English 9 Mr. Dolan Email: [email protected] Office hours: 1A and 4B, as well as everyday from 2:20 to 2:45, in room 182
Welcome to New Paltz High School and to English 9. The major goals of English class are to improve essential skills including critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity. In addition, we will be addressing the ELA Common Core Standards. In order to accomplish these goals we must work together. I will do my best to make sure that all assignments are clear and understandable, and you must come to me when there are any topics, assignments, or readings that you do not understand. Questions are a requirement; I will be asking you plenty, and I expect you to do the same.
Reading Goals
Reading for pleasure
Close reading – textual analysis (non-fiction, poetry, novels, plays)
Understanding Rhetoric – analysis of purpose (ethos, pathos, and logos)
Self-evaluating – what do I like to read and why? What am I good at reading? Why do I struggle with certain types of texts?
Tentative Reading List
Animal Farm – George Orwell Lord of the Flies – William Golding Tuesdays with Morrie – Mitch Albom Persepolis – Marjane Satrapi Lost in Yonkers – Neil Simon Night – Elie Wiesel Romeo and Juliet - William Shakespeare Short Stories, Poetry, Essays, Articles, etc.
SSR (Silent Sustained Reading) As part of our reading initiative, you will be given 15 minutes every English class to read something you choose.
Writing Goals
Experimenting with all kinds of writing
Practicing and formalizing many forms of writing
Self-evaluating – what works for you? It’s not one size fits all.
Revisiting grammar and punctuation rules
Writer’s Notebook You need to understand of yourself as a thinker. To help you do so, you will be creating what is called a Writer’s Notebook. This is a place for you to explore ideas through writing. We will have dialog about your writing going back and forth as a piece of writing evolves, but your Writer’s Notebook will not be graded like the more traditional writing assignments you are used to. In fact, I will only read about a quarter of what you write. Your writing can be as private as you wish. This is a place for you to write without worrying about a grade. You must experiment and play with language. There are times when I write a paragraph, read over it, cross out the whole thing except one sentence. What’s great is I wrote that one sentence. Be flexible and be ready to think and learn.
Inquiry learning Goals So… being a 21st century learner is quite a challenge. One of the most important skills you can develop before branching out into the world is to become a self-directed, curious and resourceful learner. To do this, you must embrace: risk taking, the messiness of learning, time management, creative problem solving, self-direction and self-reflection.
Grading Policy Homework: 5-10 points (quick check) – you cannot make up the quick check homework assignment. Quick-check homework assignments assess whether you are doing your homework and are prepared for class. No excuses. You must be responsible. Short writing assignments: 10-20 points Quizzes: 10-50 points Exams: 100 points Essays: 100 points – you will rewrite essays, but not all. Timed writing will be assessed as well. Participation: To be determined at the end of each quarter
Absences: If you miss more than ten classes (for the entire school year), you must make up the time. If you are absent, make sure that you get the work from a friend in the class, check the calendar or see me the next day. If you are out, I EXPECT you to come in to the next class prepared and ready to work. Sometimes there are things that cannot be learned if you are not in class, if that is the case, stay after school for extra help.
See Me As I have stated before questions are a requirement. Please come to see me for extra help. I will be available in room 182 or the library blocks 1A, 2B and 4B, as well as everyday from 2:20 to 2:45.
Plagiarism As an educator, I welcome academic honesty and tenacity in a student's work. On the other hand, I abhor academic dishonesty (copying homework, cheating, plagiarism, using films and Cliff's Notes while failing to read the original works). This type of behavior has no place in high school, and it will not be tolerated. Plagiarism is the direct copying of a source. If a student chooses to plagiarize at any time during this course disciplinary action will be taken, and the assignment will be given a zero. I am eager to accommodate my students in their academic progress. I expect determination and diligence from my students, and I am looking forward to an enlightening year of shared intellectual discourse and exploration.
Materials you will need for this class:
One composition notebook
Pencils/Pens
Section of a binder or pocket folder
Please have all of these materials with you for the next class.
English 9 Contract
“Whether you think you can or can’t, you’re right.” – Henry Ford
I expect you to accept responsibility for your behavior and your grades. As your teacher, I am also expected to accept responsibility for certain things. Thus, this year I will strive to:
Be consistent and fair in the application of classroom/district expectations and policies.
Foster a comfortable, positive and supportive environment for all.
Provide you with effective and relevant instruction.
Provide constructive feedback in academic and behavioral areas to both you and your parents.
One of the purposes of this course is to broaden a student's understanding and appreciation of literature, events and ideas. Only in a community of trust can we help each other reach our academic goals. Some guidelines regarding the classroom will aid in our journey. Please contact me with any questions or concerns.
Language is important. Racist, sexist, homophobic, or other abusive language will not be tolerated.
A respectful atmosphere is the key to a learning atmosphere. I respect my students as individuals, and I expect them to act accordingly.
The use of cell phones during class is prohibited unless approved by the teacher.
Materials you will need for this class:
One composition notebook (no spiral notebook please)
Pencils/Pens
Section of a binder or pocket folder
Please have all of these materials with you for the next class.
English Department Policy on late work:
Students must hand in work on time to receive full credit: 10% will be deducted from an assignment for each school day the assignment is late. Assignments more than five days late will not be accepted.
Please detach here and return the lower portion by next class.
By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agreed to adhere to the policies stated in Mr. Dolan’s English 9 syllabus and contract.
__________________________ Student name (Print)
_______________________________ __________________ Student signature date
_______________________________ __________________ Parent/Guardian signature date