South Hagerstown High School

Honors English 10 Mr. Barnharts teaching philosophy

I believe that every student has a story and, as an educator, it
is my responsibility to aide students in becoming the heroes of
Mr. Barnhart those stories. I believe in bridging the connection that comes
barnhbra@wcps.k12.md.us from contact with all that is truest and best in books, in
barnhbra.weebly.com people, and in life.
@bmbarnhart

Course description Cellphone/electronic-use policy

The Honors English 10 curriculum is designed to
challenge pre-AP students to become better writers,
readers, and critical thinkers that perceive the world
around them with curiosity and inquisitiveness.
Course objectives
Following completion of Honors English 10, students
should be able to:
Read and analyze complex texts
Develop and organize pieces of written work
Challenge or defend ideas using research and
critical thinking
Understand and evaluate perspectives
respectfully
Materials needed
Pen or pencil
Three-subject notebook
Folder
iPad (once distributed)
Binder (recommended)
Grading (weighted)
Major (65%): writing, research, and group projects;
organizers; reading work; class discussions; and any
other extended assignment.
Minor (25%): daily warm-ups and exit tickets;
independent reading organizers; group and whole-class
group talks; and any short assignments
Participation/on-task (10%): daily points given for
students ability to stay on-task or participate in class.
Open-door policy
Students are encouraged to stop by my room anytime
after school for help on school assignments. I keep track
of times I am available during my planning period and
after school on the front board.
Unexcused tardy policy
Three strikes:
First tardy: warning
Second tardy: student conference
Third tardy: Detention and parent contact
This class includes frequent use of technology for
instructional purposes, but students should not use their
devices for purposes that do not pertain to class activities.
Students who choose to leave their cell phone in their
pocket or bag or on the front desk will be rewarded with
extra-credit at the end of the marking period.
Three strikes:
1st cue: warning
2nd cue: loss of participation/on-task points
3rd cue: detention, parent contact, and loss of
participation/on-task points
Ball is in your court policy
If a student exhibits inappropriate behavior during that
days class session, I will warn the student once of adjusting
the unwanted behavior; following that, I will give the
student the option of adjusting the unwanted behavior or
leaving the class session for the assistant principals office.
Food and drink policy
Besides finishing breakfast during period 1, students
SHOULD NOT have food and drink out during class time
with the exception of water or medical conditions.
Accommodations policy
As an educator, I am required by law to fulfill and implement
any and all accommodations set by a students IEP or 504
Plan. If you feel that I am not accommodating those areas,
please notify me as soon as possible.
In addition to IEP and 504 Plans, I understand that every
student learns differentlyif there is an accommodation
that you think would be beneficial, please notify me.
Mandated reporter policy
Please be aware that according to Maryland law, educators
are required to report past and present child abuse and
neglect even when the victim is an adult and even when
the alleged abuser is deceased. If you disclose current or
past abuse/neglect in class, in papers, or to your teacher
personally, educators are required to report the situation.

Bathroom policy
Students are given four bathroom passes for each
marking period.
Expectations of the student
Be prepared: students should have the required material listed
above for each class session. If a student should need a pencil or
pen, they will be required to write their initials on the front
board and return the pen or pencil after class.
Be kind: students will never experience any situation where I
dont treat them with the utmost respect and openness;
therefore it is expected that students treat the teacher and
fellow students with the same respect. Students who bully or
belittle other classmates, even jokingly, will be referred to
their assistant principal if they do not adjust their behavior after
a conference.
Be open: students are encouraged to share educated opinions
through class discussion and writing; it is okay if a student
disagrees with a classmate and challenges that classmate, but it
must be done in a constructive and respectful manner.
Be your best self.
Expectations of the teacher
Student name:
Student signature:
Class procedures
Warm-up: a warm-up in the form of a prompt, question,
picture, or video will be posted on the board before class starts.
Students should enter the classroom, take their seat, and begin
their warm-up before the bell rings. Students will have three-
to-five minutes to complete the warm-up after the bell rings
and each students warm-up notebook will be collected each
Friday for a grade.
Class activities: the majority of class time will be spent on
structured independent reading, small-and-whole-group
discussion activities, brainstorming and organizing writing,
drafting and revising written work, individual skills
conferences with the teacher, and notebook time.
Certain class activities involve distinct directions and
procedures. Students will receive a list of procedures every
time we introduce a new class activity. Students are expected
to keep those procedures in their folders or binders.
Cool down: students are expected to complete a stretch exit
ticket that asks the students to explain what they did during
class time; what they learned; how they can use what they
learned; and questions they still have about that days class
session. These stretch exit tickets will be collected daily.
Teacher signature: