English I 2011-2012 Mr. Cayou, Room 102 303-867-8426 mcayou@kiowaschool.org cayousworld.wordpress.

com

Course Overview Welcome to English I, English I is an introductory course designed to help you successfully transition from middle school Language Arts to high school English. Strong reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills are essential to your success in high school, college, and LIFE. This class will focus on improving these skills, making meaning of what we read, and relating what we read and write to our personal life experiences. During the first semester, we will explore the literary styles, or genres, of the short story, nonfiction, and poetry. Selections from these genres will provide numerous opportunities for informal and formal writing. We will also dissect John Steinbecks classic novel Of Mice and Men. Second semester will focus on The Epic and drama, as well as a biographical memoir Along Way Gone.* To better understand our Epic selection, Homers Odyssey, we will take an introductory look into Greek Mythology. Our study of these various styles will incorporate the skills of active reading, critical analysis, and formal evaluation, in both oral and written form. We will also vastly expand our vocabularies, demonstrate our understanding of proper grammatical conventions, and strengthen our public speaking skills. *Novel selection is subject to change.

Expectations and Rules I expect every student to come to class each day with a willingness to learn and participate. It is time to begin taking personal responsibility for your individual education. Just as you can expect me to be prepared and respectful of you, I simply ask the same. You will be provided with a separate and specific list of rules for our classroom. This list will also be posted at the front of the room.

Consequences First offense will result in a teacher/student conference with documentation. Second incident will result in lunchroom duty or similar with documentation. Subsequent incidents will require a detention referral, and a parent/teacher conference with administrative documentation. Severe incidents will immediately result in more severe consequences.

Supplies Due no later than Monday, August 29th, but the sooner, the better. You will need a 3-ring notebook, preferably 1 or 2, divided into five sections: 1) vocabulary/spelling, 2) class notes, 3) handouts, 4) writing assignments in progress, and 5) completed papers. Some of your writing I will want to add to your Progressive Compilation Notebooks. You will need lined, 3-ring notebook paper for this notebook. You will also need a spiral notebook that will serve as your personal journal, or Writers Notebook. Black or blue pens A 3 color set of highlighters Textbooks and copies of literary works will be provided. A flash drive will be helpful for research and projects/presentations.

Grading policy Your grade will be based on the following: Unit exams based on the current genre of study and associated literature. Each unit exam will consist of a multiple choice test, a written analysis, and may incorporate an oral presentation. Weekly Vocabulary/Spelling/Grammar quizzes Regular writing assignments Daily journal writing and class participation Notebook organization and completeness Semester final exam

Absences/Missing work Your attendance, both physical and mental, is integral to your success in this course. YOU are responsible for any work missed due to an absence from class. For an excused absence, we will set up a schedule to complete assignments. If the absence is unexcused, late work will be accepted and feedback provided, but you will not receive full credit.

I will be taking a personal interest in your individual progress in order to help you begin to realize your incredible potential. I expect to have class time to meet with you on specific questions you will have or clarifications you will need. I will also be available outside of class time to assist with any other issues that may arise.

Please sign and return this form by Thursday, August 25th, acknowledging that you have read and understand our course overview.

Thank you! Mr. Cayou

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