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Bartow High School

English I/Honors/Medical Academy


2014-2015


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

Home phone ( ) _______--_____________

Cell phone ( ) _______--______________

Email address __________________________________________________________


Signature of parent ________________________________________________________date ________________

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