SYLLABUS- Mr. Johnson

Contact Information: cory.johnson@ucps.k12.nc.us

Office Hours: Mondays 3:15-3:45 in G110

 

Introduction and Teaching Philosophy: Thomas Jefferson once said, "Every generation needs a new revolution". This is the driving force behind my teaching philosophy.  I believe it is my responsibility to equip the next generation to be the change they want to see. In my classroom I encourage and invite each of my students to view learning as a way to open up pathways to progress. In every book lies a story, and in every story lies a lesson from someone that came before us. It is through reading those stories that we gain insight into our fellow human beings and learn to grow as people. It is my hope that this insight will guide each student to find the version of themselves they are striving for.  By providing students the opportunity to read stories of great people who changed the world, they too can do their part to be the revolution of this generation. 

General Course Description: This course follows the North Carolina 10th Grade English Course of Study. In this course, Students will engage with a variety of texts that will challenge them and increase their skills in Text Analysis, Reading Comprehension, Research Skills, Cooperative Learning and Communication. The Primary Goal of this course is to prepare the student for the End of Course Test (EOC), and for 11th Grade. 

Pacing: 

Disclaimer: The following dates are subject to change and not set in stone

 

 

 

Unit One- Short Story and Cross Medium Study	8/29-9/13
Unit Two- Novel Study using Lord of the Flies by William by Goulding	9/14-10/07
Unit Three- Shakespearean Play Study using Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare	10/10-11/18
Unit Four- Research and Debate using a variety of non-fiction texts	(11/28-01/06)

 

Grades:

First Grading Period: Informal/Formative 50%  Formal/Summative 50%

Second Grading Period: Informal/Formative 50%  Formal/Summative 50%

Third Grading Period: Informal/Formative 50%  Formal/Summative 50%

(“Formal/Summative:” Tests, Projects; “Informal/Formative” Homework, Classwork Journal Entries,)

The final grade will be an average of the all three grading periods.

Important Online Resources for Students/Parents:

Canvas: The majority of assignments not completed on paper must be submitted on our learning platform, Canvas.  Assignments can be submitted a variety of ways including, uploading files, typing into text boxes, and sharing Google documents/presentations.  Students will be shown how to submit assignments on Canvas as needed.  Individual assignments will indicate which method of submission on Canvas is expected.  If students need a refresher or have questions, they can access the Canvas Student Guide for specific instructions. It is the student's responsibility to ensure assignments are submitted on time and to contact the instructor if there is a problem. Please note that student activity is logged while in Canvas so instructors will be able to see if the student opened the assignment, if there was any activity including a log of student activities during on-line tests and quizzes.  Students are not allowed to leave the testing window during assessments. Doing so is considered cheating and will be handled as set forth in the Porter Ridge HS handbook.

 https://ucps.instructure.com/login 

>There will be regular “Announcements” in Canvas … check that  first thing, every day before coming to class

NOTICE: Although many assignments are submitted and graded in our learning platform, Canvas, the "final" grades shown may not be properly weighted and do not contain assignments that were not graded in Canvas.  For the student's official grades, please continue to access the parent portal through Powerschool. Login information should be the same as last year. If you need assistance accessing the parent portal, please contact the school.”

https://cms.powerschool.com/public 

Required Student Materials & Supplies:

         *UCPS-issued Chromebook & charger

           *Pencil and Highlighter 

 Expectations: Be a “BOSS”

Be on time- Attend class at your regularly scheduled time. Showing up to class late is disruptive and rude.

Operate with respect- Treat others how you want to be treated. Use appropriate language. Keep your hands to yourself.

Show up prepared- Make sure your Chromebook is charged and you have the materials needed to participate. 

Stay on task-  Be ready to be called upon during discussion. Make sure your work gets done. Keep distractions to a minimum.

Cellphones (Electronic Devices)

• While cell phones play a major part in high school culture, PRHS policy prohibits students from using their cell phones during instructional time unless the teacher gives specific permission. 
• If I see your phone, you will be given ONE verbal warning. If I see it again you will place it in a pocket (Phone Prison) hanging on the wall next to the door.
• Your phone will be returned to you at the end of the class period. 

Attendance/Missing Work: You are required to attend class every day.  Daily and block-by-block attendance will be taken in Powerschool.  If you are absent, you need to call the main PRHS office ((704) 292-7662 to report the absence, as well as notify your teachers. *If you will be absent, you MUST communicate that with me. It is the student’s responsibility to inquire about missed work. You have 5 days to make-up for missed work after the initial due date. After that you will lose points. If you are absent on the day something is due, you may still be required to turn it in on-time, digitally, or it is due the next day you are in attendance.  Unexcused absences on test/presentation days may result in zeroes or failing grades if teachers aren’t made aware of the absence in advance. Late work for informal assignments may be turned-in any time during the marking period, but for only a percentage of the grade.  Any work turned-in beyond 5 days after the due date will be an automatic 50%.

 

Honor Code for Academic Integrity

The work that you submit represents your learning, and so it represents you. Therefore, your work must demonstrate both your integrity and honor. Students are expected to perform honestly and to eliminate academic dishonesty. Academic dishonesty includes cheating and plagiarism. Students found cheating or plagiarizing, either directly or indirectly through participation or assistance, will receive a zero, a parent contact, and a discipline referral (PRHS student handbook policy).

 

Restroom and Hallways

Students may not be in the hallway during the first 15 minutes of class. If students need to use the restroom they must take the pass by the door and sign out and back into the classroom. You must use the notebook/Clipboard near the door to record your full name, time, and destination. You must return within 10 minutes of leaving the classroom. Remember that you are responsible for anything you missed.