Course Description
In this course, we will read, write, and analyze a variety of text in order to “connect with the written word as a pathway to self-exploration and a broader global perspective,” as stated in the State of Idaho’s Curriculum Guide.
Attendance
Students are expected to arrive to all classes by the time the tardy bell rings. If you make coming late a habit, detention will be assigned and Mr. Carter will be notified. You have only ONE free tardy. After this tardy is used, you will receive 20 minutes of detention for the second tardy, 40 for the third, and so on for each tardy. After five tardies, you will be sent to Mr. Carter and your parents will be notified.
For any unexcused absences after the allotted six, assignments will not be allowed to be made up.
Course Requirements
The student is expected to successfully complete and hand in assignments on time. These should be typewritten, word processed, or neatly handwritten as advised by the teacher.
Neatness, spelling, and grammar will be taken into account in grading individual assignments.
All tests will be announced two or three days in advance. In addition to test scores, the student will be graded on daily (or other) assignments, attendance, and participation in class discussions and activities.
Required Materials for the Course:
Students are expected to report to class on time and be prepared for class. They will need the following items:
1. college ruled, loose leaf paper
2. 1-2 spiral notebooks to be turned in
3. a blue or black ink pen, and a red pen
4. one 3-ring binder
Students who come to class unprepared (without book, paper, or writing implements) will receive a zero for that day. Students will not be allowed to leave class to get materials!
Late Work Policy
For full credit, work must be turned in when the assignment is due. Work turned in the next day will be graded down by two grades. Daily assignments, however, cannot be turned in late, except in the case of an absence that was excused.
Make-up Work Due to Illness, Funerals, and School-Connected Activities
Students will be responsible for obtaining class notes and assignments. Students will be given two (2) days for each day of excused absence to make up work missed. This includes tests and written assignments. If the test or written assignment is not made up within the allotted time, a zero will be entered into the grade book and the student will not be allowed to make up the test or written assignment.
Grades
Grades will be based on a 100% scale grading system:
90% - 100% A
80% - 89% B
70% - 79% C
60% - 69% D
59% and below F
Tests/quizzes = 30% of your grade
Behavior = 20% of your grade
Notebook/notes = 30% of your grade
Daily assignments/projects = 20% of your grade
Hall Passes
A student has five (5) opportunities to use the hall pass located in the student handbook. This includes bathroom privileges, office meetings (unless requested by the office or the counselors) and locker privileges. Library passes will also be included under hall passes unless library time is assigned specifically by the teacher. You MUST have your student agenda to be able to use a hall pass. It must be filled out completely prior to the signing of it. DON’T ASK TO LEAVE IF YOU DON’T HAVE AN AGENDA!!
Behavior Points
Every day in class, a student will be awarded 5 behavior points (25 points per week, 300 points per trimester). This is equal to THREE test grades. Every time I have to remind you to write in your journal, sit down, stop talking, etc., a point will be taken away. Any kind of misbehavior will warrant the loss of all of one’s daily points. These will be entered into the gradebook every Friday. If you have earned less than half of your points for that week, your parents will be contacted to discuss further action.
Classroom
There will be no writing on the desks, vandalism of school or personal property, or throwing of objects in the classroom. These violations will be dealt with on an individual basis by the teacher and the administration. Cell phones, pagers, MP3 Players, and/or any other electronic devices are NOT ALLOWED in class. If you choose to use these during class time, they will be taken and given to Mr. Carter – no questions asked!
