English I Syllabus

Ms. Painter
2015-16
Course Description
English I is one of four English classes required for high school graduation. In the
course, we will study literature and informational texts to develop critical reading and
writing skills. We will also explore themes of personal and social importance through our
reading and writing. We will also work to improve our speaking and listening in English.

Your grade will be made up of homework, classwork, projects, quizzes, and tests. Any
homework is due at the beginning of the class period. Each assignment has a point
value. Your final grade will be determined this way:
Total Points Earned
____________________________
Total Points Possible
If you study, are organized, and try hard and participate, you will earn a passing grade in
this class.
You are responsible for contacting me when you have been absent and need to make up
missing work. E-mail is a good way to do this.
My e-mail is:
Jennifer.Painter@dpsnc.net
The school phone # is: 919-560-3912
My extension is: 12243
If you need to see the DPS calendar, go to this web address:
http://www.dpsnc.net/
Click on Calendars in the menu on the left. You want to look at the 2015-16
Traditional Student Calendar.
Free Voluntary Reading
You will often spend time during class reading a book or magazine of your choice.
Reading regularly gives you the opportunity to discover new interests and improve your
English vocabulary and knowledge of structures. I expect you to use reading time to
read.
A great online dictionary to use for our class: http://www.learnersdictionary.com/
A good online bilingual dictionary you may find helpful: http://www.wordreference.com/

Rules:
1) Be on time.
2) Be prepared.
3) Participate respectfully in class.
4) Work hard.
IN ADDITION, YOU MUST FOLLOW ALL SCHOOL RULES.
THAT MEANS NO CELL PHONES, NO FOOD OR DRINK, AND NO HATS.
Consequences for breaking a rule:
1)
2)
3)
4)

Warning.
Parent phone call.
Lunch detention or after-school detention.
Referral to the principal.

Procedures:
Do not take these items out in class: cell phones, I-PODS, or other electronics.
Do not put on make-up or look in your mirror in class.
Sharpen your pencil before class begins. If you need to get up after class begins,
raise your hand and ask permission.
Do not use profanity (curse words) in class.
If you need my attention, raise your hand. Please call me Ms. Painter or maam
when you speak to me.
If you need to go to the bathroom, ask me when I am not speaking to the whole
class. You may go to the bathroom two times in a nine week period during this
class.
Write your assignments in pencil or in blue or black ink.
Check the board for your homework assignments. Record them in your planner at
the beginning of class.
Do not expect me to make extra copies of papers for you.
Do not touch my possessions or anything that belongs to someone else without
permission.
Im looking forward to a great year with you!