English I Course Description 2018-2019Mrs. Gibbons / Room W115

Dear Parent/ Student:Welcome to English I at Montgomery High School. I am looking forward to working with your student this year. I pledge to give my best in improving their academic achievement and preparing them to have a bright future in an ever-changing, and increasingly interrelated modern world. Moreover, this course will help prepare your student for the English II-IV courses that will be taken in high school. As well as, prepare them to pass the English I STAAR/EOC test given in April.

Objectives:• Writing - The students will focus on expository

writing in order to express their ideas in various writing assignments. For example, short answer responses to analyze and compare reading selections. The students will write daily in a free writing journal and explore conventions and grammar in a journal as well.

• Reading - The students will read whole class novels, individual choice novels, and various genres from the textbook. The students will also focus on non-fiction writing through a current event article each semester.

• Vocabulary - Vocabulary will be provided to the students to complete various activities. The students will explore parts of speech, definitions, and etymology and apply their meanings in context.

• Assessments - The students will be given assessments over each unit of study. The exams will include Common Assessments each 6 week period, in addition to STAAR/ EOC practice tests. Writing will be assessed throughout the year and several completed, final draft compositions will be expected.

Tools for Success: Bring the following to class each day:• 3-ring-binder (1.5 inch+) with college ruled or

wide ruled paper (use for English class only)• Dividers for English binder (at least 6)• 1 composition book (for journaling)• Pens (blue, black, and colors for grading)• Kleenex (students A-L) • Sanitizer (students (M-Z)• Index Cards• Post-it-Notes

Grading Policies:Percentages: Major Grades - 70%

This includes tests/assessments, essays, projects, and other major assignments.

Quiz Grades – 19% This includes lengthy in-class assignments and regular quizzes. Daily Grades - 11%

This includes classwork, homework and vocabulary.

Late Work:• It is very important to turn in work on time. 20

points will be deducted for 1 day late. A total of 40 points will be deducted for 2 days late. After that, the assignment will be a 0 and student will need to conference with teacher.

• Major grades ARE NOT ACCEPTED LATE!• Some class time and extra intervention will be

available to assist in the students’ success. • Grades will be updated regularly.

Make-Up Work: • Work assigned before an absence that is due

during an absence will be due THE DAY OF RETURN.

• Students are responsible for getting the make-up work. A student has the number of days absent plus one to turn in all make-up work. This information applies to tests and quizzes missed as well. Work checked/discussed in class may not be made up.

Cheating:• Cheating or plagiarism will result in a zero, a

parent contact, and an office referral. • This includes plagiarism from a classmate, a

famous person, or a website. If you allow someone to copy your work, you will also receive the same consequences.

Testing Days:• English II tests will be given on Wednesdays

and Fridays.

Tutorials:• I will be available for tutorials Monday -

Thursday 2:40 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. • If for some reason I am not available, other

teachers will be available to help. Monday & Tuesday – K. Pope W119 Friday – (by appointment only)

Classroom Expectations:

English I Course Description 2018-2019Mrs. Gibbons / Room W115

In order to guarantee your student, and all the students in the classroom, the learning climate they deserve, I will utilize the following plan. We believe all students can behave appropriately in the classroom. We will not tolerate any student preventing us from teaching and/or any student from learning.

Class RulesStudents should be:• Punctual - Arrive to class on time and begin the warm-up immediately when the bell rings. • Prepared - Bring all supplies and assignments to class every day.• Present - Pay attention, participate and stay on task.• Polite - Treat others kindly and choose your words wisely. *Respect others, including yourself. Raise

your hand for permission to speak aloud in class. • Positive - You control your attitude - make it a good one.Note: No food or drink. Disposable water bottles are okay.

If you choose to behave in a manner deemed inappropriate, you will face the following consequences, in no particular order:

verbal warningphone call to a relative/ guardianreferral to AP

(Classroom teachers reserve the right to skip consequences for major offenses or repeat offenders).

Cell Phones:If you keep your phone, and I see it out (without permission) for any reason, it will be taken up. *Refusal to turn cell phone over to a Teacher will result in 2 days of ISS (as stated in the MHS Cell Phone Policy 2018-2019).

You WILL be able to use your own electronic device from time to time in this class, at Mrs. Gibbons’ discretion (i.e. for projects, web searches, polls/surveys, etc.). When not in use, devices are off and put away.

Bathroom Passes:No bathroom passes will be issued the first or last 10 minutes of class. You will be given three restroom passes per six weeks. Use them wisely.

Class Dismissal:Class is dismissed by Mrs. Gibbons, not the bell. The class will be dismissed only if we have stopped speaking, the room is tidy, and all students are in their seats. Do not pack up early and/or line up at the door and wait for the bell.

Communication:Gradebook - All parents should create a gradebook account. Students should also create a gradebook account and check their grades daily. You can set notifications to tell you if you are missing an assignment OR if your grade falls below a certain level.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.Mrs. GibbonsPhone: 936-276-2001   ext. 84700Email: yvette.gibbons@misd.orgConference: 1:04 p.m. – 1:49 p.m.

MLA Heading Expectation:NameMrs. GibbonsEnglish II, per.#Day Month Year

Please sign and return. Your signature signifies your reading and understanding of the English I Course Description and Expectations.

MLA Heading Expectation:NameMrs. GibbonsEnglish II, per.#Day Month Year

English I Course Description 2018-2019Mrs. Gibbons / Room W115

_______________________________________ Student Name (Print)

_______________________________________ __________________ Student Signature Date

_______________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature

Parent/Guardian

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to also read over the English I Course Description and Expectations. Should you have any questions, please refer to my teacher webpage. Please know email is the best method in contacting me.

How do you prefer to be contacted?

_______________________________________ __________________________ Parent/Guardian Printed Name Relation

_______________________________________ Parent/Guardian Email

_______________________________________ Parent/Guardian Cell Phone

_______________________________________ Parent/Guardian Home Phone

My student has access to the internet at home: ________ Yes ________ No

Please review Mrs.Gibbons’ cell phone expectation with your student. All cell phones must be put away. Students WILL be able to use their own electronic device from time to time in English class, at Mrs. Gibbons’ discretion (i.e. for projects, web searches, polls/surveys, etc.). Please make sure they have the following Apps, or similar Apps downloaded:

Downloaded? CamScanner ________ Yes ________ NoQR Reader ________ Yes ________ No

Remind ________ Yes ________ No

I give permission for my student’s picture to be used on teacher webpage, blog, etc. as a means to share classroom activities.

________ Yes ________ No