9th Grade English SyllabusMrs. Cook in Room 1606

Welcome to 9th Grade English! This course is a survey of multi-genre works to examine essential questions. Our class will be expected to read a variety of works on a daily basis and complete a variety of writing projects to build a foundation in reading comprehension, written expression, vocabulary, and grammar. These works will help to build an understanding of literary terms, analysis, and critique.

Course Goals (aligned with the State of Virginia SOL Standards) Standard 9.1 The student will make planned oral presentations independently and in small groups. Standard 9.2 The student will produce, analyze, and evaluate auditory, visual, and written media messages. Standard 9.3 The student will apply knowledge of word origins, derivations, and figurative language to extend vocabulary development in

authentic texts. Standard 9.4 The student will read, comprehend, and analyze a variety of literary texts including narratives, narrative nonfiction, poetry, and

drama. Standard 9.5 The student will read and analyze a variety of nonfiction texts. Standard 9.6 The student will develop narrative, expository, and persuasive writings for a variety of audiences and purposes. Standard 9.7 The student will self- and peer-edit writing for correct grammar, capitalization, punctuation, spelling, sentence structure, and

paragraphing. Standard 9.8 The student will use print, electronic databases, online resources, and other media to access information to create a research

product.

Class Outline and Major WorksFIRST SEMESTER SECOND SEMESTER

QUARTER 1The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

QUARTER 3To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper LeeThe Odyssey by Homer (in textbook)

QUARTER 2Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

QUARTER 4Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare (in textbook)

Required Supplies Pencils A 3-subject notebook with perforated edges (to bring to every class) A composition notebook (to be left in the classroom) A sturdy folder to hold work

Optional Supplies A donation of one box of tissues for the classroom Students are encouraged to purchase their own copies of works not in the provided textbook. Class Expectations: The following expectations are for everyone’s safety and comfort. RESPECT all people and property in the classroom. ADVOCATE for academic and social concerns. Be absolutely honest in all academic and social matters. MOTIVATE. Get involved in classroom activities and discussions. Be in your seat on time, with your materials, ready to learn. SERVE. Be of service to classmates and the greater classroom community. Make a sincere effort to work and learn.

Attendance and Make-Up Policy: If you are absent, your work is due the class period after you return. If you do not have your work, 10% of the total points earned will be subtracted for each class day that an assignment is late. After five class days, the assignment receives 50% of the points earned. After five class days, the material may be turned in for discussion or remediation but will not be accepted for points.

Retakes and Reassessments: Mastery is the attainment of 93% and is the cut-off for the repetition of a unit exam. Students have 1 retake per unit exam. Students receive the higher of the two grades. Remediation must occur before a reassessment takes place. Remediation will not act as a gatekeeper exercise designed to keep students from re-assessing; instead it is a necessary step in preparation for the re-assessment. Therefore, all required remediation must be completed before a reassessment may take place. Remediation and reassessment must take place before 2 weeks have elapsed from the date of the original assessment OR by the end of the next unit of study when appropriate. Teacher and student should agree on a time and place to hold the remediation session(s).

Questions and Policies: Our class fully supports and follows the mission and policies of Riverside High School. Respect, Advocate, Motivate, and Serve should be a part of every learning community. If you ever have a question about any classroom information or policy, please ask. Curiosity is valued, and “why” is an important question.

Contacting Mrs. Cook: You may contact Mrs. Cook by email at stephanie.cook@lcps.org or by the school phone at (703) 554-8900. It may also be helpful to view to information listed on Mrs. Cook’s faculty page located on the Riverside High School site.

I look forward to an outstanding year together!