Pennridge High School Green Hornets English I Academic Mr. Schepis E-Mail [email protected] E-MAIL IS THE BEST WAY TO REACH ME Phone 215.453.6944 x3570 Website https://sites.google.com/a/pennridge.us/mr-schepis-green-hornets-english-website/ Course Description The goal of English I is to expose students to a variety of different literary styles while building a practical skill set designed to advance student success in all content areas. Students will develop their reading, writing, and speaking skills by learning reading skills and strategies, expanding their vocabulary and exploring different writing styles. Students will learn to read and analyze literature with a critical eye and hone those abilities as the course progresses. Students will also be required to read outside the classroom, in addition to assigned in-class texts, to further sharpen their literary capabilities. Objectives To construct meaning by reading and analyzing literature from different genres To clearly communicate ideas through writing and speaking To encourage the development of critical thinking To improve proficiency in the processes of reading, writing, speaking, research and analysis To increase student motivation, responsibility, and ownership of behavioral strengths and weaknesses Materials All students are expected to have the following items each day in class: ●

An organized class binder w/loose-leaf paper and all necessary class handouts and materials

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A Writing Utensil - Pen or Pencil

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Individual Headphones

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Colored Pencils

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Sticky Notes (Post-It Notes)

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Your Pennridge High School Agenda Book

Classroom Expectations - Respect, Responsibility, Results ●

Respect yourself, classmates, teachers and assistants, the school, classroom, all materials and

equipment ●

Assume responsibility for our actions

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Always put forth our best effort - put quality above just getting it done

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Come to class prepared and on time (if you arrive late, you should have a pass)

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Follow school rules and policies as stated in the Pennridge High School Student Handbook

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Have academic integrity

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Assist each other - I want to always be able to “Catch You at Your Best”

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Communicate when questions or concerns arise

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Always believe we can (even when things are hard)

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Create energy

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Eliminate distractions

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Laugh with each other (not at each other)

What Students Can Expect of Mr. Schepis ●

I care about my students.

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I believe all students can succeed in this class. I will be persistent in encouraging students to make the effort.

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I will work hard for my students.

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I will make the effort to maintain open communications with students. However, I will answer many questions with questions to promote student thinking and self-reliance.

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I will grade quizzes, tests and essays promptly.

Mr. Schepis’ Expectation of Students ●

Come to class everyday with a positive and willing attitude. Be prepared to work and participate in class discussions by paying attention, participating and asking questions whenever they arise. This includes following directions.

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Work outside of class by doing any assigned work, preparing for tests, quizzes, essays or projects to the best of your ability, and again, asking any questions whenever they arise.

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Everyone should be in his/her seat and ready to work when the class starts (on the second bell). This means getting materials, using the restroom, sharpening pencils and socializing should be completed before class begins. See Attendance and Tardiness Procedures Below.

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Bring your notebook, writing utensil, laptop and your brain to class each day. You will not be permitted to retrieve forgotten materials during class time.

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Do not pack up your belongings until you are told to do so. I will give you the signal to dismiss you, but please be courteous enough to allow me and your fellow students to finish any sentence or assignment.

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I will honor all reasonable requests to exit the classroom, but will revoke that privilege for students who leave the room without permission or who spend too much time outside.

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Bad days happen. If you are having one of those days, I do understand. Please just inform me before class.

Electronics Refer to the student handbook regarding the electronics policy outside of the classroom. There will be opportunities for you to use electronic devices (headphones, iPods, cell phones, etc) in class. However, you may only take these devices out and use them when instructed, otherwise they will be confiscated. Attendance and Tardiness Procedures Students are expected to be in class on time. Class begins immediately on the second bell and students should be in their seats working. Students who are late to class will be marked tardy. Chronic tardiness will result in student names forwarded to their grade-level principal. Please note, students will be considered late to class if they are arriving on the second bell or just before the second bell. Grading Grades will be based on tests, quizzes, essays, select homework assignments and other writings, class experiences, discussions, and other projects and assignments. All class grades will be assigned a point value, which will be shared along with a rubric at the time of assignment. Earn as many points as possible to finish the course with the best possible grade. Additionally, the expectations and consequences for timely work will be shared as each assignment is communicated. Late assignments will lose points equivalent to a letter grade for every week late. Work not turned in by the end of the marking period will receive a zero. Students who fail to achieve mastery of the content and skills taught in this course may request the opportunity to complete retests and rewrites for graded assessments up to three times per marking period. Midterm and final exams cannot be retaken. Any approved assessment, regardless of original score, is eligible for retest or rewrite; the retest or rewrite score will be averaged with the original score. Course Outline The course will be focused on the following units: Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare A Third Story To Be Determined Short Stories by Various Authors Vocabulary and grammar will be a focus throughout each unit, and quizzes will be given throughout the year. Students will emerge from the course with a thorough understanding of literary terms. Requirements The following is required for successful completion of this course (more detailed information will be communicated upon each project assignment). ●

Group or individual projects

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Three full-process essays

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Thematic connection presentations

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Major tests, midterms and finals

Failure to successfully complete any assignment designated as a course requirement may jeopardize course completion and/or eligibility regarding credit for the course. Absences Missed work due to excused one-day absences should be completed and handed in upon return to class. Students should consult the teacher’s website to see what assignments were done, homework assigned and if there is a quiz or test on the day the student returns. Work may only be made up for excused absences. Students will be responsible for taking tests and quizzes upon their return to class from a one-day excused absence. Refer to student handbook for absences of two days or greater. Students who are aware of a future absence are responsible for notifying the teacher prior to their absence. Extra Help I am generally available after school for extra help Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Please check with me if you are planning on remaining after for help to ensure I will be available.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2013.14 Schepis Course Expectations Signature HAND THIS PAGE BACK TO ME I have read and understand the course outline, requirements and expectations. My signature below indicates my commitment to my success and the success of the class.

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