English I Honors Mr. Broxterman Ms. Barnhill Room 224 bbroxterman@nwlsd.

org Academic Honesty The purpose of this course is to experience and express original, creative ideas. In order to develop a genuine voice as a writer and identity as a learner, students must always complete and turn in their own, best work. It is expected that all students refrain from any kind of academic dishonesty including borrowing other students ideas or plagiarizing any outside sources. The consequence for this behavior according to the CHS Student Code of Conduct is an automatic zero on the assignment and referral to the students administrator. Course Description General- This is the first course offered in the Honors English Program. It is intended for academically advanced freshmen who will study a variety of literary genres as they prepare for future honors classes, AP classes, and college entrance exams by expanding their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills through the study of language arts. The summer reading assignments and a completed writing portfolio are required components of the course. The depth and pacing of the course will challenge academically advanced freshmen and prepare them for future classes in the Honors Program. Writing- The writing section of the Honors Program is the biggest distinction from the advanced classes. Students are required to complete a polished writing portfolio featuring three of the major essays completed throughout the year. At the end of the year, the writing portfolio will reflect a scope of each students academic writing ability. It is a factor taken into account in deciding whether or not a student is ready to proceed to the sophomore honors class. Although there will be additional writing assignments, students should make portfolio requirements their top priority. Students will receive descriptions specific to my class in the near future. Literature- The literature in the class will be arranged by thematic units. Each unit will (1) consist of a variety of texts that in someway approach the units theme. The texts will include short stories, non-fiction, novels, and/or poetry and (2) have a culminating assessment at the end of the unit.

Grammar- Students will cover grammar through weekly grammar specific lessons and by applying that learning to their major writing assignments. Vocabulary- Students in this course will complete weekly vocabulary lessons through the text, Vocabulary Plus for the new SAT. The program is designed to help students begin

to prepare for college entrance exams. Students can expect a bi- weekly ten word unit and test. Participation- Students will begin the class with a participation grade of 80%. Anytime during class when the students are not being formally assessed, such as during a class discussion or small activity, I will track students participation by marking on my clipboard. Grades will move up or down from the initial 80% according to how an individual participates. Active participation is crucial in students understanding and higher level thinking, and I have found this official tracking of participation to be the best way to ensure success. Policies Make-up Work- Students who are absent are responsible for finding out what they missed when they arrive back to school. They will have as many days to make-up the work as they were absent. I know this can be a challenge, but it is imperative in an honors classroom to keep from falling behind. Portfolio- The final portfolio for the class will not be accepted after its due date. If you will not be present at school on its due date, it is expected you will make other arrangements to have assignments complete. Deadlines- Major assignment deadlines are given several weeks in advance, and students are reminded of upcoming important dates. That being stated, students must turn in major assignments on the due date or lose 10% per day up to four days. I will not accept late homework or in-class assignments. Extra Help- I am willing to meet with students before or after school as much as schedule allows. I am typically available between 7-7:30am before school and until 3:40pm after school. Conduct: Students are expected to show respect to me as a teacher as I will respect them. They also will show respect to each other at all times within my classroom. If a student disrupts the learning in class: 1. I will call parents/guardians. 2. If continued I will assign a detention. 3. If no change occurs after steps one and two, or if behavior calls for it I will write a discipline slip and send the student to his or her administrator. Ten Ten Rule- No student is permitted in the hallway the first ten minutes or last ten minutes of the bell. Materials: Every student is expected to bring a binder to class everyday (no more than 1). They should also have a supply of loose-leaf paper and a writing utensil (blue or black ink pen, pencil). I recommend finding a spot for the vocabulary book within your binders as well. Finally, students need to bring the appropriate class texts (textbook or novel).

Grade Breakdown Progress will be tracked through the year and unit using 4 point scales. These scales are measurements of growth only, and they will not affect grades. 30% Writing 25% Tests 10% Homework/Classwork 10% Participation 15% Exams 10% Projects/Summer Assignment Parent Contact Information Dear Parents, There are several ways I can be contacted here at school. First, you are welcome to access my voicemail at 385-6424 (ext. 2059). For a typically quicker response, email me at bbroxterman@nwlsd.org. Finally, you will be able to check your students grades online using progessbook.com. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns. I look forward to meeting each of you, and I am excited about a new and challenging school year. Sincerely, Mr. Anthony Broxterman and Ms. Maddie Barnhill PLEASE RETURN by: Friday, Sept. 6th PARENT/GUARDIAN CONTACT INFORMATION Name: Address: Phone: Email: Sign x_________________________________