Coursework:

Northgate English classes are designed as a college preparatory classes in which students will thoroughly read, explore, discuss, and present an assortment of Literature. At the freshman level, all literature focuses on the individual or individuals in and against society. At the junior level, all literature selections are American, and seniors study world literature: Classic Greek, French Russian and British Literature. In addition, students will do research, give presentations individually and as part of a group, concentrate on thematic issues of all works, discuss opinions and ideas as presented in the literature, form and articulate their own personal philosophies as inspired by literature, and write, write, write! Writing will encompass a wide variety of styles including formal essay, personal essay, creative writing, poetry, memoir, interview and vignette.

Writing Tips: Be consistent in all things you do.

Always give your writing an original, snappy title.

Always mention title & author in essay introductions.

Be sure to punctuate titles correctly!

Slow Down. Proofread the next day for best results.

Read drafts out loud to yourself – it really works!

Don’t use (the thesaurus) words you don’t know

Essays are formal. Use “black tie” language.

In essays, never address the reader directly

(this means, avoid using “you” and similar words).

School is a JobEventually, everyone goes to work, but students aren’t usually expected to have a job until they have finished school because school is a job -- and instead of a salary, students earn knowledge.

It is expected that all students will come to class prepared and ready to learn -- just as if they were coming to work. Your teachers remember to bring their briefcases to work, have lesson plans ready for each day, and come prepared to do their jobs. The same is expected of you.

In the workplace, one must maintain a certain level of professionalism and take initiative. Use the same guidelines in class. One would never enter a meeting in a corporate boardroom and explain, using profanity, why one was late for the meeting. BE POLITE! DON’T SWEAR! Similarly, no one wants to work with someone who is lazy and “slacks off”. TAKE INITIATIVE and do things that you see need to be done. Likewise, nobody wants to work with someone who is overly negative, complaining all the time about things they don’t try to change. Express things in a positive and make suggestions for making improvements. If you have a legitimate complaint or concern, express it politely and positively. Remember that school is your JOB -- behave in a positive manner and treat others like you would like

them to treat you.

Extra Credit!Extra Credit!Students who have a 70% or better may do extra credit projects for up to 40 extra points PER SEMESTER. Extra credit is rarely assigned. If you are interested, take the initiative & ask Mrs. Tate what you can do. Always check with her first, before you proceed.

Extra credit is always due TWO WEEKS before the end of the quarter, or two weeks before finals begin, so plan ahead & ask early! Work received after the two week cutoff can not be accepted, nor applied to the following quarter.

Course PoliciesCourse PoliciesEnglish -- Mrs. TateEnglish -- Mrs. Tate

voicemail: 938-0900 ex: 2122 email – tatem@ voicemail: 938-0900 ex: 2122 email – tatem@ mdusd.k12.ca.usmdusd.k12.ca.us

Website: www.geocities.com/marathontate25/Website: www.geocities.com/marathontate25/

Assignments & GradesGrades are figured as points, with no decimals. Assignments are given a specific value based on the weight of the assignment. For example, homework is usually between 15 and 30 points; essays are worth 100 points or more. Roughly 1000

to 1200 points will be possible by the end of the semester. Grades are comprised of the following approximate percentages: 30% tests, quizzes & finals, 15% quarterly binder checks, 25% class performance (participation); 30% writing, class assignments, homework & presentations. Grades are NOT rounded up.

Grades are figured as follows: 100 - 90% = A 89-80% = B 79-70% = C

69-60% = D 59 and below = F

Assignments & GradesGrades are figured as points, with no decimals. Assignments are given a specific value based on the weight of the assignment. For example, homework is usually between 15 and 30 points; essays are worth 100 points or more. Roughly 1000

to 1200 points will be possible by the end of the semester. Grades are comprised of the following approximate percentages: 30% tests, quizzes & finals, 15% quarterly binder checks, 25% class performance (participation); 30% writing, class assignments, homework & presentations. Grades are NOT rounded up.

Grades are figured as follows: 100 - 90% = A 89-80% = B 79-70% = C

69-60% = D 59 and below = F

Academic Honesty Policy

Working hard is the key to learning. If you are busy, stressed out, or can’t finish an assignment because you have to work late, cheating is not the answer. Schedule your time so that you can finish your work, or change your schedule so you can get all your work done. Remember, school is your job, and it is your first priority. Other commitments like sports, work and other activities and interests come second.

Copying anyone else’s work is cheating. As a student here, you are expected to respect and act in accordance with the HONESTY POLICY, an unspoken promise that all the work you submit, at any time, will be all your own, & not “borrowed” or stolen from other sources. These sources include the Internet, books, magazines, T.V., &

willing (or not so willing) classmates.

In Mrs.. Tate’s class, students caught cheating will receive a zero for the assignment (whether they did the copying or let someone copy from them), their grade will be lowered one letter grade, and they will be given a referral to the vice principal.

Class Rules1. Hats may not be worn during class.

2. Do not eat in or bring food or gum to

class. (water bottles w/ lids ok).

3. All assignments must be written in

dark ink or typed.

4. Students must be seated, quiet, ready

to work when bell rings.

5. No electronic devices allowed.

6. Homework and makeup work

assignments due at beginning of class

only.

Business Matters:The last 5 minutes of class will be

reserved for class business matters -- field trip forms, makeup

work agreements, general questions, etc. Please SAVE your questions for the end of class. If

you approach Mrs.. Tate before this time, you will probably be ignored.

Makeup & Late Work

Students who are absent for medical or emergency reasons may make up the work they missed. Students have the amount of days equal to the number of days they missed to complete work. Makeup work must be completed within two weeks of the absence. Use the following procedure when completing makeup work:

Get assignments from class reporter the day you return.

Fill out orange makeup work form - located on wall by front chalkboard.

Show orange form to Mrs. Tate, and have her sign it that same day.

Complete makeup work and staple orange form to it when you turn it in.

Late Work:Late work is not accepted unless

students have a legal absence (see above). Except in the case of legal absence or extreme circumstances,

late work will receive half credit only.

Class Participation & Expectations

Our class experience involves daily discussion, interaction, activity and instruction, it is very important that students attend regularly.

Students are awarded quarterly participation points as follows:

• 180 points per quarter (twenty points per week)

Students will lose points as follows:

• Absence = 10 points per day starting with third excused absence (exception: academic field trips)

• Tardies, dress code violations, gum, food and drinks other than water = 5 points

• Coming to class unprepared, without books or supplies, or lack of class participation (sleeping, spacing out) = 5 points

• Disruptive, disrespectful behavior = 5 - 10 points.

Points lost due to legal or excused absences can be re-earned by completing “point

makeup” assignments

All point makeup assignments must be completed and submitted approximately one week before the last day of regular class in the quarter. Mrs. Tate will announce due dates each quarter. Makeup work may be done in advance.

See Tate’s“Point Makeup” Handout for specific details