Prewritten High School Essays - DOC

							                         2009 – 2010 English I Syllabus
                                   Mrs. Hand

Course Description This class is for the college-bound freshman, and it emphasizes academic
reading and writing, analysis of literature, listening, speaking, and abstract thinking. Special
emphasis is placed on effective writing of the essay. Additionally, students will develop skills in
vocabulary usage, grammar usage, and group interaction. The Manatee Core Curriculum reflects
all objectives noted in the Florida Sunshine State Standards.

Theme: Relationships
Core & Unit Questions: Together, we will consider some very important questions and explore
our ideas on the answers. These are among the many that will drive our focus this year: What
value do relationships add to our lives? How do relationships influence our identity? What are the
qualities of a good friend? How do family relationships influence us? What do we learn about
ourselves from our enemies? What does literature tell us about ourselves and others?

Summary: This year, English I will follow the new Manatee County Core Curriculum and explore the
theme of relationships. Through active reading, participating in peer study groups, listening critically
and posing questions, conducting research projects, creating multimedia presentations, and fully
engaging in all stages of the writing process, students will create and maintain their own community of
learning. Students’ work will lead to greater understandings of literature, society, and the learning
process.

Some of the texts we may use include:
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare,
Maus I by Art Spiegelman, Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card and The Odyssey by Homer; all
accompanied by a variety of poetry selections, Glencoe Literature, Florida Treasures, Course 4,
Glencoe Writer’s Choice Grammar and Composition, Grade 9

Materials Needed: A 1 inch three-ring binder with college ruled loose-leaf paper (may purchase
larger binder and share with another odd/even day class); green, blue, black and red pens; dividers.
The dividers should be labeled: Novels/Short Stories, Writing, Vocabulary, & Grammar.
Students may write in pen or pencil, but all essays must be finalized in ink or typed.

Essays: Detailed instruction in essay composition using the Jane Schaffer Writing Program will be
taught throughout the year to prepare students for writing in high school and in college. The
process of writing will be broken down and practiced in a step-by-step fashion with the ultimate
destination of all students weaving the elements of good writing into thoughtful, original work.
Essay writing is a vital component of the course’s curriculum. Please remember, it is your
responsibility to produce your own original work. Although essays are available prewritten from a
variety of sources, use of any of these “outside resources” is considered plagiarism. Additionally,
omission of accurate citation of sources is plagiarism as well. Committing this offense results in a
“O” on the essay/paper and an immediate parental contact.

Unit Performance Assessment: UPAs are performance assessments for each unit which will
include step-by-step instructions for leading students through a project or activity to assess their
learning over the course of the unit. Student handouts and scoring rubrics will also be provided.
These performance assessments will be assigned in conjunction with other tests, essays, and
assignments.

General Classroom Procedures:
1. Be Punctual: Be on time and ready to learn. School starts promptly at 7:45 a.m.. You will
    counted tardy through Student Services if you are not in your assigned classroom when
   the tardy bell rings.
2. Be Prepared: Be prepared each day for class. Have your school supplies, the day’s
   assignment, and come ready to learn. Good attendance is strongly encouraged in order
   to be prepared.
3. Participate: Be a team player and show class participation. Try it; it’s fun!
4. Maintain clean areas: Be mindful of your classmates and keep trash off the floor. Before
   leaving the classroom, please clean up your work area.
5. MOST IMPORTANT: Edify and lift others up; be a positive contributor to each day’s
   class. Avoid sarcasm and potentially hurtful remarks. Look for reasons and ways to
   be kind. I will too! 

Absences and Make-up Work: Following an absence, all work is due upon your return to class.
Find class homework assignments posted under my link off the B.R.H.S. home page, call a friend, or
email me at handa@manateeschools.net to remain current with your class and homework
assignments.

NOTE: If you are absent on the day a project or essay is due, it is due. Have a parent call or e-mail
me, or give the project/essay to a friend or sibling for delivery (Rm. 726). No late projects or essays
will be accepted without a 25% penalty.

EVALUATION
Homework/Class work                  = 30%
UPA/ Writing/ Projects               = 30%
Tests/Quizzes                        = 20%
Exam                                 = 20%

*Please note: Prior to any type of test, your student may review the concepts tested with
you, bring in a “study note” signed and dated by you indicating such, and he/she will receive
bonus points applied to his/her test grade.

I am very excited about the coming school year and teaching you. If you or your parents need to
contact me for any reason, the fastest way to do so is through email. My email address is
handa@manateeschools.net I can also be reached at 941-751-8230, ext. 2397. Please stay in
touch.

Kind Regards,



Amy K. Hand
Please sign and return:

My child and I have received and read Mrs. Hand’s class syllabus. We understand the
academic expectations detailed in it.

_____________________________________________
Student Name (printed)

_____________________________________________
Student Signature

_____________________________________________
Parent Signature


_____________________________________________
Parent email address (if available)
(This enables me to more efficiently communicate with you, as needed.)

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Date