Instructor: Susan Kearns Room: 715 (02-015) Email: susan.kearns@polk-fl.net School Phone: 534-7400 Cell Phone: 602-9076
Course Syllabus
Course Description: English I/Honors are full-year courses that integrate grammar, writing, literature, analysis, vocabulary, and speech. Literary and Rhetorical language is introduced and applied to written work. Students must be able to work in collaboration and are accountable for team produced work. The Medical Academy Cohort teacher of English enhances the understanding of grammar, writing, literature, vocabulary and speech as related to the medical field.
Course Objective: The purpose of this course is to promote academic excellence in English/Language Arts through enriched experiences in reading, writing, grammar, speaking and listening. Much of what is studied in this course is directed toward success on the Florida Standards Assessment (FSA, or FCAT replacement).
Course Outline: Grammar Parts of speech, compound sentences, modifiers, appositives, phrases, clauses, punctuation, word choice Writing The writing process, the five-paragraph essay (expository and persuasive), introduction to research Literature Short stories, non-fiction, poetry, drama, and the nove Analysis Students will be expected to explain how the author creates an effect in his audience. Vocabulary Literary language as it applies to our reading, several lists of vocabulary words used to prepare students for better communication Speaking Speech preparation and presentation
Course Materials:
1. All students must have a 1.5 inch 3 ring binder, 5 tabbed dividers, wide-ruled loose leaf paper, black or blue pens, #2 pencils (lead or mechanical), 100 - 3 x 5 lined index cards, dry erase markers, and 2 highlighters of different colors. 2. BHS has a strict dress code. All students must comply with the dress code to avoid discipline. Therefore, the school academy T-shirt is an excellent option paired with capris or long pants to stay in compliance. 3. There is a uniform policy (for upper classmen) in the BHS Medical Academy. Scrubs or the navy BDU and approved polo are also acceptable for Freshmen. 4. Honors and Medical Academy students will require outside reading. Novels and/or literature related to the medical field will be assigned throughout the year. These are to be obtained by the student/parent/guardian. 5. A Positive attitude and work ethic are required. No bullying or ridicule, in any format, will be allowed.
Course Assessment: Grades will be comprised of quizzes, homework, journals, tests, projects, writing assignments, daily work, and class participation, as well as the ability to work collaboratively (in groups) Final grades will be earned points divided by total points.
Classroom Rules
All school rules apply per Polk County School Board Code of Conduct, including, but not limited to the county approved dress code, which will be enforced per the dress code issued through Bartow High School.
Be PROMPT: (on time and in your seat) If you are not in your seat and prepared to work when the tardy bell rings, you are tardy. Do not enter the classroom during the National Anthem and/or Pledge of Allegiance, as you are already tardy and do not need to add disrespect to the infraction. Tardies first period of the day will report to the Attendance Office. Other periods of the day will be handled by the classroom teacher.
BE PREPARED You must be ready for class with any assigned reading done, written homework, required supplies and proper materials.
BE POLITE: Show respect for the rights, property, and feelings of others. My classroom is a nice zone and will be maintained as a safe learning environment for each student. Keep your hands to yourself and please limit comments to constructive input. We DO NOT tell one another to shut-up, nor do we use other equally rude phrases or gestures. This policy is non-negotiable.
BE PROFESSIONAL Students will not leave the classroom without a pass or unless accompanied by an escort. Each student will be given passes each nine weeks and must use one of these when leaving the classroom with the escort. Once these coupons are gone, you may not leave the class for any reason. You are responsible for the area where you sit. You will not be allowed to have any food or candy unless it has been given to you by the teacher and bottled water is the only drink allowed. Cheating will not be tolerated. Anyone involved in cheating will receive a zero for the assignment and a referral. Plagiarism is cheating whether it is on homework or on a research paper. Do your own work.
BE PRODUCTIVE: Sleeping is not permitted in class. If you cannot stay awake, I will follow this procedure: 1 st - student will be woken up and warned to stay awake in class, 2 nd - student will be asked to stand, and 3 rd - student will be written on a referral and cited for insubordination. If the student has to leave the classroom, they will not be allowed to make up missed work.
NO ELECTRONIC DEVICES SHOULD BE VISIBLE IN THE CLASSROOM, without teacher permission. If a device is seen, or a cell phone rings or buzzes, (without the direct permission of the teacher) the student will receive one verbal warning. Further occurrences will result in a referral.
Absences: The following rules govern absences and tardies: Two tardies equal one absence. This is Polk County School Board policy as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct which you have received, or may be found on the county website. A parent or legal guardian must write a note within three days of the absence. The note must state the students name, reason, and a contact number for the parent/guardian. Failure of parent/guardian to follow this policy will result in the absence being unexcused. It is the students responsibility to show the note to the teacher at the beginning of the period. Following are the ONLY reasons recognized by Polk County School Board as excused: approved field trips, college visits (designated numbers), funeral, late bus religious holidays, sickness (note required), court subpoena
I allow students to make up work regardless if the absence is excused or unexcused. When your child is absent they will have one week from the day they return to school to make up missed work in my class. They will have to come before school or after school on Tuesday and or Thursday. If they fail to make up the missed work in the allotted time they will receive a zero for the assignment(s).
This information sheet must be signed by the student and a parent/guardian. Please detatch and return to Mrs. Kearns by Monday, August 25, 2014. It will be placed in the Student Information binder for the remainder of the year.
I have received, read, and understand the course information, policies, and procedures for Mrs. Kearns English I/English I Honors and Medical Academy English class.
Name of student (printed) _________________________________________________ date ________________
Signature of Student: ______________________________________________________
Period the student has English class __________
Name of parent (printed) ___________________________________________________date ________________
Best contact method (circle as many as apply) Home phone Cell phone Email