Lee Ann Spillane, Ed.S.
, NBCT
“What we become depends on what we read
after all the professors have finished with us.
The greatest university of all is the collection
of books.”
~ Thomas Carlyle
What are Ms. Spillane’s
goals for English I Honors
students?
What supplies do students
need for our class this
year?
Buy supplies
by Wednesday!
Can you describe AVID’s
mission for students?
Cypress Creek High School
1101 Bear Crossing Dr.
Orlando, FL 32824
phone: 407.352.3400 ext. 2689
S
cell: 321.945.7984
web page:
email:
http://www.laspillane.org
lee.spillane-larke@ocps.net
Y
My Goals for You
I want you to become avid readers and confident writers in a
nurturing environment that is interactive and dynamic. A place where
L
we all can speak up and share our ideas and our writing. This
requires daily commitment from each of us—achieving nearly perfect
attendance; arriving with all supplies and completed homework
assignments, engaging in class discussion; taking risks with
assignments to go beyond what you have always done, and
L
accepting responsibility for your own learning and growth.
Materials Needed:
A
• plastic dividers with pockets
• 1 pack of clear plastic sheet protectors (25 count)
• post it notes
• notebook paper
• blue/black ink pens
B
• colored pencils
• 1 box of Kleenex (last name A- I)
• 1 package antibacterial Lysol wipes (last name J-O) U
• 1 package plain white copy paper (last name R-Z)
• a Google account (free); we will set up in class
• a Blogger.com account/blog for journal writing (free)
S
The mission of AVID is to ensure that ALL students:
• succeed in rigorous curriculum
• complete a rigourous college preparatory path
• participate in extracurricular, service, and leader
ship activities
• enroll in four-year colleges
• become educated and responsible participants and
leaders in a democratic society
 Course Description
What is English I Honors focuses on academic excellence in all the language arts: reading,
English I writing, listening, viewing, speaking, computing and critical thinking through studies in
literature and composition. The curriculum centers on young adult and world literature
honors from a variety of genres and time periods. Students read and write daily both in class
research? and at home. Aside from literature students will also study vocabulary, reading, writing
and computer skills. Writing skills are taught from a process approach. Students receive
hands-on, computer training in web 2.0 tools and a variety programs.

Objectives:
What are  Read, understand, interpret and analyze texts from many genres.
students  Recognize and write in a variety of modes: narrative, expository and persuasive.
 Discuss and write about a variety of texts.
expected  Develop and sustain reading habits and personal reading preferences.
to do or  Employ the writing process.
 Understand new vocabulary words both connotatively and denotatively.
learn?  Read and compose on demand (timed writings).
 Employ strategies for answering test questions.
 Create a significant body of personal writings in a writing portfolio that demonstrate
writing development and “voice.”

ding
Gra Final grades are based on total points. You may check your
le
Sca -100 grades on Progress Book at any time. If you have a question about
0
A 9 -89
0 a grade, please email me or write it down and put it in the red
B 8 -79
0 “Grades Questions” folder which is taped to the front of my desk. I
C 7 -69
0 will discuss individual grade questions or issues after school by
D 6 -50
9 appointment not during class time.
F 5

Assignments will fall into the following categories

Classwork:
How will Binder checks, team building, bellwork,
vocabulary, quick writes and other in class assignments
students
be Writings & Projects:
Timed writings, essays, research paper, digital projects, note taking
graded? and other written work

Tests & Quizzes

Biweekly vocabulary/reading quizzes, unit tests

Homework
Reading logs and other assignments.

Extra Credit
Will only be awarded to students who have completed all regular
assignemnts and maintained a good attendance record (<10
absences per semester and <3 tardies)
Expectations

Be in Class
Participation is an integral part of this class and something that cannot always be made up. Be
here.

Behave Respectfully
We have much more to learn this year than we have time for; this means that wasted time is lost
knowledge.

Avoid Getting Detention

A student may receive a detention for tardies, and for inappropriate behavior in class. Detention
forms must be signed by parents/ guardians and returned before serving. Failure to report for
detention will result in a loss of all extra credit points earned.

Come Prepared
Always have your binder, journal, paper, pens, the appropriate books and a positive attitude.
You will be graded on preparedness. Lack of materials should never hinder your participation in
this class!

Keep Track of Your Assignments

Use a planner. Subscribe to the class’s Google Calendar. Use the reminder feature on your cell
phone. You need to develop a system to manage your time, and juggle all you want to
accomplish both academically and socially.

Turn Your Work in On Time

All assignments are due on time at the beginning of the period or when called for. Late
homework is not be accepted. If you are absent, you may email assignments to me at your own
risk, or turn them in upon your return. Major assignments may be turned in late for a penalty (10
points per day including weekends and holidays) only with parent conference/contact.

Be Honest
I expect you to do your own work honestly and to do it to the best of your abilities. Presenting
another’s work as your own is cheating even if you do not get caught. Cite your sources using
MLA format when you use them and give credit where credit is due. Cheating may result in 3 in
conduct, parent/teacher contact, an academic detention, loss of extra credit and or an
administrative referral

Communicate
I cannot read your mind. When you have a problem with anything in this class, or in your life
that affects your schoolwork, talk to me, and I will do my best to listen, and to help in any way I
can. I am always here early in the morning, and after school on most days.

Use Technology Responsibly

You are expected to abide by the general accepted rules of network etiquette. These include (but
are not limited to) the following:
· Be polite. Do not write or send abusive messages to others.
· Use appropriate language. Do not swear, use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language.
· Do not reveal your personal address, password or phone numbers of students or colleagues.
· Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities will be reported to the authorities.
· Do not use the network in such a way that you would disrupt the use of the network by other
users (e.g., downloading huge files during prime time; sending mass e-mail messages; annoying
other users with comments).
· All communications and information accessible via the network should be assumed to be
private property.
Attendance for Academic Credit for Grades 9-12

(1) No student shall be awarded a credit unless the student has been in attendance
for instruction for a minimum of 135 hours. The 135 hours required for
attendance for instruction corresponds to twenty (20) absences in a school year or
ten (10) absences for each semester. The principal may provide a student who has
been in attendance less than 135 hours an opportunity to receive credit by
demonstrating mastery of the student performance standards in that course of
study.

(2) Excused absences shall be considered, on an hour per hour basis, as a part of
the 135 minimum hours of classroom instruction.
The principal is authorized to accept the following reasons for absence(s) of a
student:
a. Illness, injury or other insurmountable condition;
b. Illness or death of a member of the student’s immediate family;
c. Recognized (or established) religious holidays and religious
instruction;
d. Medical appointments;
e. Participate in an approved activity or class of instruction held at
another school site;
f. Prearranged absences of educational value with the principal’s
prior approval
g. Head lice infestation (up to four (4) days during the school year);
h. Catastrophic disasters that significantly impact the life of the
student (loss of residence from natural disaster).

(3) Academic instruction missed by the student shall be made up in an acceptable

manner in accordance with the district pupil progression plan. (number of days
absent + 1) It is the responsibility of the student to retrieve any work missed
during an absence from the teacher.

(4) Students may make up work missed during a suspension within a time limit
established by the school principal.

Attendance Laws:
Florida Statutes 1001.41, 1003.21, 1003.24, 1003.436

The Bottom line: No matter what your grade point average at the end of a semester
or year per class, if you have more than 10 absences in a half credit course or 20
absences in a full credit course, you MUST pass the Mid-Term or Final Exam with a
70% or you will not receive credit for the course.

All absences will be marked as unexcused until a written note is received from the
parent within 48 hours of returning to school.

Any questions regarding the attendance policy should be directed to the attendance
office (407) 852-2283.
AVID English I Honors Curriculum
Though flexible and subject to change, below is a snapshot of what we will study this year. In addition to
the anchor texts students will also read a wide variety of short stories, poetry, and nonfiction.

1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter

How does literature help us better understand ourselves?
Guiding Who am I? Where How does who I am What matters to What defines me?
Questions & have I been? Where affect what I can me? How do my Re-examining Self
Themes am I going? do? Examining decisions affect my & Community
Analyzing Journeys Justice: Is it for life? Looking Identity
in Literature all? Choices &
Consequences in
Fiction &
Nonfiction
Standards & Fluency Fluency Fluency Fluency
Skills from Vocabulary Vocabulary Vocabulary Vocabulary
OCPS order Reading Reading Reading Reading
of instruction Comprehension Comprehension Comprehension Comprehension
Literary Analysis: Literary Analysis: Literary Analysis: Literary Analysis:
Fiction & Nonfiction Fiction & Nonfiction Fiction & Nonfiction Fiction & Nonfiction
Writing Process Writing Process Writing Process Writing Process
Communication Information & Media
Listening & Speaking Literacy
Research Process
Technology
Anchor Texts Firestorm, Klass Getting Away with Anthem, Ayn Rand Bronx Masquerade,
(summer reading) Murder, Chris Romeo & Juliet, Nikki Grimes
Touching Spirit Crowe Shakespeare
Bear, Mikaelson Lay that Trumpet in
Excerpts from The Our Hands, Susan Literature circles:
Oddyssey McCarthy Son of the Mob,
Greek Myth Gordon Korman
Excerpts from The Rommiette & Julio,
Bible Sharon Draper
Scribbler of
Dreams, Pearson
If You come Softly,
Jacquelyn Woodson
Writings & Letter of What Do Good Independent What’s in a Name?
Projects Introduction Writers Do? essay Reading Essays (portfolio)
(Portfolio) Effective Writing Poetic Connections Poetry portfolio
What Do Good Sort Essays AVID videos
Readers Do? essay Biography/Research Golden Lines Participate in
Memory Narrative writing Digital Story classroom (or
writing, Crime Report presentation, school-wide) Poetry
Flashback Thanksgiving Various timed Slam
Autobiographical Writing writing prompts Various timed
Writing (Portfolio), Various timed writing prompts
Various timed writing prompts
writing prompts

On-going Bellwork: Silent Sustained Reading, Weekly Reading Log, Weekly Journal Writing,
Assignments Weekly progress reports, Bimonthly vocabulary quizzes,
CCHS Writing Portfolio,
Independent Study Points
 What are the House A Rules
consequences for 1. Come to class on time. You must be INSIDE the door, IN your seat
being tardy? with your book out reading when the bell stops ringing to be considered on
time. (DETENTION FOR 1ST TARDY, REFERRAL FOR 2nd)

2. Attend to personal needs before coming to class.

3. Bring required materials every day unless you are otherwise

How are students directed.
expected to behave
4. Talk only when permitted. Be aware of the situation since quiet
in class? talking is allowed in some situations and speaking to the entire group
without raising your hand may be allowed in others. I will remind you
once and expect compliance.

5. Cheating will not be tolerated. Students caught cheating will

receive a zero and a phone call home. Both the student who shares
How is cheating his/her work for an independent assignment AND the person copying
punished? will suffer the same consequences. I expect you to do your OWN
work and be sure no one can copy it.

6. Follow the teacher’s directions immediately when entering

classroom. Student Code of Conduct will be enforced in classroom.
What items are
prohibited on campus? 7. ALL electronic devices in use for noninstructional purposes will
be confiscated IMMEDIATELY.

8. NO HATS ALLOWED ON CAMPUS

What is the policy
9. NO LATE HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE
regarding late work? ACCEPTED FOR A GRADE. Only excused absences will receive
credit.

10. RESPECT will be given by teachers and students at all times in and
out of classes.

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

We have read the syllabus for English I Honors. We agree to uphold House A’s rules and to live up to Mrs.
Spillane’s expectations to the best of our abilities.

_______________________________________________________________________
Print student name Student’s signature date

________________________________________________________________________
Print parent name Parents’s signature date