ENGLISH II PRE-AP SYLLABUS

CHHS 2014-2015


Ms. Elizabeth Ellis
elizabeth.ellis@gcisd.net Room B208
@msellischhs Office hours daily 8:00-8:30am
817-305-4700 ext. ________ or by appointment


Course Description
English II Pre-AP following the Springboard Level 5 curriculum focuses on the theme of
culture and how our personal cultures help to shape us as individuals. This year we will
explore cultural identity through texts written from different cultural perspectives. We
will also look at how different cultures view justice and how cultural clashes often lead
to conflict in the world. Additionally, we will enhance our vocabulary, grammar, and
writing skills, to prepare for STAAR/EOC, SAT/ACT, and future AP testing. Through
reading various genres of texts and practicing multiple modes of writing, students will
become stronger communicators and interactive global citizens.


Materials (to be brought to class every day)
Journal (college ruled) for English ONLY
Folder/Binder
Pen/pencil
Personal novel
Required texts


Behavior Expectations
With appropriate, positive behavior, the classroom becomes an environment of success.
The following behavioral expectations are in place to ensure this:

Students will
Be prepared for class with necessary materials
Pay attention and follow directions obediently
Take responsibility for their actions
BE RESPECTFUL
Any behavior that does not align with these expectations will not be tolerated and will
be asked to end during a student/teacher conference. Continuing this behavior will
result in a 30-minute detention, followed next by a parent/teacher conference. Further
disciplinary issues will be handled according to CHHS policy.


Tardies
Students that desire to succeed as young adults should practice punctuality and
effective time management. The first tardy will result in a verbal warning, the second
tardy will result in a 15 minute detention. If tardies persist, the situation will be dealt
with according to CHHS policy.


Grading
Grades will be posted on Skyward. Each Monday grades will be routed and students will
be asked to sign off on their grades to maintain accuracy and awareness. Grades will
be calculated in the following way:

40% Minor Grades Formative Assessments
60% Major Grades Summative Assessments

Points Beyond The Possible may be earned throughout the year by completing tasks
offered by Ms. Ellis thoroughly and sincerely. A student will only by awarded points if
they have already earned possible points (no zeroes).

Grade-related disputes or questions for any major assignment must follow the 24-Hour
Policy. I ask that students not dispute or question a grade until 24 hours after the grade
is given (in person) and may only be discussed during a scheduled appointment with
Ms. Ellis. Reassessment process for failed summative assessments will follow the CHHS
policy.


Absent/Late/Missing Assignments
Unexcused missing assignments will be noted by a 0 on Skyward. Excused (absent)
missing assignments will be noted by a * on Skyward. For details on which assignments
you missed, please look at the assignments posted on the class website or the details
posted on Skyward.


Following CHHS policy, students will be allowed one late (formative) assignment per six
weeks and which cannot earn more than a 70%. Late work will only be accepted within
one week of the original due date.

Known absences should be discussed in advance with Ms. Ellis. Students are
responsible for any make-up work. Handouts can be found in the Absent Work hanging
folder. Students have as many days as were absent +1 to complete all missed
assignments. If an assignment was assigned before the absence, it will be due the day
the student returns. Credit will only be given if the assignment is turned in with an
absent work slip attached.


Academic Honesty
The English Language Arts Department at Colleyville Heritage High School expects that
all work turned in is the students own work. This bans all forms plagiarism and cheating
including copying; cutting and pasting; presenting collaborative work as independent
work; fabricating data, information and sources; and failing to use proper citations. After
any infraction, the assignments grade will be adjusted accordingly, parents will be
notified, and the situation will be dealt with according to CHHS policy.


Personal Electronic Devices
Personal electronic devices (cell phones, mp3 players, tablets, laptops, e-readers, etc.)
are allowed in class (even encouraged!) unless they elicit distracting or disruptive
behavior. If this occurs, the student will be asked to put away the device for the
remainder of the period. If the problem persists, the device will be taken up by Ms. Ellis
for the remainder of the period. Refusal to turn in devices is insubordination and will
result in disciplinary action according to CHHS policy.

To prevent disruption and encourage student participation, devices are to be silenced
and headphones are not allowed unless otherwise instructed.




The more you read, the more you know, the more things you will learn, the more
places you will go Dr. Seuss

Resources

Ms. Ellis Class Website
http://msellischhs.weebly.com



Vocabulary
http://membean.com/



MLA/Grammar Reference
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/



Springboard Online
https://springboard.collegeboard.org/SB/login.action