policies and Procedures:

1. Attendance Policy: Regular class attendance and punctuality are required and strongly encouraged. Unexcused absences and excessive tardiness will be dealt with according to the Student Handbook.

2. Exams: Tests and quizzes will be scheduled regularly throughout the school year, as we complete or reach a certain point in the literary unit. This also includes cumulative semester exams. Exams may include multiple choice, matching, short answer, true/false, fill-in, and/or essay components. All students are expected to take exams when scheduled, unless a student is absent when some or all of the test material was covered (does not include review sessions). In which case, students will be required to make up missed assignments and exams (see Make-up Policy).

3. Reading Journals: As students are exposed to a variety of literary works, it is imperative that they make connections, summarize, or analyze various parts of the story in the form of writing. The rules for writing and organizing your reading journal will accompany this syllabus during the first days of school. The reading journals will be collected and graded each marking period.

4. Vocabulary: There will be three vocabulary quizzes each marking period. The nature of the vocabulary quizzes will be multiple choice, fill-in, or matching. The words for each vocabulary list will come from the contexts of the most recent story or novel, and students will be expected to complete some form of assignment related to the list before the quiz is administered.

5. Essays: Writing is another major component of this course. Most of the writing assignments will be in the form of reading journal entries. Formal essays, the writing assignments in which students will follow the writing process for, will be handed in and its grade will be equal to that of a test. Every formal essay must be typed, double-spaced, following the correct MLA format. Essays must be printed out and handed in on or before the due date, email attachments will not be accepted.

6. Cheating/Plagiarism: Cheating will result in a zero for all of those involved. If caught cheating, the pricipal will be promptly notified. Students are subject to similar consequences, as set forth in the Student Handbook, for turning in plagiarized work.