English 3 Syllabus and Classroom Policies 2017-2018

Ms. McCarthy, Room 236

CONTACT INFO:
Communication is important to me. If at any time you would like to contact me with your
concerns or comments, please feel free to do so. I would prefer you contact me via district email.
Email: Cmccarthy@sanjacinto.k12.ca.us
Instructor Name: Carolina McCarthy

Course Description: English III emphasizes the necessary English skills of reading, writing,
listening, and speaking. Using both written and online texts, students will work through a variety
of fiction and nonfiction works based on four themes. As they progress through the readings,
students will be asked to answer questions based on a close reading of the texts and to perform a
variety of tasks designed to increase their ability to analyze and understand complex material.
Additionally, students study grammar and mechanics while revising their own writing.

Textbook/Curriculum Materials:
StudySync online
StudySync: Reading & Writing Companion, Grade 11 Units (a consumable workbook)
Chromebooks for home and school study

Course Outline: Units covered

Fall Semester:
We the People: What shaped Americas early identity?
The Individual: How does one person find his or her place in society?
Ongoing instruction in writing, grammar, and mechanics

Spring Semester
Modern Times: How was being American redefined in the 20th century?
Seeking Romance: How can love inspire both folly and wisdom?
Ongoing instruction in writing, grammar, and mechanics

Classroom Policies: This course is designed to provide you with reading, writing, listening, and
speaking skills necessary for success in your future career. Regardless of the path you choose,
these skills will make your life easier and less stressful. I am here to help you succeed. Thus, I
expect mature behavior and attitude from each one of you.

1. Come to class prepared with required materials each and every day:

blue or black ink pen, a red ink pen, and a pencil

fully-charged Chromebook
college ruled composition notebook
2-pocket folder to collect all of your work and handouts
pink, blue, green, and yellow highlighters are recommended but optional.
 2. Be ready to work at your desk when the bell rings. Sit at your assigned seat and take out
a pen/pencil and your spiral notebook for taking notes and completing class work. Silence
your cell phone, and remove cell phone and earphones from sight. Neither stand at the
window nor walk around the classroom. You will be marked tardy if you are not in your
assigned seat when the bell rings.

3. Do not get out of your desk without permission. Stay in your seats until the bell rings
never line up at the door to leave. Dispose of your garbage at the end of class.

4. Respect the teacher, your classmates, the classroom, and yourself. Keep your shoes off
your desk and seat to reduce the spread of infection. Step outside to blow your nose.

5. Eating, gum chewing, drinking (except water), and personal grooming during class are
not allowed. This includes using hand lotion and perfumes. Fragrances are irritating to
some.

6. Keep handbags and backpacks off your desk and lap. Dont think that you can secretly
use your cell phone. I will confiscate your cell phone if I see it!

7. No sidebar conversations. Socialize with your classmates outside of the classroom.

8. No vulgar or foul language. Using foul language is a sign of ignorance in those unable to
intelligently express themselves.

9. Follow all instructions the first time they are given. The teacher is in charge of the
class.

10. No sleeping or resting your head on your desk. If you are sick, ask to visit the nurse. If
you are tired, take a nap at an appropriate time. Class time is not for sleeping!

11. Follow all school-wide rules. These include but are not limited to the following:
Proper dress/attire for school
No cell phones and any other electronic devices in class. If I see or hear it, I will
have to confiscate it. Remember?

12. Nightly homework is never accepted late (unless you are absent the day it is due).
Longer assignments and projects are accepted late, losing 10% a day up to one week late.
Dont skip class to avoid not turning in work on time. This reflects negatively on your
character. If you have an excused absence, you have the same amount of days you were
absent to turn in any missing assignments.

*NOTE: Use the restroom before class or after class. Plan ahead. Use the restroom
when your schedule is convenient, such as during nutrition, lunch, before school, or when
 theres a nearby restroom. Unless you have a doctors note, you should be able to wait 50
minutes between restroom breaks, and passing time has now increased to 7 minutes.

Grading is weighted per English Department consensus:

Writing Final Drafts 30%
Prewriting Assignments and In-class Assignments 20%
Tests and Quizzes 30%
Homework and Participation 20%
This includes cooperative behavior, coming to class prepared, notetaking, and
discussion.

Again, grades are weighted per area over the semester. A grade of zero for any assignment will
bring your grade down considerably. Thus you must keep up with all of your work and turn
everything in on time, and be a productive member of the classroom.

Grading Scale
A = 90-100% B = 80-89% C = 70-79% D = 60-69% F = 59% and below

Attendance Policy:
Illness, medical or dental appointments, school activities, and required court appearances are the
only legally acceptable reasons for absence, and daily homework will be accepted late per
school policy. Make-up work for student suspensions will be the same as the Late Work policy.

Tardy Policy:
Whenever you come to class late, remember to quietly enter the room, give me your late
pass, and then go to your desk. Handshaking, hugging, talking, and the like are NOT
appropriate. These are attention-seeking behaviors to direct classroom attention onto
oneself. We all need to boost our self-esteem, but NOT in a way that detracts from other
students learning. I will subtract points for participation if your behavior interrupts me or
others in the classroom.

Electronic Devices:
Students may not use cell phones during class time. Bring your Chromebook to class daily. This
will save you time and work. Participation points will be subtracted each day you Do not have a
Chromebook. If you forget your Chromebook, borrow one from a friend BEFORE YOU COME
TO CLASS. STUDENTS WILL NOT BE GIVEN PASSES TO GET A CHROMEBOOK.

Plagiarized Work:
Any work that is deemed plagiarized by the teacher is subject to a 0 and this cannot be made up.

Cooperation and communication are essential. If you are having difficulty in class, then
please arrange a time with me to discuss the issue so that we can solve the problem together. My
intention is to prepare you for college and for the workplace, two areas in our lives that want
results instead of excuses. To this end, you and I should be able to reach a solution or
compromise that makes both of us satisfied to some extent.