Important Info

English I - Honors
Course Description and Syllabus

Mr. Christopher Rovente
Union Academy
2016-2017
Office/Tutoring Hours: Mon & Tue 3:00-4:00 pm or by appointment

 

Course Description
In Honors English I, we as a class will focus on the elements of specific genres in literature. The genre focus introduces students to the elements and characteristics of each of the four major genres: short story, nonfiction, poetry, and drama. Also included in the genre focus are specific elements of exploring the epic and science fiction/fantasy. The emphasis in Honors English I is a critical analysis of texts through reading, writing, speaking, listening, and media use. Students should and will be able to express themselves in class with clarity and justification, and will experience techniques of literature that will enhance and challenge their thought processes.

 

Class Rules
1. All Union Academy rules are enforced in class.
2. Students must be in their seats and prepared to begin class when the bell rings. 
3. Fair is NOT always equal
4. Respect is a critical aspect of my class; respect the teacher, yourselves, and your peers.
5. The teacher, not the bell dismisses the class. Class will not be dismissed until the room is back in order, books are put away, and there is no garbage on the floors or desks.
6. Good or bad, everyone has an opinion; learn to appreciate that.

 

Grading Policy

Homework – 10%

  • Articles of the Week
  • Various small assignments throughout the year.

Classwork – 40 %

  • Poems of the Day
  • Grammar and Vocabulary Work
  • Notebook Work

Assessments – 50%

  • Quizzes (1x)
  • Tests (2x)
  • Projects
  • Essays

 

Supplies:

  • Fully charged Chromebook 
  • Google Drive “English” folder containing “English Notebook” file that has been shared with me
  • Pencils and blue or black pens (no red)
  • Highlighter(s)
  • Reading passages, novels, or the textbook (when required)  *When in doubt, bring it!

 

Late Work:

As part of the character education program, it is imperative that students learn the value of task completion. Students also need to learn that the value in completing assignments is found in the learning that takes place as a result. Therefore, this policy has been developed in order to encourage students to complete assignments each quarter even if they have to submit the assignment late. Students will receive a zero for missing work until the assignment is submitted, and the grade they receive will be impacted as seen below.

Honors Courses

  • 1 Day Late: (-20) 80% is Best
  • 2+ Days Late: (-40) 60% is Best
  •  End of Grading Period: 0

CP Courses

  • 1 Day Late: (-20) 80% is Best
  • 2 Days Late: (-30) 70% is Best
  • 3+ Days Late: (-40) 60% is Best
  • End of Grading Period: 0

Policy implementation

  • Student work is to be submitted on time according to each individual teacher’s instructions.
  • Graded work not submitted on time is reduced according to the policy
  •  A student who fails to submit an assignment on time may be assigned a time to complete the work during lunch or after/before school. Students with excessive incomplete work will be assigned In School Suspension until the work is completed.

 

Honors Course Parameters

As part of our efforts to challenge students with rigorous courses in high school, it is policy that all Honors level courses in High school will include the following parameters.

  1. Students will complete a minimum of two research assignments per year that will include course appropriate research steps and the proper citing of sources. Math courses will only require one research assignment.
  2. Retests and corrections will only be allowed when deemed necessary by the teacher.
  3. Completion Grades will count for no more than 10% of the overall grade.

 

Contact Info

It is very important to me as an educator to be actively involved with my students and their parent/guardian. I am extremely receptive and encourage parent contact at any point throughout the school year. You can reach me at school via telephone at (704) 238-8883 ext. 654 or through my e-mail crovente@unionacademy.org Please do not hesitate to contact me at any point concerning student issues.

 

Final Thoughts

Leave the excuses at the door!
If you did not do your work, just admit it.
If you did not understand the assignment, ask for help.
If you did not study for the test, accept the grade and resolve to do better (with my help if necessary) next time.
If you refuse to follow my rules, accept the consequences.
Failure is not an option. I will not allow you to choose failure.

Be aware that my classroom is MY classroom. It is not a democracy.

I am here --
TO TEACH YOU
TO ENCOURAGE AND INSPIRE YOU
TO HELP YOU GROW

I will do my part. The rest is up to you.