Class Overview

English 9 with Mrs. Mayers

Course Description

                English is a class in which we will learn skills/ strategies for reading, writing, researching, and testing that will help with other classes as well as real life now, and in the future. We will do this through a variety of reading and writing exercises, both in class, at home, and through online tools. It is important to note, with an ever changing world, updates, and sources, that Links to resources have not been vetted beyond the original page cited. Please be aware of this and let the teacher know if a problem arises. On occasion, we will have writing assignments on topics of a personal nature.  Be sure your student knows what is appropriate to share about your family in an educational setting.  

 

Expectations 

  1. Be Respectful
  2. Be Prepared
  3. Be on Time

The discipline, action and consequence chart for Syracuse Jr. High is posted in the classroom ( SJH Progressive Discipline Plan.pdf Download SJH Progressive Discipline Plan.pdf ).

Daily:

                Students must bring these items to class everyday:               

  • Pencil or Pen (no red ink)
  • 3 hole punched Lined Paper
  • Composition style notebook dedicated to English class.
  • A three ring binder and/or folder  dedicated to English class.
    • Organization is key to effective learning. The binder/folder will be needed for assignments, handouts, and other things your student will need for/in class.
  • School issued laptop 
    • the device should be charged and ready for use 

Reading Books:

Throughout the year students will be expected to read a variety of texts and books. I have a supply of books within my room. I have read many of the books. That being said, I cannot boast having read them all, and the supply grows continuously. Students will/can check books out from my room.  If you / your student checks out a book that turns out to be, or have content, the student is uncomfortable with, please feel free to return it and make an exchange. I encourage all students to research books they are considering for book clubs or personal choice reading books. It is important for them to make a choice that fits within their family’s values.   Individual reading books are self select. Books that are required and assigned to the entire class have been reviewed and  approved by the Davis School District. 

Plagiarism & Cheating:

 Plagiarism is the use of another’s work or ideas, either all or part, without giving the author credit; the use of AI is also included in this category.  Plagiarism will not be tolerated!  The act of plagiarism will be discussed in detail in class. If you have any questions, please come and talk to me. Ignorance is no excuse. It’s my job to teach you; it’s your job to learn – plagiarism is a waste of my time, and  shows no growth in your understanding of a concept. It’s also a crime. Cheating on any work will  earn you a zero on the assignment, a U citizenship grade with no opportunity to re-do the material.

Tardy:

Students will be considered tardy unless they are IN their seat and prepared to get started when the tardy bell rings.

Cell Phones & E-Readers:

          We follow the school cell phone policy. 

Grading Scheme 

The basic grade scheme can be found in the chart below.

For a more detailed explanation please review the Grading Practices for this class. 

 

Proficiency Rubric Score Percentage  Traditional Letter Grade 
4 100 A
3.7 90 A-
3.3 87 B+
3 83 B
2.7 80 B-
2.3 77 C+
2 73 C
1.7 70 C-
1.3 67 D+
1 63 D
.7 60 D-
0 0 F