English I – Mrs. Craig

 

704-296-3170                                                                         emmy.craig@ucps.k12.nc.us

 

Welcome to English I! As you begin this course, it is important to have an idea of what will be expected of you. This syllabus covers general course content, information on grading scales, materials needed, classroom expectations, consequences for behavioral issues, and tutoring opportunities.  

 

1. Course Content

 

This course is based on the Standard Course of Study of North Carolina, which can be found at www.ncpublicschools.org/curriculum . Some of the objectives of this course are:

 

• Cite textual evidence and make inferences.

 

• Determine theme and central idea.

 

• Consider complex character development.

 

• Consider ideas and events and make connections.

 

• Determine author’s purpose and point of view.

 

Competency of these and other objectives will be measured at the end of the semester by a state-mandated final test (NCFE). To measure student needs and progress, several pre-assessments and benchmarks will be administered during the semester. Students must take this class seriously and must realize the importance of communicating their needs to me when they feel they are struggling or when otherwise needed. Also note that each student’s NCFE score is his/her exam grade and counts as 25% of his/her final grade.

 

1. Grading Scales

 

Standard school grading scale:

 

90-100 A

80-89 B

70-79 C

60-69 D

Below 60 F

 

The letter grade students earn in the class will be based on a point scale. Students will receive a percentage grade based off the number of points earned out of the total number of points given. For example, if the six-weeks offered a total of 1000 points and the student earned 950 points, his or her grade for the six-weeks would be a 95 (950/1000). Students will be given the total number of available points before beginning each individual assignment to assist in establishing importance and determining how much time should be spent on completion. For example, a simple classwork assignment may be worth 10-15 points while an extensive research project may be worth 100-150 points. It is important that students keep up with all of their assignments.

 

 

 

• Materials Needed

 

Required materials – Students must bring a writing utensil to class each day (black or blue pen and/or pencil), a composition notebook, plenty of loose-leaf notebook paper, and a folder for handouts. Students should bring their Chromebooks to class fully charged each day once they are assigned.

 

Suggested materials – Students may want to purchase colored pencils or markers to use for projects and an academic planner for recording assignments.

 

1. Classroom Expectations.

 

The four major expectations of my classroom are:

 

• Be respectful
• Be punctual
• Be prepared
• Be positive

 

Other expectations for my classroom are as follows:

 

1. All students must adhere to the Piedmont High School student handbook.
2. Students must be in the classroom when the bell rings in order to avoid being counted as tardy.
3. Students should bring no food or drink in class except bottled water. They will be asked to throw anything else away.
4. Cell phones or other electronic devices should be put away during instruction. Students may be given permission to use devices at certain times, but if a student chooses to use his or her phone when permission has not been granted, it will be confiscated. Chromebooks should only be used when students are given permission to do so or when an activity requires them. At all other times, they should be closed.
5. In the event of an absence, it is the responsibility of the student to ask for make-up work as soon as he/she returns to class.

 

1. Consequences

 

First offense – conference with teacher

Second offense –parent conference

Third offense – office referral

 

If at any time the learning atmosphere is in jeopardy, an infraction can warrant an immediate office visit.

 

1. Tutoring

 

I will be available for tutoring upon request from 3:30 – 4:00 (when given a 24 hour notice). The English department also offers tutoring weekly. Schedules will be posted.

 

 

I look forward to a great semester with each and every student! J