English I Syllabus and Class Policies

Course Big Idea: Write to find your voice & make a PMC.

Course English 1: A2/B2 & A3/B3
Teachers Ms. Bowdy and Ms. Wong
Email
Ms. Bowdy: mbowdy@uiccollegeprep.org
Ms. Wong: cwong@uiccollegeprep.org
Course
Overview

We are
writers.
Welcome to Freshmen English. This class will be a writing workout! Everyday,
you will be pushed to improve your grammar and writing skills. You will work
hard to develop a toolbox of writing strategies while exploring the theme of
Know Yourself. Expect to write and share your work every single day. Since
we come from different backgrounds and hold unique perspectives, sharing our
writing will help us learn and grow together. You WILL become a stronger
writer through daily practice, participation, and reflection.

1. What is ONE thing that you will expect from this course?
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________

Course
Goals

We take risks
and work
together to
improve.
It is our hope that at the end of the year, you can proudly state:

- I grew 4.0 points on the English portion of the EPAS.
- I scored an average of 80% mastery on English College Readiness
Standards on my interim and class assessments.
- I became a stronger writer because of my hard work in English class.

2. Think about a goal you set for yourself in the past year and achieved. Who
or what helped you reach your goal?
______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

Big Ideas

Writing is an
important
process.

Course Big Ideas: Write to find your voice & make a PMC.

Words Serve A Purpose
Sentences Follow Patterns
Paragraphs Support One Main Idea
Essays Connect Multiple Ideas


Class
Values &
Norms

I am a valued
member of our
class
community.

UICCP Core Values: Excellence, Grit, Optimism, and Teamwork

3. Which value(s) do you
demonstrate most often?
4. Which value(s) do you expect to
use most often in English class?












Class
Expectations





We are Noble.

The #1 Rule: RESPECTyourself, your teachers, our classroom, and other
peoples opinions, work, possessions, and personalities.

Follow the UICCP Code of Conduct BE NOBLE.
Be engaged at all times. In this room, we work from bell to bell and value
hard work (i.e., GRIT) during each step of the writing process.
Be on time and prepared for class. On time = you are working on the Do
Now beforethe bell rings.
Be SMART. This is how we show respect and demonstrate that we are
ready to learn every minute of every day.
Take personal responsibility for the use and care of technology


What are other expectations can we add?




Required
Materials

We are
prepared to learn
everyday.

1 '' Binder labeled English with 5 Dividers, Pens, Mechanical Pencils,
Composition Notebook, Highlighter, Independent Reading Book (or Book
of Choice)

Bring ALL required materials to English class everyday.

What is the consequence for not coming to class prepared?
__________________________________________________________

What if I have all my materials but I am not working in my seat when the bell
rings? ___________________________________________

Office Hours

My ability
grows with
effort.


All students are welcome; students who have a C average or lower are
strongly encouraged to attend.

What do I work on in Office Hours to improve my grade?
- Homework and writing assignments
- Quiz corrections to improve English CRS mastery
- Journal prompts for writing practice
- Independent Reading for Extra Credit

Quiz
Students will not be allowed to retake quizzes. Any student is welcome to do
quiz corrections to earn back points. Students who receive below an 80% on a


Retake &
Makeup
Policy

My ability
grows with
effort.


quiz are required to do mandatory quiz corrections. These corrections must be
turned in during class the Thursday following the quiz. Failure to turn in
mandatory quiz corrections will result in a LaSalle.

Students who miss quiz days due to absences must make up the quiz within a
week of returning to school. Students must e-mail Ms. Bowdy or Ms. Wong to
set up an appointment to take a quiz missed due to absence.
Late Work
Policy

My ability
grows with
effort.

Homework:
- Incomplete or missing homework assignments = LaSalle.
- All LaSalles must be served on the day of the missing or incomplete
assignment. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS. Missing LaSalle =
detention.
- If you bring the completed missing assignment to class the next class
period and have it open to be checked with your daily homework, you
will receive points back.
- If you are absent, it is YOUR responsibility to check our class
website or email us for missed work. You should have the homework
complete from the last day you were present when you return to class.

Genre Writing Assignments: You must have major assignments with you in
class the day they are due. You will receive 5 points off the total grade if it is
turned in at the end of the day it is due, and an additional 5 points off the total
grade for each additional class day it is late. No late assignments will be
accepted after one week from the original due date no exceptions!

Academic
Integrity &
Plagiarism

I have high
expectations for
myself and for
my peers.

We endorse and enforce all school rules on cheating and plagiarism (copying
somethingeven one sentence or ideaand claiming it as your own work). It takes
academic integrity to take ownership over your own learning. Be Noble. Examples of
academic dishonesty that will result in a minimum of 8 demerits include but are not
limited to: sharing answers on any class or homework assignment or quiz, putting your
name on writing that wholly or partially belongs to another author, and using unfair
advantage (prohibited materials or extra time) to cheat on any assessment. Academic
dishonesty also includes being dishonest to a teacher about plagiarism and/or cheating.


Questions? Come see me!







Grading
Categories

Homework: Article Study homework packets will be distributed at the end of each week.
Specific assignments regarding the article will be due each day of the week and checked for
completion. Homework assignments will be collected at random for a grade.













I am confident
in my ability to
succeed.

Writing Process Points: Students will earn points for milestones in the writing process
including but not limited to: Outlines, Source Checks, Drafts, and Peer Edits.
Genre Writing Assignments: Often worth 100 points per paper, these assignments will
be modeled, practiced, shared, and published in class. Completing each step of the assignment
will be critical to your success.
Quizzes & Tests: Friday grammar quizzes assess your learning each week.
Projects/Presentations: Expect 1-2 group projects or presentations per quarter.
Presentation grades could include you publishing your writing to class or in an English Town
Hall.
Interims: Multiple-choice tests given quarterly to assess your progress in CRS standards.
Final Exam: Cumulative exam taken at the end of each semester.
Explore: A standardized, ACT-aligned test that is taken at the end of your freshman year.

Grades are earned, not given. We calculate grades by taking total points
earned out of total points possible. Grades are weighted by how many
points they are worth. For example, daily homework is worth 2 points per
assignment, while long-term assignments like essays are worth 100 points.


Technology
Pledge








Our class will be endeavoring to use technology in new and exciting ways.
With these new opportunities comes new responsibility. We ask that you and
your parents sign and agree to this pledge along with the rest of the syllabus.

I promise to act with INTEGRITY always
I promise to ask and offer help
I promise to see mistakes as learning opportunities
I promise to keep an open mind
I promise to be aware of my electronic footprint
I promise to grow as a learner, reader, and writer
I promise to make the most of this opportunity

I understand that any behavior deemed irresponsible or inappropriate for
school computer use by my teacher(s) will receive disciplinary actions
according to the UICCP Student Handbook. I pledge to uphold the above
expectations each day in English class.

Student Signature:

Parent/Guardian Signature:

Instructor Signature:








I have read and fully understand the procedures, expectations, and grading policy of Ms. Bowdy
and Ms. Wongs English I course. I will make every effort throughout the school year to
positively contribute to the objectives of our class and ask questions if/when I am confused about
my role as a student in English class.

Student Name (Print): _________________________________________

Student Signature: ____________________________________________Date: ___________


Parent/Guardian Name (Print): __________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: _____________________________________Date: ___________


Please I nclude:

Parent/Guardian Email Address: __________________________________________ AND/OR

Phone Number: __________________________________________

Other important contact information or preference regarding contact: