Creative Writing

Harker Heights High School

Course Information: 2014-2015

Mrs. Megan
Whitehead
Email:
Megan.whitehead@killeenisd.org
Conference Time: 6
th

Period
Room #: 2411 Website:
http://mrswhiteheadenglish.weebly.com/
Tutoring: M,W, F
after school

Creative Writing Course Description: This course will require students to write short stories,
poems, drama, and essays as they practice various writing strategies. Students will use the
writing process and develop and apply criteria for self and peer evaluation.

Harker Heights High School has a tradition of excellence in English and this class will be no
exception. My expectations are high, and I am sure that you will strive to meet them.
It is to your benefit to get the most out of this class. I am in my room before and after school.
You are welcome to come and get help with your work ANYTIME!!! Or you can just come in
and hang out so that I can get to know you better. I am really looking forward to having a great
year.

The unread story is not a story; it is little black marks on wood pulp. The reader, reading it,
makes it live: a live thing, a story. - Ursula K. Le Guin

Required Supplies
o 1 inch 3 ring binder with 8 dividers (used ONLY for this class!)
o Black and/or dark blue ink pens and pencils
o Index cards (4x6 and 3x5) and highlighters
o College ruled notebook paper
o 1 folder with pockets
o Composition Book
o Your planner
o Pens in at least 3 different colors (for editing). Gel pens are okay, but they MUST
be dark enough to see (no silver!).
o Basic school supplies
o Silent Reading book (We will go to the library within the few first weeks of
school)
Student Responsibilities and Expectations:
My classroom rules can easily be summed up in three sentences.
1. Allow me to teach. 2. Allow others to learn. 3. Allow yourself to learn.
Creative Writing
Harker Heights High School
Course Information: 2014-2015
In keeping with these three expectations, I have detailed specific expectations and school policies
that will allow you to accomplish these expectations.
Academic Expectations and Procedures
1. Please bring all required materials to class every day unless otherwise stated by Mrs.
Whitehead. You must come to class each day prepared to learn. You will lose your
daily participation points if you come to class without the materials and a good
attitude.

2. Assignments Keep up with your assignments and portfolio. You WILL be graded
on the completion and organization of these items throughout the year.

3. Due Dates - Students will be responsible for checking the board for the days
homework assignment and copying it down in their notebooks/planners.

4. Turning in Homework - You are expected to complete all homework assignments

5. Electronics Cell phones, ipods, and other personal technology are not allowed in the
classroom. If I see one, I will confiscate it and return it at the end of class. There will
be escalating consequences for repeat offences.

6. Materials Students must purchase or acquire their own materials for the class. They
may not borrow from other students. Pencils are available for your use during this
class if needed. They must be returned at the end of class; if not returned, this
privilege will be revoked at Mrs. Whiteheads discretion.

7. Tardies - Students must arrive to class on time, which means they are seated when the
bell rings. Every third tardy will result in detention.

8. Dismissal - Students may not pack up their materials until class is dismissed. Please
note that the teacher (or sub) dismisses the class, not the bell.

9. Finished Early? - If you complete your assignments ahead of others, do not disrupt
anyone else in class. Continue on and complete additional assignments I have given
you. If you are completely caught up, you are expected to use the time to get ahead on
future assignments for this class. If you have completed all assignments, you may
read silently or write.
10. Dont Like Your Grade? If you disagree or you are frustrated with a poor or failing
grade or for any reason, then feel free to come see me during tutoring after school to
see what you can do to resolve the issue or improve your quality of work and results.
I will not address or discuss grades during class time. I am here to help you achieve
success; however, your results are ultimately your responsibility.
Creative Writing
Harker Heights High School
Course Information: 2014-2015

11. Cant Print Your Paper? Computer or printer problems are not an excuse for late
work. You may bring a flash drive and print in the library before class. Please talk to
me if you will be absent the day an assignment is due so we can plan an alternate time
for you to turn it in.

Behavioral Expectations

12. Others Ideas Our classroom will be a safe and effective learning environment. This
means that all opinions and ideas will be heard and respected even if you do not agree
with them. There is zero tolerance for name calling, bullying, or disrespectful
language. Students must treat their classmates ideas with respect and engage in
mature, productive discussion. Together we will create, dream, organize, learn, and
create and occupy new worlds. All opinions, worldviews, ideas, etc. are valid. In
short, be respectful and help us be creative!

13. Others It is expected that you will respect the opinions and property of each of your
classmates.

14. Attitude - Be polite to all peers, teachers, substitute teachers, all staff, and visitors.
Examples are opening doors, greeting people, listening, not interrupting, saying
please and thank you, offering assistance when you see a need and you can meet it,
being patient, being respectful in tone, demeanor and words. Never be defiant and do
not attempt direct confrontation with any school authority.

15. Control Your Life - Accept and own the fact that you are ultimately in control of one
thing in your life: You control what you think. What you think will affect what you
believe, how you act, what you feel, and what you do. Ultimately what you think will
define who you are.

16. Food and Drink Per HHHS Administration, there is no eating or drinking (even
water!) in the classroom.
17. Ownership - This school belongs to us all. Please keep the room clean. When leaving
the room, exit in an orderly fashion and make sure any trash is picked up. Do not
leave paper under your desk.

18. Lavatory/Water Fountain/Random Errands Slake your thirst and use the facilities
between classes or during lunch. In case of emergencies, exceptions may be made on
a case by case basis. You may leave the classroom one at a time and never during
lecture.

Creative Writing
Harker Heights High School
Course Information: 2014-2015


Grading Expectations

Please refer to the district grading policies for full grading procedures. All assignments in this
class will count for 100 points and are weighted as follows:

Formatives= 40% {Examples: Homework, Classwork or Activities, Practice Essays,
Quizzes, etc.}
Summatives= 60% {Examples: Exams, Long-Term Projects, Final Draft Essays, etc.}


MLA Paper Headings and Style
Please use double spaced, Times New Roman, 12 Point Font, 1" Margins on top bottom
and sides. The top of your paper is shown in the example below.

First & Last Name Here Last Name 1
Mrs. Whitehead
English 1 1
st
Period
1 September 2014

Title Here














Creative Writing
Harker Heights High School
Course Information: 2014-2015

To Parents and Students:
Hello! My name is Mrs. Megan Whitehead and I will be your childs English teacher this 2014-
2015 school year. I graduated from Carson-Newman University, a liberal arts school located in the
foothills of the Smokey Mountains in East Tennessee. I have always held a great love for English, and I
cannot wait for this school year to begin!
Though I grew up in east Tennessee, Im enjoying the travel the army affords us: this our second
duty station and my husbands home state. Were thrilled to be here! When not at school, Im quite
content to settle into my couch, cuddled with my two kittens, and drinking a hot cup of tea.
Education is a group effort. Within the school itself, we have hundreds of staff present to be sure
your child receives the best education we can offer. However, we are missing one crucial element: you.
Your involvement in your childs academic life can make all the difference.
I am always available if you feel the need to check on your childs progress. The fastest way to
contact me is via email: megan.whitehead@killeenisd.org. You will be receiving a link to Remind
(formerly Remind101). This site/app allows both you and your child to receive updates and reminders
from me about class, assignments, due dates, etc.
Respect and personal responsibility are key components to the learning process. As such, we ask
that all students and their parents/guardians read and sign this contract. By signing, you acknowledge you
have read and understood the syllabus and expectations for this class.
Thank you in advance for your support and I look forward to working with you!

Megan Whitehead


Parent Name:________________________________Signature:________________________________

If you have an email address: _____________________________________________________

What is the best phone number to reach you? ________________________________________



Student Name:________________________________Signature:________________________________