2013-2014 English 9 Syllabus
Mrs. Mann
Office: D247A
Email address: [email protected]
Phone number: (205) 439-1200
Website: Can be accessed by going to http://hooverhigh.al.hch.schoolinsites.com/ selecting “Faculty and Staff”, and then scroll down until you can click on my name. My class website can be accessed at http://mrsmann9thgrade.weebly.com. Here you will find schedules, assignments, and other valuable resources for your student. We will utilize Edmodo and Moodle this year. Please contact me with questions about setting up your parent account.
Course Description: English 9 is a general education course based on the Alabama Department of Education and the Hoover City Schools Course of Study. This course emphasizes building essential skills including listening, reading, writing, speaking, and most importantly, critical thinking, which are necessary for students to become effective language learners. Students will respond to a wide variety of texts, including their own, in order to learn to use language for both learning and reflecting.
Course Overview:
Literature: We will read, analyze, and discuss world myths, plays, novels, short stories and poetry.
Composition: We will do a variety of writing during each nine week period. Students will be guided through the writing process with particular emphasis on analysis and textual support of ideas. While not always assigned, multiple rough drafts are strongly recommended.
Grammar: Much of our grammar study will be done through mini-units, daily oral language, and composition revision. Through these activities, we will cover the 9th grade course of study and ACT prep.
Vocabulary: We will study Greek and Latin roots, prefixes and suffixes, and see how these languages have impacted our own and how these roots lead to the identification of many new vocabulary words. We will also take vocabulary words from our literary texts to better understand the text.
Course Objectives:
To develop note-taking, listening, organizational, and other necessary skills.
To sharpen grammar, punctuation, and usage skills.
To develop confidence as a reader and a writer.
To create polished written works through prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and sharing
To increase comprehension and enjoyment of literature.
To prepare for future courses and assessments.
Textbooks: Students will be using the following books in English 9 (no need to purchase) –
Holt Elements of Literature, Third Course, this will be issued during the first week of school
Warriner’s Handbook (this will only be used in the classroom as supplemental material)
Supplies: Students should bring the following list of supplies to class every day.
• 1 binder (1” or 1 ½”)
• 6 dividers (pocket tab dividers)
• 1 flash drive (512 MB)
• Highlighter (assorted colors, at least three different colors)
• Loose leaf notebook paper (college ruled)
• 1 package of black and blue pens
• Earbuds (head phones)
• 1 package of red pens
• #2 Pencils
• Large 9x12 clasp envelope
• Index cards 3x5 not ruled
• Folder (paper, with pockets, no brads
Wish List: The following items are not required but would be greatly appreciated
Germ-X or other individually wrapped antibacterial wipes
Paper Towels
Kleenex
Sticky Notes/Index Cards
Grading: Grading is on a point system. Tests, quizzes, essays, projects, homework, class work, and class participation are assigned a point value. The greater number of points given to an assignment means the greater overall percentage or weight of that assignment. Students are expected to keep up with their own grades in order to give you a fairly accurate idea of your current standing and eliminate “surprise” grades on progress reports and/or report cards, but I do update STI regularly so please check that often. The points below are tentative, but they will loosely follow this pattern:
Homework/class work/participation = 5 to 20 points
Quizzes and writing assignments = 21 to 50 points
Tests, essays and projects = 51 to 200 points
Course Rules: All the rules are designed to help you take full advantage of your education as well as being fully prepared for upper level courses. They will be strictly enforced.
Other Policies: These policies will be taught, reviewed, practiced and assessed throughout the year.
Cellphone/Portable Devices – There will be days when I will ask those students who own these devices (i.e. smart phones, iPads, etc.) to utilize them if they desire. However, when they are not being used, they will not be allowed to be turned on in the classroom – turn them off at the door. They will be taken up and sent to administrator if this policy is abused.
Saturday School/Homework – If a student fails to turn in three (3) homework assignments per nine weeks, they will be assigned Saturday School to allow time to make up the missed work.
Ipad Policy: Most days, iPads will be utilized in the classroom. There will be times that I ask students to put all technology away. Students that do not follow instructions during these times will receive three warnings before discipline action is taking. This discipline action can lead to the student having the iPad taken from them and receive an office referral.
Assertive Discipline Policy: All Hoover High School rules will be enforced in this class. Students are expected to behave in a manner that demonstrates the following: respect for self and others, value for quality work, personal integrity and character, and a spirit of cooperation.
Absences: When students are absent, the student remains responsible for all minor, routine or next day assignments (i.e. reading assignments for the following day, reading quizzes given on the day following absence, short writing assignments, etc.). The daily agenda and homework will be posted on the class Edmodo page or on Moodle (but may be subject to change), so students must check it for any missed class work. There will be an opportunity for make-up sessions by making an appointment with me (usually before school). Students will have 3 days to make up a missed quiz/test. Until a student has made up a test, their grade will be entered in iNow as a 0.
Communication: The best way to contact me is through email; however, you may also call me. You can reach me by calling the school’s main number, (205) 439-1200. My main form of communication with you will also be through email, so if you include your email address below, please check it periodically. If you preferred to be called, please let me know.
Extra Help: I am always willing to help students who desire extra assistance. Please see me to schedule a time to meet.
Units of Study: Please note that there may be items added to the units of study throughout the course of the year.
First Semester
Summer Reading –Choice of The Hobbit, The Help, Never Fall Down, and The Fault in Our Stars
Elements of Literature – short stories and related nonfiction
Grammar – parts of speech, parts of sentences, usage problems, subject-verb agreement, parallel structure
Composition – personal narrative essay, five-paragraph literary essay
Vocabulary – vocabulary workbook and words selected from context of reading
Romeo and Juliet – dramatic conventions
Independent Reading
Second Semester
The Odyssey – epic conventions
Novel – To Kill a Mockingbird with related material regarding the Scottsboro Boys
Grammar – phrases and clauses
Writing – introducing and incorporating quotations, MLA format, and research skills
Vocabulary – vocabulary workbook and words selected from context of reading
Mythology
Poetry/Poetic Elements
Public Speaking
Independent Reading
Mrs. Mann's 2013-2014 Schedule
1st Period: English 9
2nd Period: PLC/VIP
3rd Period: English 9
4th Period: English 9
5th Period: Planning
6th Period: English 9
7th Period: English 9
Parents: Please fill out the following questionnaire on GoogleForms before Aug. 30
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/14GNMyJYerZbOs65Alyiep421Fyi-oIZi5e0yBrVVCJM/viewform
Thank you!
Mrs. Mann
Office: D247A
Email address: [email protected]
Phone number: (205) 439-1200
Website: Can be accessed by going to http://hooverhigh.al.hch.schoolinsites.com/ selecting “Faculty and Staff”, and then scroll down until you can click on my name. My class website can be accessed at http://mrsmann9thgrade.weebly.com. Here you will find schedules, assignments, and other valuable resources for your student. We will utilize Edmodo and Moodle this year. Please contact me with questions about setting up your parent account.
Course Description: English 9 is a general education course based on the Alabama Department of Education and the Hoover City Schools Course of Study. This course emphasizes building essential skills including listening, reading, writing, speaking, and most importantly, critical thinking, which are necessary for students to become effective language learners. Students will respond to a wide variety of texts, including their own, in order to learn to use language for both learning and reflecting.
Course Overview:
Literature: We will read, analyze, and discuss world myths, plays, novels, short stories and poetry.
Composition: We will do a variety of writing during each nine week period. Students will be guided through the writing process with particular emphasis on analysis and textual support of ideas. While not always assigned, multiple rough drafts are strongly recommended.
Grammar: Much of our grammar study will be done through mini-units, daily oral language, and composition revision. Through these activities, we will cover the 9th grade course of study and ACT prep.
Vocabulary: We will study Greek and Latin roots, prefixes and suffixes, and see how these languages have impacted our own and how these roots lead to the identification of many new vocabulary words. We will also take vocabulary words from our literary texts to better understand the text.
Course Objectives:
To develop note-taking, listening, organizational, and other necessary skills.
To sharpen grammar, punctuation, and usage skills.
To develop confidence as a reader and a writer.
To create polished written works through prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and sharing
To increase comprehension and enjoyment of literature.
To prepare for future courses and assessments.
Textbooks: Students will be using the following books in English 9 (no need to purchase) –
Holt Elements of Literature, Third Course, this will be issued during the first week of school
Warriner’s Handbook (this will only be used in the classroom as supplemental material)
Supplies: Students should bring the following list of supplies to class every day.
• 1 binder (1” or 1 ½”)
• 6 dividers (pocket tab dividers)
• 1 flash drive (512 MB)
• Highlighter (assorted colors, at least three different colors)
• Loose leaf notebook paper (college ruled)
• 1 package of black and blue pens
• Earbuds (head phones)
• 1 package of red pens
• #2 Pencils
• Large 9x12 clasp envelope
• Index cards 3x5 not ruled
• Folder (paper, with pockets, no brads
Wish List: The following items are not required but would be greatly appreciated
Germ-X or other individually wrapped antibacterial wipes
Paper Towels
Kleenex
Sticky Notes/Index Cards
Grading: Grading is on a point system. Tests, quizzes, essays, projects, homework, class work, and class participation are assigned a point value. The greater number of points given to an assignment means the greater overall percentage or weight of that assignment. Students are expected to keep up with their own grades in order to give you a fairly accurate idea of your current standing and eliminate “surprise” grades on progress reports and/or report cards, but I do update STI regularly so please check that often. The points below are tentative, but they will loosely follow this pattern:
Homework/class work/participation = 5 to 20 points
- Late homework policy – If you miss a homework assignment, it can be turned in the next day for ½ credit. If turned in after the next day, no credit will be given. (See “other policies” for more information.)
Quizzes and writing assignments = 21 to 50 points
Tests, essays and projects = 51 to 200 points
- Major assignments and/or projects may be turned in late for a point reduction, which will be detailed when the project is assigned. (10 points per day until day 5 at which point you receive a 0.)
Course Rules: All the rules are designed to help you take full advantage of your education as well as being fully prepared for upper level courses. They will be strictly enforced.
- Be respectful of others.
- Bring all materials to class. (Ipad, Independent Reading Book, Binder)
- Engage in the learning process.
- Raise your hand when you wish to speak and wait patiently to be called upon.
- Maintain academic integrity.
- Be on time to class. This means that you must be seated when the bell rings.
Other Policies: These policies will be taught, reviewed, practiced and assessed throughout the year.
Cellphone/Portable Devices – There will be days when I will ask those students who own these devices (i.e. smart phones, iPads, etc.) to utilize them if they desire. However, when they are not being used, they will not be allowed to be turned on in the classroom – turn them off at the door. They will be taken up and sent to administrator if this policy is abused.
Saturday School/Homework – If a student fails to turn in three (3) homework assignments per nine weeks, they will be assigned Saturday School to allow time to make up the missed work.
Ipad Policy: Most days, iPads will be utilized in the classroom. There will be times that I ask students to put all technology away. Students that do not follow instructions during these times will receive three warnings before discipline action is taking. This discipline action can lead to the student having the iPad taken from them and receive an office referral.
Assertive Discipline Policy: All Hoover High School rules will be enforced in this class. Students are expected to behave in a manner that demonstrates the following: respect for self and others, value for quality work, personal integrity and character, and a spirit of cooperation.
Absences: When students are absent, the student remains responsible for all minor, routine or next day assignments (i.e. reading assignments for the following day, reading quizzes given on the day following absence, short writing assignments, etc.). The daily agenda and homework will be posted on the class Edmodo page or on Moodle (but may be subject to change), so students must check it for any missed class work. There will be an opportunity for make-up sessions by making an appointment with me (usually before school). Students will have 3 days to make up a missed quiz/test. Until a student has made up a test, their grade will be entered in iNow as a 0.
Communication: The best way to contact me is through email; however, you may also call me. You can reach me by calling the school’s main number, (205) 439-1200. My main form of communication with you will also be through email, so if you include your email address below, please check it periodically. If you preferred to be called, please let me know.
Extra Help: I am always willing to help students who desire extra assistance. Please see me to schedule a time to meet.
Units of Study: Please note that there may be items added to the units of study throughout the course of the year.
First Semester
Summer Reading –Choice of The Hobbit, The Help, Never Fall Down, and The Fault in Our Stars
Elements of Literature – short stories and related nonfiction
Grammar – parts of speech, parts of sentences, usage problems, subject-verb agreement, parallel structure
Composition – personal narrative essay, five-paragraph literary essay
Vocabulary – vocabulary workbook and words selected from context of reading
Romeo and Juliet – dramatic conventions
Independent Reading
Second Semester
The Odyssey – epic conventions
Novel – To Kill a Mockingbird with related material regarding the Scottsboro Boys
Grammar – phrases and clauses
Writing – introducing and incorporating quotations, MLA format, and research skills
Vocabulary – vocabulary workbook and words selected from context of reading
Mythology
Poetry/Poetic Elements
Public Speaking
Independent Reading
Mrs. Mann's 2013-2014 Schedule
1st Period: English 9
2nd Period: PLC/VIP
3rd Period: English 9
4th Period: English 9
5th Period: Planning
6th Period: English 9
7th Period: English 9
Parents: Please fill out the following questionnaire on GoogleForms before Aug. 30
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/14GNMyJYerZbOs65Alyiep421Fyi-oIZi5e0yBrVVCJM/viewform
Thank you!