MVRHS
2007-2008
Honors English 12
Course Requirements and Expectations
Ms. Ferrone- Rm. 510 (693-1033, ext. 171)

I. CURRICULUM

This year we will be studying literature from many different time periods and cultures. We will take a thematic approach to our studies and draw from a variety of resources that are connected to that theme. The theme will change each quarter, but each will build upon the other. Those themes include: the hero vs. the villian, the individual vs. society, and humor and change.

I encourage you to submit articles, stories, cartoons, pictures, etc. that you believe are connected to any of the themes mentioned above. You will receive extra credit for doing so.

II. COURSE WEB SITE

To access Ms. Ferrone’s Home Page on which you will find: vocabulary lists, homework + writing assignments, and course information, go to the www.MVRHS.org, click on DEPARTMENTS, then ENGLISH, then Christine Ferrone. You can also e-mail me through the site.

III. CLASS POLICIES

1. NO EATING, CHEWING GUM, GLASS BOTTLES, etc- Water may be brought to class but no other type of drink or food is permitted.

2. Homework will be assigned every class. Usually I assign both writing and reading work to be completed in the time between classes. Expect at least 45
minutes of homework between classes. Late homework will not be accepted.

3. BLUE or BLACK ink should be used when completing any written assignment. Typed work is required for papers or projects.

4. Makeup Work: If you are absent from class you must get the in class work and assignment from myself or another student. There will be a blue binder in which a record of the class and homework assigned will be kept. You must complete homework within three school days of your return.

Quizzes and Tests must be made up within three school days of your return to school. They may only be made up in the case of an excused absence.

Reading Quizzes: For reading quizzes, you will be given an outside assignment, usually a one paragraph summary on the chapters missed, that will substitute for the quiz. The actual reading quiz can not be taken once it has been given in-class, so even if you are late to class, you will have to makeup the quiz with an outside assignment.


5. Late Work*: Late papers or projects will DROP A GRADE for every school day it is late. The work will not be accepted after five school days from when the assignment was due.

*TECHNOLOGY- Even with the superior advances in technology, there are bound to be computer mishaps(empty ink cartridges, jammed printers, lost files) along the way. However, these are not valid excuses for turning in late work. Prepare for the unexpected when doing work on a computer and avoid leaving assignments to do for the last minute, as this is usually when the majority of glitches occur.

6. Extra Help:

2:00-3:15 PM- EFGH Days
H Block
6:45-7:15 AM

It is always helpful to let me know in advance you are coming to see me during one of the times listed above, but you may still drop in if you do not have a scheduled appointment. Please make an appointment to see me if none of the times listed above are convenient for you.

III. TOOLS

Every student must have:

1. Three-ring binder

2. A PLANNER OR ASSIGNMENT BOOK in which to write all assignments.
IV. EVALUATION

ALL WORK COUNTS TOWARD YOUR GRADE. Your grade will be calculated on a straight point basis. Each assignment you are given will have a specific point value. At the end of the quarter, your total points earned will be divided by the total possible points and the average will constitute your quarter grade.

For instance, if at the end of the quarter, you have earned 435 points out of a possible 510 points given in the quarter , then your average would be 435/510 or an 86 for the quarter.

Typically, there will be four major categories that a grade will fall into and assignments in that category will generally be worth the following amounts of points:

1. Quizzes: 10-20 points

2. Writing Assignments: 100-200 points

3. Tests: 50-100 points

4. Homework and Participation: 10-30 points

5. Class Journal: 50-100 points

*Tests will be announced, quizzes may be unannounced.

**I am willing to discuss your grade with you at any time except directly before or during a class. Please seek me out if you have any questions regarding comments I’ve made on a test, paper, assignment,etc.

As seniors I expect you to take responsibility for yourself and your work, BUT I will call a parent if I feel you are not meeting your responsibilities.

IV. CHEATING

As seniors I would expect that you are familiar with the policies related to any form of cheating. Nevertheless, on average I deal with five cases of plagiarism and cheating each year. You must ALWAYS cite your sources whenever you include information in your essays that is not your own. Refer to the handbook for details regarding the punishments for these offenses.



V. ATTENDANCE

The senior class in any given year almost always accumulates the most absences and tardies. Most colleges these days accept no more than three absences per semester, even if they are excused so GET TO CLASS!!!!

It is essential that you take responsibility for any work missed. You must approach me, NOT at the beginning of class, but when I have the time to address your situation. Usually this means after school or during one of my planning periods(A,D,G).

***Please contact me in advance if you know you are going to be absent from class.

FINALLY...

I will do all that is in my power to help you succeed in this class. When you need help or even think you might, JUST ASK!!!

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