Literature Studies:

M.T. Andersons Feed

Miss Zerfoss
(570) 408-4230 a.zerfoss.teacher@gmail.com zerfosslitedu.weebly.com
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed to successfully prepare students for literary analysis techniques and
practices. Students will be responsible for reading M.T. Andersons Feed and participating in
daily discussions and activities.

RULES OF CONDUCT

1. Maintain a safe and positive classroom by respecting physical space,

belongings, thoughts, and feelings.
2. Be in your seat when the bell rings with all needed materials on your desk.
3. Quietly wait for a turn to speak, or raise your hand if you need the teachers
attention.
4. Electronic devices should be put away in your backpack/purse during class
time.
5. All rules from the Student Handbook apply in this classroom.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

The Wilkes University Upward Bound Program has a deep

commitment to academic honesty and integrity. Violations will not
be tolerated, including: plagiarism, collusion, and cheating.
GRADING
Grades will be calculated on the following using a point system:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Class Participation/Preparedness
Reading Journals
Mini-Projects
Final Project & Essay
1

Please do not ask me about your grade during class time. See me before or after class begins or contact
me through the class website.

Assignments

All assignments must be handed in on their schedules due dates. There are only two exceptions to
this rule:
o

You were absent when the work was assigned. You will be expected to get all missing
work and have it made up for the next class.

You were absent on the day it was collected. In this case, it is due on the day you
return.

REMINDER: All missed work must be made up by the next class meeting. Digital files of all handouts will
be available on the class website. It is entirely your responsibility to get assignments from the website or
a classmate and contact me with any questions.
OTHER IMPORTANT THINGS TO NOTE:
*Use the class calendars to track when assignments are due! Any updates/changes to due dates will be
given to you in writing and posted on the class website.
* If you are absent the day before an assignment is due, you are still responsible to have that assignment
completed on the due date.
* Failure to make up a major assignment will result in a potential failing grade if not made up within the
programs time frame.
* Upward Bound policies regarding excused and unexcused absences will be followed.

MATERIALS
Students will be expected to bring the following to every class period:

Feed

Reading Journals

Writing Utensil

3-Ring Binder or Folder

Students are responsible for keeping all of their materials organized as they see fit. If a student is missing
any handouts or notes it is his/her responsibility to get any missing information from the class website or
a classmate.

Technology USE
2

Students will adhere to Upward Bound policy regarding the use of technology within this classroom. The
teacher may provide permission for students to bring their own technology to class provided it is used for
taking notes and completing class activities ONLY. If a student uses his or her personal technology for nonschool related purposes in class, he/she will not be permitted to bring it to class for the remainder of the
school year.
Cell phones are not to be used in my classroom unless I state otherwise. If a cell phone is out during
class time, the student will receive one warning to put it away for the remainder of class. If the student
fails to comply or the phone causes a disruption, it will be confiscated and the student will have to
retrieve it at the end of class. Repeat offenses will result in parents being contacted.
Any other electronic devices such as music players, tablets, eReaders, etc. may only be used in class
with the consent of the teacher. Students should have such devices put away during class time. If a
student is seen using a device without the consent of the teacher or if the device causes a disruption, it
will be confiscated and the student will have to retrieve it at the end of the school day. Repeat offenses
will result in parents being contacted.
All written work will appear in final form as a word processed document and will be submitted through
the class website. All Upward Bound rules for technology use will be strictly followed. Attempting to
change any settings, going to an unapproved site, or messing with another students devices will be
handled according to the programs acceptable use policy. (See student handbook for specifics) You
cannot pass this course without using school computers, so use the technology wisely.

Please review the above information and sign below.

Keep this syllabus in your notebook/binder at all times.
Have a parent/guardian fill out the following page and return it to me.

I have read and understand the guidelines and procedures for this course and have shared them with my
parent(s).

Student signature: ________________________________________ Date: ________________________

Hello Parent(s)/Guardian(s)!
I am thrilled to have your child in my class! I like to know some essential things about my
students as I can so that I can best help them succeed in my classroom. I would greatly
appreciate if you would fill out the questionnaire below and have your student return it to me in
class. Thank you!
Students name:
________________________________________________________________________
Your name:
________________________________________________________________________
Your contact information:
Phone: ________________________________________________________________________
E-mail:
________________________________________________________________________
Does your child have regular access to a computer and the internet at home?
______________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
I sometimes take photos/videos of my students for display on our class webpage or for the
purpose of a lesson. Please check one of the options below:

I give you permission to take photos and/or videos of my child for educational purposes
only.

I do NOT give you permission to take photos and/or videos of my child.

Parent signature:
________________________________________________________________________
..........................................................................................

Thank you! Please keep this portion & feel free to contact me if at any time you have questions
or concerns.

Ms. Ashley Zerfoss Wilkes University Upward Bound Junior Writing Seminar
Phone: 570-408-4230

E-mail: a.zerfoss.teacher@gmail.com

Website: zerfosslitedu.weebly.com