English IV

Class Syllabus

2021-2022

Room 3

Tony D. Kendall

Tony.kendall@hcsvikings.org

Structure of Class

Welcome to your sophomore year and to English IV.  English IV involves reading, writing, vocabulary, and grammar study.  In this class, you will learn the skills necessary for college (two- or four-year), technical school, the military, or the work force.  Reading comprehension will be strengthened through the study of various genres of fiction and non-fiction and a focus on analyzation of text.  The writing skills that were taught in English I,II, III will be strengthened, and other forms of writing will also be applied.  While this course does not emphasize grammar, those skills are reviewed and strengthened through practice exercises.  

Class Policies

These are non-negotiable

1. Attendance is regulated by school policy. Excessive absenteeism will result in non-completion of the class.

    Students should be in their seats and ready to work when the tardy bell rings.

    Classroom door will be closed and locked after tardy bell rings.  

2. Observe and comply with classroom expectations and with all school wide policies.

3. No Cell Phone usage during instruction time.

5. No earphones or headphones allowed in classroom

6. No food or drinks allowed in classroom.

Text(s)

 My Perspectives and a variety of handouts

ACT Standards: Writing A Personal Narrative

ORG 501.Determine the need for transition words or phrases to establish subtle logical relationships within and between sentences (e.g., therefore, however, in addition)

ORG 502. Provide a fairly straightforward introduction or conclusion to or transition within a paragraph or essay (e.g., supporting or emphasizing an essay’s main idea)

ORG 503.Rearrange the sentences in a fairly straightforward paragraph for the sake of logic

ORG 504.Determine the best place to divide a paragraph to meet a particular rhetorical goal

ORG 505.Rearrange the paragraphs in an essay for the sake of logic

 TOD 501. Determine relevance of material in terms of the focus of the paragraph

TOD 502. Identify the purpose of a word, phrase, or sentence when the purpose is fairly straightforward (e.g., identifying traits, giving reasons, explaining motivations)

TOD 503. Determine whether an essay has met a specified goal

TOD 504. Use a word, phrase, or sentence to accomplish a fairly straightforward purpose (e.g., sharpening an essay’s focus, illustrating a given statement)

`1^st Quarter Focus Standards

Students read, discuss, and analyze a short nonfiction personal narrative, focusing on how the author use structure, style, and content to craft narratives that develop complex experiences, ideas, and descriptions of individuals..

Student Responsibilities

1. Be on time.  Tardiness will not be tolerated
2. All work should be turned in on the assigned due date with name, class period and class name.
3. It is YOUR responsibility to check your missed assignment folder for missed work.
4. Missed test, quizzes or daily work will need to be made up within 2 days, before or after school.
5. Be respectful always.

Classroom Expectations

In this class, all students are expected to please:

• turn in all assignments in black or blue ink or pencil only.  No gel pens, no colored ink, no metallic pens, please; points will be deducted otherwise.
• turn in all assignments with your name; otherwise, points will be deducted.
• print all typed papers and essays in black ink.
• turn in all assignments that are written on notebook paper with the frayed edges removed.
• have all relevant materials with you in class.
• abide by the dress code.
• keep all cell phones turned off and in their proper place (per Cell Phone Policy);
• Do not bring in food from an outside vendor such as McDonald’s or Sonic.  Not only is this a violation of school policy, it is also a violation of federal guidelines to which all public schools must adhere. 
• have drinks in a container with a twist-off cap.  No open containers with drinks, please.
• be in your seat when the tardy bell rings. Ask Permission to get out of your seat. 
• stay in the classroom during the class period. 
• act your age and not your shoe size
• be responsible and be respectful. 

Classroom Rules

• Follow directions the first time they are given.
• Use appropriate language at all times. (no profanity, checking or disparaging words to others…)
• Always stay on task, complete tasks. If you need help ask me
• Keep your mask on while in this and every classroom
• Practice social distancing as much as possible
• Keep hands and feet to yourself.
• Only touch or handle items that belong to you.

Classroom Procedures

1. Come into the room in an orderly fashion
2. Get into your seat as quick as possible. No congregating 
3. Look at the board and get to work on opening activity
4. Be ready to learn

Classroom Consequences/Rewards

Consequences from misbehavior are as stated in your student handbook.

Rewards vary with performances (But I do always have candy and gum)

Attendance

If you are not in your seat or logged on to the live stream when the bell rings and class begins, I will assume that you are either tardy or absent and mark you as such.

After 10 minutes have past, I will inform the office that you are not in my classroom and  write an Office Discipline Report if necessary.

*For virtual students I will use the submission of the opening activity as proof of your attendance at the start of class along with the submission of the exit question at the end of the period.   

Grades

Each is student is evaluated at the end of a nine-week grading period.  The student’s grade will come from these four areas:

• Daily Work/Assignments (In-class, virtual ) – 40%
• Test 30%
• Projects- 20%
• Minor Writing Assignments – 10%

Grading Scale

HJSH uses the grading scale below.  This scale is standard across all public schools in Tennessee.

100-93:   A

92-85:     B

84-75:     C

74-70:     D

69 or below: F

*Plagiarism Policy*:

Much of my classroom management and instruction is based on a foundation of mutual trust between student, parents, and teacher. Most difficulties can be resolved quickly in the classroom.  However, there are some student behaviors which quickly erode mutual trust in the classroom, and which should therefore be avoided.  Some of these behaviors include truancy, subversive classroom disruptions, dishonesty, cheating, and plagiarism.

Plagiarism is an extremely important problem and is found at alarmingly high numbers among high school students. Plagiarism is actually stealing someone else’s words and/or ideas. Plagiarism is “an act or instance of using or closely imitating the language and thoughts of another author without authorization and the representation of that author's work as one's own, as by not crediting the original author” (Dictionary.com Unabridged). In higher education, if a student is caught plagiarizing then it often results in a failing grade for the class and in some instances (depending on the severity) expulsion from the university/school. Getting ideas from other sources is fine (and even recommended) but proper credit must be given to these sources through the use of citations.

Plagiarism involves a student’s submission of ideas, thoughts, phraseology, or organizational patterns that are not his or her own.  It is the misrepresentation of one’s own work and/or that of another, and/or the falsification of information, data, or records.   Plagiarism also includes the stealing of tests, answers, or other academic materials, or the having of these on one’s person.

Remember: Plagiarism is a form of theft and will not be tolerated (even in its most seemingly innocent form).  Students found cheating, copying without teacher permission, or plagiarizing in any other way will be subject to immediate disciplinary action by administration. 
 

The common punishment: If a student is found to be plagiarizing material, the student will receive a grade of a 0 for that assignment. They have the opportunity to complete the assignment within one week of receiving the 0 plagiarism grade; however, the highest grade that can be earned at that point will be a 69 (much better than a 0).

Parental support in upholding this standard is greatly appreciated.

I hope you find this class enjoyable, challenging, and ultimately rewarding.  I hope you gain new insights about literature and yourself as a result of this class.  I look forward to a productive and meaningful semester. 

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Student Signature                                                                                                                                Date