Lee County High School 9th Grade Campus

Class Syllabus 2015-2016

Course: Honors Ninth Grade Literature and Composition
Instructor: Kimberly Burtt
Text: Elements of Literature, Third Course
Replacement Cost: $63.00
I. Course Description/ Educational Philosophy
This course is designed to give freshman a strong foundation on which to build during their high school years.
There will be a great emphasis placed on improving student understanding of grammar, writing, research, and
vocabulary. The basics of all genres are emphasized. Literary terms and techniques are identified in works of
literature and explained in a combination of teacher-focused and student-focused activities. Writing skills and
techniques are emphasized and developed by students writing all year on a variety of topics and styles.
Instruction is student focused incorporating written and oral reports, presentations of projects created, peer
evaluation of written work, peer critique of presentations, and peer tutorials. Students should also be prepared
to work with partners and/or in groups. Students should come to class well rested and prepared to learn.
Students are expected to obey classroom rules. The course curriculum for this course will be based on the
CCGPS standards. Complete description of these standards can be accessed at www.georgiastandards.org.

II. Course Goals/ Objectives

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Students will improve their reading level through in-class and outside readings.
Students will improve their vocabulary skills through weekly student-based activities.
Students will improve writing proficiency by emphasizing the various types of writing, the writing process
and grammar.
Students will gain a respect for literature by being introduced to a variety of authors and selections as well
as be encouraged to comprehend, analyze and synthesize information from a variety of genres.
Students will learn that literature is a reflection of life.
Students will develop critical thinking, organizing and communicating skills.

III. Major Course Units

The English curriculum is divided into 4 units. Here is a brief overview of what is covered in
each unit. Note: Grammar, sentence structure, mechanics, and vocabulary are continuously
taught within each unit and throughout the year. Connecting nonfiction articles to all genres and
content is done in each unit. Essays and other forms of writing are on-going in all units as well.
Unit One
Theme: The Heros Journey
Major Text: The Odyssey
Out of Class Novel: To Kill a Mockingbird* by
Harper Lee
Unit Two
Theme: Defining Courage
Major Text: The Book Thief*
Out of Class Novel: The Glass Castle* by
Jeannette Walls
Unit Three
Theme: Fate
Major Text: Romeo and Juliet
Out of Class Novel: Ethan Frome* by Edith

Wharton
Unit Four
Theme: The Importance of Place in Life and
Literature
Major Text: Tale of Two Cities
Out of Class Novel: Anthem by Ayn Rand
*Due to very limited quantities available in the
school library, purchase of these books is
required.

Course Requirements/Rules:
1.

Students will be responsible for coming to class prepared each day. Students are required to follow all
classroom rules and adhere strictly to the Lee County High School Handbook.
2. Students will be given at least a one-week notice for major tests. Smaller tests and quizzes may be given as
appropriate. Pop quizzes may be given without notice.
3. Students are required to complete projects in a timely manner. Students will be given specific directions
and ample time for completing their assignments. No late assignments are accepted.
Note: Some projects and assignments are computer or Internet based. Students must have a signed
Acceptable Use Policy on file in the Media Center. Blank copies are available from the Media Center. It is
important that each student have one on file as soon as possible.
4. No food or drinks in class. Only water is allowed in class.
5. Cell phones, IPods or electrical devices in class should not be seen or heard unless instructed to use with
teacher permission. I understand we all have them, but they should be put away and placed on silent. If you
have an electronic device out in class, while not instructed to do so, it will be confiscated and sent to the
office where your parent will have to pay the fine to retrieve it.
6. Restrooms are to be used between classes. If an emergency arises and you need to use the restroom, then
only one student will be allowed to leave the classroom at a time.
7. Grooming and hygiene need to be taken care of in the restroom. This includes applying make-up, combing
of hair, applying perfume/cologne, etc.
8. Students are expected to adhere to the LCHS9 dress code and code of conduct.
9. No hats are to be worn in class. (This includes both boys and girls.)
10. Plagiarism and cheating in any form are serious offenses that will not be tolerated. If there is any
question if you are plagiarizing, please ask. Both are considered academic dishonesty and appropriate
consequences including a referral will be implemented if either occurs.

IV. Assessment Plan

Nine weeks grades are determined by averaging test grades, quizzes, class work, homework, bell work, writing
assignments, and project grades.
50%- Tests/ Projects/ Essays
30%- Quizzes
20%- Classwork/ Homework
Each nine weeks average counts 40% and the semester exam/ EOC exam counts 20% of the final semester average.
Turnitin.com- In addition to turning in a hard copy, students must submit all major writing assignments
on turnitin.com prior to grading. If a hard copy has been turned in, but the assignment has not been submitted
for the plagiarism check, the student will receive a point penalty.
1 day late= -25 points
2 days late= -50 points
**If a writing assignment has not been submitted on turnitin.com by the 3rd day, the writing
will not be graded.

Makeup work: Students with an excused absence have three days to see me for their make up work. Students
should make every effort to see me before or after school for their work to avoid missing any other material during
instructional time. If they must see me during class, they must wait until I am done giving the class instructions for

the day. All makeup work should be completed in a timely manner. Please see the student handbook for more
information on make up work policies.
If a student needs extra help at any time, I will be available from 3:00p.m. - 3:30p.m. daily. Due to parent/teacher
conferences and other after school meetings, students will need to give prior notice when planning to stay after
school.
Please keep in mind that discipline problems will be dealt with in the manner outlined in the students handbook.
Note to Parents: If you have any questions, I can be reached by email me at burttki@lee.k12.ga.us or by
placing a call to the school.

Thank you for your support,

Kimberly Burtt
Required Supplies:
3 Ring Binder
Dividers
Notebook Paper- College Ruled
Blue or Black Pens
Pencils
Markers and Color Pencils
Additional Supplies (if at all possible):
1 Box of Kleenex (to be turned into to the teacher and used throughout the year)

NOTE: Please have all supplies by Wednesday, August 12, 2015.

Classroom Procedures and Expectations:
1. Be ON TIME. Tardiness will be recorded on the students permanent record.
2. Enter the classroom quietly and orderly and begin the bell work.
3. Be in your seat working when the bell rings.
4. Bring all books and needed material to class daily.
5. Obtain permission before leaving the classroom. You may not leave the classroom without your agenda.
6. Turn in papers by placing them in the designated location.
7. Follow directions the first time they are given.
8. Exit the classroom only after the teacher dismisses you. The bell does not dismiss you.
9. Follow all rules in the LCHS 9th Grade Campus Handbook.
Disciplinary Procedures: All procedures in the student handbook will be followed and may include any of the
following:
Verbal warning
Detention with teacher or administrator
Parent contact (phone call, email, or letter)
Discipline referral
Parent/ teacher conference
o The degree of the discipline will be determined by the severity of the behavior. Certain steps may
be bypassed or added.
***NOTE: Parents may also be phoned or emailed for GOOD behavior.

Dear Parents and Students,

This year in Literature we will be using bring your own
technology (BYOT) in the classroom. This means that your student will
be allowed to bring smart phones, tablets, kindles, etc. into the school.
These devices will only be used for educational purposes. Students will
not be allowed to use their devices for any type of social networking,
texting, making phone calls or taking pictures or videos unless
otherwise stated by the teacher. Listed below are my expectations for
appropriate electronic device classroom behavior.

No technology is to be seen or heard if it is not part of the lesson

During lessons students may only be on approved apps or websites
Permission must be obtained from the teacher to use any electronic device if not directly
stated
Students may not use electronic devices to distract peers
Under NO circumstances may anything done in class be posted to any type of website or
app without the teachers permission

Any violation or abuse of this policy could result in disciplinary action and temporary or
permanent loss of electronic device privileges in class for you and/or your classmates. It is the
teachers discretion to determine inappropriate electronic device classroom behavior. I will try to
give a days notice if technology will be used in a lesson. For more information on behavioral
consequences, please consult the student handbook.
Thank you,

Kimberly Burtt

NOT EVERY DAY IS A TECHNOLOGY DAY - NO DAY IS A FREE TECHNOLOGY DAY!!!

*The school is not responsible for items brought to school that are lost are stolen. Thefts should be reported to an
administrator and/or the School Resource Officer to aid in recovery.

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Please sign below stating that you have read and discussed all of Ms. Burtts classroom
rules, expectations and procedures including the technology policy. It is also important
to include a phone number and an e-mail address to be able to have an active parentteacher communication. Please return only this sheet to Ms. Burtt. Students should
keep the copy in his or her folder to reference when necessary.

STUDENT: I have read, agree, and will abide by the classroom and technology
expectations and consequences.
Name (Print):_________________________________________
Signature: ___________________________________________ Date: __________

PARENT: I have read, understand, and support the classroom and technology
expectations and consequences.
Name (Print):________________________________________
Signature: ___________________________________________ Date: __________
Phone #: ____________________________________________________________
E-mail: ______________________________________________________________

Important Literature Resources

The Online Textbook

http://www.nexuslearning.net/books/holt_elementso
flit-3/

OWL at Purdue MLA Formatting Guide

https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01
/

Ms. Burtts Classroom Website

http://msburttsclass.weebly.com

*To sign up for Remind: Text @msburtt to

81010