Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s) and Student,

Welcome to English with Mrs. Amy Cooper. I am looking forward to teaching your child English this year. The following procedures and policies of this class will help you/your child have a successful semester.

COURSE OVERVIEW:

In tenth grade English Language Arts Common Core course, students study literature from around the world: Russian literature; Asian literature; African and Middle Eastern literature; and Latin American literature. Each unit allows for close study of literary works, as well as consideration of historical and cultural context. The units focus not only on geographical regions, but also on themes and literary forms that pertain to them. Thus students come to grasp the relationship between local concerns and universal questions. They become aware of the authors’ views of literature itself—its forms, peculiarities, language, and relationship to reality. Throughout the year, students take part in seminars, write essays, and deliver speeches. Having read literature from a variety of cultures, they are ready to embark on eleventh grade and the study of American literature.

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT PLAN

I believe classroom management is the key component in any educational setting. I believe that if students are in a safe environment, then learning can take place. Having the right environment for all students to learn is my major goal of implementing good classroom management--without it the students would not be able to learn.

CLASSROOM PROCEDURES AND EXPECTATIONS:

1.     Be in your seat and ready to work when the tardy bell rings.

2.     Attend to personal needs before coming to class.

3.     Bring required materials to class every day.

4.     Do not leave your desk without permission.

5.     No eating or drinking allowed in class.

6.     No snoozing or sleeping during class.

7.     Absolutely no cell phones out during class.

a.     1^st offense: Cell phone taken during class.

b.     2^nd offense: Cell phone confiscated until the end of the day. Pink slip.

c.     3^rd offense: Cell phone must be picked up by a parent. Referral.

8.     No headphones whatsoever unless it is for educational purposes.

9.     Show respect and courtesy toward the teacher, your classmates, and yourself; keep your hands and feet to yourself, do not bother the belongings of others, and do not interfere with other students’ learning.

10. Follow all teacher directions

11. Do your best!!!

12. Have a positive attitude!!!

13. Follow ALL Gates County High School rules and regulations as outlined in the student handbook.

Dress Code Violation Warning:

If you are a student in my first period class, please know that I will be checking for dress code violations every morning. If you are not abiding by the dress code, please know that you will be sent out.

Student Initials:_______________________

Parent Initials:_______________________

CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLATION OF REGULATIONS:

1. Verbal Warning

2. Phone call to parent

3. The student will be removed from class (pink slip)

4. If offense continues or is a severe offense, the student will receive a write up and the offense will be handled according to Gates County High School student handbook.

By implementing a classroom management plan, I hope to create an environment that is conducive to learning and involves all my students.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

1. To receive credit for an assignment, it must be turned in on the day it is due. No homework will be accepted late.

2. If you are absent, it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to check with the teacher to see what you need to do to make up missed work.

ABSENCES:

It is the student’s responsibility to get any missed assignment due to a lawful absences; the student will have three (3) days to make arrangements for any such assignments before given a grade of zero (0).

Quizzes and tests missed for a lawful absence can be made up after school or during lunch; however, it is the student’s responsibility to schedule the make up date.

Students missing more than ten (10) days in a semester will be unable to make up assignments from an unlawful absence unless arrangements are made to schedule seat time within two weeks of the unlawful absence.

MEANS OF EVALUATION:

Tests, Projects, Presentations ------40%

Quizzes, Vocabulary ------30%

Classwork, Homework ------20%

Participation ------10%

According to new state guidelines, this year students in all grade levels and subject areas may be required to complete a measurement of student learning (MSL) assessment at the end of course.

TEXTBOOKS:

McDougal Littell, The Language of Literature

McDougal Littell, Language Network

Supplementary Readings

REQUIRED MATERIAL:

3 Subject Notebook/Single Subject Notebooks, loose-leaf paper, pen, pencils, highlighter, and dictionary (for home use).

PARENT(S)/GUARDIAN(S) NOTE:

Parent/Guardian, you may schedule a conference with me during my planning block or from 3:00-3:30 by telephoning the school at 357-0720 ext. 245 My planning block is 3^rd Block from 11:30-1:20. You may also visit our class at any time. Please sign in at the front office and someone will direct you to us.

Your child should bring home a progress report or report card every 3 weeks. If you have questions about the exact dates, please call the school.

Please read carefully your child’s student handbook, especially policies regarding dress code, tardy and attendance, and behavior/discipline.

This letter has been discussed with your child, but I would appreciate it if you would review it with him/her before singing and returning. We appreciate your cooperation.

Thank you for your support!

Amy Cooper

Student Signature:

Parent Signature:

Address & Phone Number