Ms. Christy Boas

boasc@issaquah.wednet.edu

Hours for “Conferences”/Additional Help:

6:45 – 7:25am, end of 2nd period – 1:15pm

Course Objectives:

The goals of English to expand your reading comprehension and writing skills.  We will do this through:

• Refining the writing process using a variety of forms
• Experiencing literature through critical analysis of theme, plot, and character development
• Using critical thinking skills, specifically in problem solving and research strategies
• Evaluating and synthesizing nonfiction reading
• Creating quality written and oral products that show clear, organized and developed thinking
• Expanding vocabulary skills

Materials:

You will need paper and writing utensils EVERY DAY.

You will need to purchase a spiral or bounded notebook (at least 70 pages)

Grades are Cumulative:

Points will be accumulated over the course of the session.  Grades will be updated on Skyward frequently.  Grade discrepancies must be addressed before the next test or project or else the grade stands. 

A         93.00-100%                   C          73.00-76.99%

A-        90.00-92.99%                C-        70.00-72.99%

B+        87.00-89.99%                D+       67.00-69.99%

B          83.00-86.99%                D         60.00-66.99%

B-         80.00-82.99%                F          59.99% & below

C+        77.00-79.99%

Attendance:

Since we will cover a lot of material each day, you will need to be in class every single day to be successful.  On the 4th absence, excused or unexcused, you will be dropped from the class.  An absence is considered arriving 5 minutes and 1 second late or more to class or returning from break.  A tardy is considered arriving 1 second to 5 minutes late to class or returning from break.  When you receive 3 tardies they are counted as an absence.

Classroom Expectations:

• Be respectful when talking to your classmates and teacher.
• Raise your hand and wait to be acknowledged before speaking.
• All electronics should be put away.
  • If you use your cell phone or iPod/listening device or your cell phone goes off in class, I will keep your cell phone or iPod/listening device until the end of class.  On a second offense, I will keep your cell phone or iPod/listening device until the end of the next day’s class (yes this even means Friday to Monday).  On the third and subsequent offences, I will turn your cell phone or iPod/listening device over to the administration.
• Drinks are allowed provided they do not disrupt learning and ALL trash is thrown away.  (NO GUM or FOOD)

Academic Integrity:

Demonstrating academic integrity is paramount to students’ success in this course.  Any form of cheating, including plagiarism, is an attempt by a student to show a level of skill that is not a true reflection or her/her own mental capacity.

Plagiarism (using someone else’s words or ideas without properly acknowledging one's source) of any type will not be tolerated.  “Someone else’s words or ideas” may come from a professional source, an electronic resource or another student.    Violations of academic integrity also include any unauthorized use or discussion of tests or answer keys, or other methods of obtaining answers.

General

Turning in Work:

• All work must be turned in neatly in the designated area.
• Your work will be considered on time if:
  • It is in the correct format
  • Turned in within the first 5 minutes of the class period

Outside Reading:

You will be required to read 350 pages by Wednesday, August 5th.

After you have finished your book you will be required to write a one page paper—details forthcoming.  This paper will be due on Friday, August 7th.

Day Planner:

You are required to keep an updated day planner in your notebook.  Ms. Boas will provide a calendar or you my provide your own.

As required by the district, this day planner is part of your grade.

Curriculum:

English 9/10 will consist of:

Literature Analysis

Creative Writing

Essay Writing and the Writing Process

Vocabulary Comprehension

Research Skills and MLA Format

Figurative Language Elements

Plus so much more J

Ms. Boas’ Pet Peeves

#1 – do not line up at the door at the end of class.  If activities in the classroom end early, stay seated until I dismiss you.

#2 – speaking without raising your hand.  Please raise your hand to be acknowledged, do not shout out.

#3 – badmouthing of any kind.  If you have issues with fellow students, me, an assignment, etc. talk to me directly.

Bell Schedule:   1st Period:  7:30-10:00 (break 8:30-8:35); 2nd Period:  10:10-12:40 (break 11:15-11:20)