English 1 Course Syllabus***

Ms. Brazil
vbrazil@muhsd.org
(209) 385 - 5633
Room d-211
(upstairs; facing G Street)
Class Description & Goals
I believe all students have the ability to shape their own lives and society in positive ways. My goal this
year is to have all students recognize the power of their voices, and use that power to improve
themselves and their communities.
In addition to our own words, we will use classical, modern, and nonfiction literature to expand our
worldview and vision for our future and to increase our ability to make that vision a reality. In order to
achieve this goal, we will need open minds, organization, and procedures. These are outlined below.
Learning Community
Our classroom is a 21st Century learning community in which all members are learners and active
contributors. The guiding law of this community is RESPECT. I believe wholeheartedly that if all
members of our learning community embody and demonstrate respect for themselves and each other
that everyone will have the opportunity to the necessary risks to learn and grow. We will respect the
power that language holds, and use our words in respectful ways to communicate our ideas, feelings,
and grievances. As diverse community members, I do not expect everyone to always agree; however, I do
expect that everyone listen to and engage with each other in a respectful manner. I also believe that all
other issues related to performance, productivity, and behavior are a matter of respect.
Objectives
Students will:
1. Read texts from classical and modern fiction and nonfiction literature such as: short stories,
essays, creative nonfiction, plays, novels, novellas, poems, and articles.
2. Develop their writing skills and style for a variety of forms and purposes, including: literary
analyses, research-based writings, reading summaries, narrative and informational writing, and
timed writings.
3. Work cooperatively in groups, partners, and independently to create projects, summaries, and
analyses.
4. Develop note-taking skills.
5. Acquire a deeper appreciation for literature and style.
6. Develop technological experience and skills using multiple software programs.
7. Create numerous products that use technology with a focus on literature.
Academic Honesty Policy
As members of an academic community, students and faculty have the responsibility to foster and
maintain Academic Honesty. Academic dishonesty is a serious violation of the trust upon which an
academic community depends. Examples of academic dishonesty follow.
Plagiarism/Copying The definition of plagiarize is to steal or pass off (the ideas or words of another)

as ones own without crediting the source (Websters 877). In addition, any unauthorized collaboration,
working with or receiving help from others on graded assignments without the specific approval of
the instructor, is considered cheating. More specifically, copying from another students assignment
or letting someone copy your assignment (whether it is word-for-word or partially copied) is a violation
of the English Department Academic Honesty Policy as well as against the school policy and California
Ed Code 48900.
Other forms of violation of the Academic Honesty Policy include the following:

Obtaining an examination prior to its administration

Using an unauthorized aid during an examination
Looking at a book, backpack, or purse
Looking up answers through internet resources
Having information or materials on the desk or within sight
Knowingly assisting someone else during an examination (cell phones, IM chat)
Talking during an examination
Using electronic devices to search answers
Helping another student cheat on an exam or assignment unless the instructor has made it clear that the assignment is a
partner/group assignment
Using material found on websites or another persons work and passing it off as your own.

Ignorance of these standards will not be considered a valid excuse or defense. If a student is ever
in doubt about an issue of academic honesty, or has any hesitation about a contemplated course of
action, the student should consult with his or her instructor, counselor, or associate principal.
Penalties/Consequences for violating the English Department Academic Honesty Policy:

1. Each student involved in the incident (regardless of his/her role) will receive an F (0) points.
2. Each student involved in the incident may be referred to administration.
3. No alternative assignment will be given to replace the points lost.
Tardies
When the bell rings, you must be in your assigned seat with your materials ready. If you are
anywhere other than in your seat, you will be considered tardy. Please see page 12 of the ECHS
agenda for the school wide policy (available at echs.muhsd.org).
NOTE: I do my best to provide all necessary materials in the classroom;
however, family donations throughout the school year are greatly needed
and appreciated. Students will earn Brazil Bucks (see class website for
details) for donating any of the following classroom materials:

Materials
The following must be brought to class each day*:

Pencil

Pen (blue or black ink)

Binder paper (college rule)

Highlighter(s)

Class novel/reading materials

Positive attitude!

Dry erase/whiteboard
markers (thick & skinny)
Dry erase/whiteboard
erasers
Post-Its (sticky note pads)
Disinfecting wipes
Paper towels

Facial tissue
Large poster paper pads
Pencils/pens
Highlighters
Individual water bottles
Individually wrapped
snacks

*Students will also have the opportunity to purchase needed materials with classroom Brazil Bucks
that they can earn during the school year in lieu of extra credit and for exceptional performance and/or
behavior.

Other General Classroom Rules

No eating or gum chewing is permitted in class due to the fact that it attracts pests into the
building, and because we must all work together to maintain our beautiful campus.
No open containers of drinks will be allowed in the classroom for the above reason. Water in a
spill/leak-proof water bottle is permitted caps, lids, etc. must be secured when not in use.
Unless otherwise indicated/announced by the teacher, the use of headphones/earbuds and cell
phones will not be permitted during class time.
Photos/video recordings of any kind and from any device are not permitted in the classroom at
any time, unless otherwise instructed and supervised by the teacher.

Assignments

1. All assignments and corresponding due dates will be communicated to the students at the start
of each week.

2. All lessons, assignments, assessments, due dates, and other important dates are posted on the
classroom calendar on the classroom website msbrazilenglish.weebly.com

3. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to find out what assignments you missed. You have

two days with an excused absence for each day absent to make up the work you missed; one
day for an unexcused absence. Assignments given before your absence are due on the day you
return.

4. Long term assignments (2 weeks or longer) are to be turned in on the due date even if you are
absent.

5. No late work will be accepted for participation assignments. Redo/Retake policy will not be
permitted for these assignments.

6. Signature Assignments/Projects will not be accepted after their due dates. Redo/Retake policy
will be utilized for fully completed assignments. Incomplete assignments cannot be redone in
order to finish the work. The student cannot have any missing assignments within the unit to be
eligible to redo/retake a formative assignment/assessment.
Assessments
1. Students will redo/retake formative assessments and signature assignments that result in a low
or unsatisfactory grade. They must meet with me in person prior to retaking the assessment.
2. Redo/retakes must be done during the intervention period. Students will have a 2 week
window to redo/retake an assessment once the grade is posted in Aeries.
3. The student cannot have any missing assignments within the unit to be eligible to redo/retake a
formative assignment/assessment.
4. Formative assessments will be allowed one redo/retake within the 2 week window.
5. Summative assessments will not be allowed to be retaken after the first attempt.
6. Students who are absent on any assessment day must make arrangements to make up the
assessment the next available day during intervention.
Grades
All scores are available on AERIES after the work is graded and recorded.
Weighted Grades:
25% Participation
45% Formative Assessments & Signature Assignments/Projects*
30% Summative Assessments
* No missing assignments within the unit = Retake opportunity for formatives

Quarter grades are progress reports and are not recorded on the permanent transcript.
Semester grades are the average of 2 quarter grades, based on points. Semester grades make up the
permanent transcript.

100-90

89-75

74-60

59-50

49-0

Overall Grade Breakdown

A+
B+
C+
D+

100 - 98
89 - 86
74 - 72
59 - 57

A
B
C
D

97 - 93
85 - 79
71 - 65
56 - 53

ABCD-

92 - 90
78 - 75
64 - 60
52 - 50

49 - 0

One-on-One Performance Development Process:

Students have the right and responsibility to initiate conversations with me anytime they need to
discuss their performance and progress in achieving their personal goals, regardless of their academic
standing. These student-initiated meetings are in addition to any performance reviews initiated
by the teacher.
1. Student will meet with me face-to-face before or after class, or during 5th period to schedule a 5th
period appointment for another day
Emails will NOT be accepted as a means of discussing performance and/or scheduling One-onOne Performance Development Sessions unless the teacher specifically requests them.
2. Student will come prepared to discuss his/her performance concerns and needs (NOT grades).
Students are aware that grades are a symbol of their performance, and are therefore not topics
for discussion. Students understand that although grades can be a component of their personal
academic goals, their primary goal(s) should be performance-related.
3. Student will be prepared to commit to a mutually agreed upon performance action plan and
scheduled follow-up One-on-One Performance Development Session appointment to review his/her
progress toward achieving his/her goal(s), and setting any new goals.
4. Student and teacher will be responsible & respectful of their own, and one anothers, time,
effort, and commitment to the students success in achieving his/her goals.
School Discipline Policy
Although it is my expectation that discipline issues do not arise in our classroom, in the event a
student does not meet classroom and/or school expectations for productivity and behavior, the
following discipline process shall be enforced:
First OccurrenceWarning
Second Occurrence.. Return to Excellence (RTE)
Third Occurrence.. Phone call home
Fourth Occurrence RTE and parent meeting
Fifth Occurrence Sent to the Associate Principal
Contact Information

If you are having a problem with this class and/or your grade, please come and speak with me sooner rather than
later so that I may attempt to help you. If you or your family needs to contact me, please do so anytime! Email is
the preferred method of initial contact simply because I am able to respond to it more quickly throughout the day.
However, I do check my voicemails each evening, and ensure a reply within 24 hours.
I am incredibly excited and honored to have the opportunity to guide you in your reading and writing
development this school year!

Ms. Brazil
Room D 211 (upstairs; facing G Street)
vbrazil@muhsd.org
***This syllabus is available on the classroom website, and is subject to change throughout the school year. Changes
in policies and procedures will be communicated to students and families prior to going into effect.***
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Please sign below as confirmation that you and your parent/guardian are familiar with the rules and procedures of
this class. Please return it by Monday, August 24, 2015. This is a 20-point participation assignment.

____________________________________________
Students Name (Printed)

______________________________________
Students Signature

__________
Date

____________________________________________
Parent/Guardians Name (Printed)

_______________________________________
Parent/Guardians Signature

__________
Date

Preferred method of contact: _________________________________________

Parent/guardian contact information: Phone: _________________________ Best Time(s) to Contact: ______________

Email: ________________________________________________________________________________________________
Correspondence language preference: _________________________________________
Please leave any additional questions, comments, or concerns on the bottom/reverse side of this portion of the
syllabus. Additionally, your support, involvement, & contributions are greatly encouraged and appreciated.
Thank you!