English II Syllabus

Mrs. T. Townsel
2014-2015
Contact info: Mrs. Traci Townsel Email: lemonstd@scsk12.org 901-416-3000 Ex. 84246
Welcome to English II!!
In this course you will be reading, writing, thinking, creating, speaking, interacting, and above
all, learning. We will be building on the skills you developed last year and exploring some really
great pieces of literature. I am excited about the year ahead and look forward to an incredible
classroom experience with you! The ultimate goal for each student is to become a well-rounded
individual with character and integrity.
Primary Learning Goals:
By the end of the school year, students will:
Learn to appreciate literature by reading aesthetically
Analyze, compare and evaluate various works of literature read between the lines;
Understand that effective authors of fiction, nonfiction and poetry carefully consider their
stylistic choices as they pertain to purpose and audience
Discern and analyze the rhetorical strategies authors employ and consider applying some of
these strategies to enhance their own writing when appropriate;
Demonstrate serious engagement with the readings through close reading and analytical
writing;
Participate in active class analytical discussions / seminars;
Express analysis and practice writing skills through academic writing assignments and in-class
essays;
Express themselves through creative writing and free writing;
Apply steps of the writing process as they write;
Apply spelling, proofreading, basic grammatical and editing skills to augment their writing;
Continue to develop sophisticated sentence structures and syntax subordination and
coordination:
Demonstrate knowledge of the basic design and types of multi-paragraph essays;
Transcend the five-paragraph essay form;
Improve their vocabulary skills primarily in the context of the literature;
Develop and apply the study and research skills necessary for academic success;
Develop and apply oral and presentation skills;
Develop and apply listening skills;
Demonstrate their comprehension of the material through regularly scheduled quizzes and tests
Develop test-taking skills through multiple-choice quizzes and constructed responses

*STUDENTS WILL USE THESE LEARNING GOALS TO SUCCESSFULLY GAIN
PROFICIENT/ADVANCED STATUS ON THE ENGLISH II END-OF-COURSE EXAM*

Expectations:

Respect: The basis for all success, both in this classroom and in the larger community, this
classroom is a place where all individuals (students and teacher) will feel safe to express
themselves. For this sense of safety and the dignity that comes with it to exist, students are
expected to demonstrate mature, thoughtful choices that exhibit an understanding of their desire
to be respected along with the desire of all others in the classroom to be respected. This is a
must.

Safety & Tolerance: There is no doubt that others may have differing beliefs, ideas, and desires
from your own. Part of being a mature individual is the demonstration of tolerance and
recognition of the diversity of these differences. No individual shall demean or exclude any
other individual in this classroom. For this to be a safe environment for all, every individual will
feel comfortable with their own ideas and beliefs.

Participation: Part of your grade is based on your contribution to the class. I expect that every
student will have meaningful and thought provoking ideas to share that help foster a community
of learners. You and what you have to say is important, be sure to express yourself. This also
means, being here and being on time.

Plagiarism: Simply put, do not do it. If work is plagiarized, that work will receive a zero.
Parents or guardians will be notified along with the administration.

Cell Phones: I expect all students to be aware of the school cell phone policy and to adhere to it.
You are not to be using cell phones in class at all, for any reason. If I see it or hear it or are aware
that you are using it, I will ask for the phone.



Classroom Rules:

Be on time for class. If the door is closed, you need to seek an admit from the D building
office. 2 tardies= S in conduct and phone call home. 3 tardies= N in conduct, referral to
the office and another phone call home.
Be prepared for class. Have the supplies needed for class every day.
Be respectful to your teacher and students in the class. Therefore NO CHECKING, NO
HITTING/FIGHTING, or invading/violating someones personal space.
Stay in your lane! Practice speaking when spoken to.
Be open to learning!! Education is about building a wealth of knowledge.


Dont and NO NOs!

DO NOT PLEASE DO NOT:
DO NOT STAND IN MY DOOR.
DO NOT INTERRUPT ME WHILE IM SPEAKING
DO NOT TAKE ANYTHING OFF OF MY DESK OR PERSONAL AREA
DO NOT YELL ACROSS THE ROOM
DO NOT SPEAK OUT OF TURN
DO NOT LAUGH WHILE PEOPLE ARE READING
DO NOT USE YOUR CELL PHONE
DO NOT JUMP UP WHEN THE BELL RINGS. I DISMISS YOU, NOT THE BELL
DO NOT BE INSUBORDINATE. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS THAT YOU ARE
GIVEN
DO NOT USE PROFANITY
DO NOT SHARPEN YOUR PENCIL OR WALK THE FLOOR WHILE IM TALKING
DO NOT CHEAT
DO NOT EAT OR DRINK

Things to Practice:

Raise your hand to speak
Ask for permission to leave the room
Wait for my signal for dismissal
Stay on task to complete all assignments
Make wise choices!
It is the expectation that students display a higher level of maturity at all times

Supplies:

2 spiral notebooks (college rule) Highlighters Pencils
Pens (black/blue) Folder w/prongs Pocket dictionary
Loose leaf paper (college rule) Flash drive Pocket Thesaurus

Grading Scale:

Classwork: 20%
Homework: 10%
Tests/Quizzes/Projects: 20%
EOC Prep/Participation: 5%
Essays: 15%
Journals: 15%
Quarter Exam: 15%

Makeup work Policy:

Students who have a documented excuse absence may request makeup work. Students must
request the work once they return to school. After three days, students must turn in the makeup
work to receive a grade or if the work is not requested nor returned, the student will earn a grade
of 0 for the missed assignments.


Conduct: (based on a 9 week grading period)

E= NO INFRACTIONS

S= 1-2 INFRACTIONS

N= 3-4 INFRACTIONS

U= 5 OR MORE INFRACTIONS

Possible infractions: (but not limited to) tardy to class, eating or drinking, sleeping, cheating,
being insubordinate, fighting, using profanity, being disrespectful




By signing this form, _________________(parent) and ___________(student) understand the
English II syllabus.


PARENT SIGNATURE_____________________________________________________
STUDENT SIGNATURE____________________________________________________