Contact Information:
Lauren Simmons
980-343-6080
[email protected]
Dear West Mecklenburg Parents (s), Guardian(s), and Student,
Welcome to West Mecklenburg High School! My name is Ms. Simmons and I will be your English I teacher for this semester. I look forward to working with you as we begin our journey of reading, writing and discovery. This course is designed to cultivate the writing and literary skills of the incoming Freshmen class. I want to mention that I have really high expectations of you. In order to reach and exceed these expectations our learning community must be engaging and responsive.
Course Overview:
The English I curriculum involves World Literature. This class will develop and strengthen your writing, reading, listening, and speaking skill thus making you an effective communicator. The material that will be read in this class represents cultures and customs from all over the world. You will be required to read the material, analyze the material, and use the material to compose your own original essays and reflections. In this sense, you will see how literature imitates life and how we can apply these literary principles to our own lives. All material covered satisfies the North Carolina Standard Course of Study and the National Common Core Standards.
Freshmen Mantra (to be recited everyday upon the ringing of the bell so please become acquainted with the mantra below:
Every minute of this class is dedicated to teaching and learning anything else is unacceptable
Course Text:
Holt McDougal Literature
Romeo and Juliet
The Things They Carry
The Bluest Eye
Supplies:
2 packs of Post-It Notes
1 pack of blue or black pens
1pack of pencils
1 Composition Notebook***
1 pack of multi-colored highlighters
1 personal pencil sharpener
*** (Please note that your notebook is not to leave class unless authorized and the notebooks are mandatory) ***
These supplies are essential to class. If possible, please have all supplies no later than
Tuesday September 3, 2013.
Assessment and Grading:
Your assignments will be divided among three categories. Please note the assignment type and weight. These weights are standard for the entire CMS district.
Test
Timed writings, final draft essays, Extended Reading & Writing Enrichment Assignments, Final Presentations
70%
Class Work
Group work, peer reviews, Socratic seminars, literary circle roles, round-table discussions
20%
Homework
10%
Grading Scale
A 93-100
B 92-85
C 84-75
D 70-76
F 69 and below
***Students are required to keep an interactive notebook. In this notebook all of their class and homework assignments will be graded. ***
Classroom Policies and Procedures:
Classroom Rules:
1. Be on time and sit in you assigned seat.
2. Be prepared
3. Be respectful
4. No electronics without teacher permission
5. No food or drink without teacher permission
Disciplinary Consequences:
1. Verbal Warning
2. Conference with student
3. Parent contact
4. Bounce/bump to another teacher
5. Referral
Tardy Policy
1. Warning
2. Parenting contact and lunch detention
3. Parent contact and two days of lunch detention
4. One day of in-school suspension
5. May result in out-of-school suspension
The acronym R.E.A.D. outlines the expectations of ROOM 803 work and behavior. I have provided specific examples of what each term might look in the classroom setting.
1. RESPECT: I WILL RESPECT MYSELF AND OTHERS AT ALL TIMES!
· I will NOT talk while someone else is talking
· I will NOT get out of my seat unless instructed to do so
· I will NOT tease others
· I WILL encourage myself and my peers
2. EFFORT: I WILL TRY MY PERSONAL BEST TO ACCOMPLISH ALL TASKS!
· I WILL come to class prepared to work
· I WILL ask questions to enhance my understanding
· I WILL work to my full potential
3. ATTITUDE: I WILL MAINTAIN A POSITIVE WINNING ATTITUDE!
· I WILL have an optimistic outlook
· I WILL off constructive input
· I will NOT be negative
4. DISCIPLINE: I WILL EXERCISE SELF-CONTROL!
· I WILL restrain myself from using my cell phone and other prohibited electronics during class
· I WILL train myself to carve out time at home to reinforce what I have learned during class.
***These examples are just that, examples, and do not exhaust the possible ways to demonstrate R.E.A.D***
Extra Credit Policy:
If you come to school regularly and do what is asked of you, there is no need for extra credit. With this said, I do not give out extra credit—no exceptions.
CMS Rule 6 Misrepresentation (Honesty): A student will be honest and submit his/her own work.
A. Altering Report Cards or Notes: Tampering with report cards, official passes, notes or other school documents in any manner, including changing grades or forging names to excuses, is prohibited.
B. False information: Making false statements, written oral, to anyone in authority is prohibited.
C. Cheating: Violating rules of honesty and Honor Codes, including but not limited to plagiarism or copying another student’s test or assignment, is prohibited. The superintendent has the discretion to punish violations of this rule as Tier III if the student’s actions have a serious detrimental effect on other students or staff.
Students With Disabilities:
The reauthorization of Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and the implementation of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) require that schools use more inclusive practices for educating students with disabilities. The implementation of inclusive practices across CMS has created an environment where schools can successfully provide academic instruction and improve achievement for students with disabilities. The Exceptional Children’s Department will continue to provide increased access to the general curriculum with continued support from EC modifications /accommodations and EC Study Skill classes for these students with disabilities.
***Each class day will begin with a warm-up (Each day you are to read the warm-up assignment from the board and act accordingly.) There will be 7 minutes after the bell ring to complete the warm-up. It is advised that you will make it to class on time.
*** Each class day will end with a reflective/assessment of the class, your performance, and/or material covered.
Lauren Simmons
980-343-6080
[email protected]
Dear West Mecklenburg Parents (s), Guardian(s), and Student,
Welcome to West Mecklenburg High School! My name is Ms. Simmons and I will be your English I teacher for this semester. I look forward to working with you as we begin our journey of reading, writing and discovery. This course is designed to cultivate the writing and literary skills of the incoming Freshmen class. I want to mention that I have really high expectations of you. In order to reach and exceed these expectations our learning community must be engaging and responsive.
Course Overview:
The English I curriculum involves World Literature. This class will develop and strengthen your writing, reading, listening, and speaking skill thus making you an effective communicator. The material that will be read in this class represents cultures and customs from all over the world. You will be required to read the material, analyze the material, and use the material to compose your own original essays and reflections. In this sense, you will see how literature imitates life and how we can apply these literary principles to our own lives. All material covered satisfies the North Carolina Standard Course of Study and the National Common Core Standards.
Freshmen Mantra (to be recited everyday upon the ringing of the bell so please become acquainted with the mantra below:
Every minute of this class is dedicated to teaching and learning anything else is unacceptable
Course Text:
Holt McDougal Literature
Romeo and Juliet
The Things They Carry
The Bluest Eye
Supplies:
2 packs of Post-It Notes
1 pack of blue or black pens
1pack of pencils
1 Composition Notebook***
1 pack of multi-colored highlighters
1 personal pencil sharpener
*** (Please note that your notebook is not to leave class unless authorized and the notebooks are mandatory) ***
These supplies are essential to class. If possible, please have all supplies no later than
Tuesday September 3, 2013.
Assessment and Grading:
Your assignments will be divided among three categories. Please note the assignment type and weight. These weights are standard for the entire CMS district.
Test
Timed writings, final draft essays, Extended Reading & Writing Enrichment Assignments, Final Presentations
70%
Class Work
Group work, peer reviews, Socratic seminars, literary circle roles, round-table discussions
20%
Homework
10%
Grading Scale
A 93-100
B 92-85
C 84-75
D 70-76
F 69 and below
***Students are required to keep an interactive notebook. In this notebook all of their class and homework assignments will be graded. ***
Classroom Policies and Procedures:
Classroom Rules:
1. Be on time and sit in you assigned seat.
2. Be prepared
3. Be respectful
4. No electronics without teacher permission
5. No food or drink without teacher permission
Disciplinary Consequences:
1. Verbal Warning
2. Conference with student
3. Parent contact
4. Bounce/bump to another teacher
5. Referral
Tardy Policy
1. Warning
2. Parenting contact and lunch detention
3. Parent contact and two days of lunch detention
4. One day of in-school suspension
5. May result in out-of-school suspension
The acronym R.E.A.D. outlines the expectations of ROOM 803 work and behavior. I have provided specific examples of what each term might look in the classroom setting.
1. RESPECT: I WILL RESPECT MYSELF AND OTHERS AT ALL TIMES!
· I will NOT talk while someone else is talking
· I will NOT get out of my seat unless instructed to do so
· I will NOT tease others
· I WILL encourage myself and my peers
2. EFFORT: I WILL TRY MY PERSONAL BEST TO ACCOMPLISH ALL TASKS!
· I WILL come to class prepared to work
· I WILL ask questions to enhance my understanding
· I WILL work to my full potential
3. ATTITUDE: I WILL MAINTAIN A POSITIVE WINNING ATTITUDE!
· I WILL have an optimistic outlook
· I WILL off constructive input
· I will NOT be negative
4. DISCIPLINE: I WILL EXERCISE SELF-CONTROL!
· I WILL restrain myself from using my cell phone and other prohibited electronics during class
· I WILL train myself to carve out time at home to reinforce what I have learned during class.
***These examples are just that, examples, and do not exhaust the possible ways to demonstrate R.E.A.D***
Extra Credit Policy:
If you come to school regularly and do what is asked of you, there is no need for extra credit. With this said, I do not give out extra credit—no exceptions.
CMS Rule 6 Misrepresentation (Honesty): A student will be honest and submit his/her own work.
A. Altering Report Cards or Notes: Tampering with report cards, official passes, notes or other school documents in any manner, including changing grades or forging names to excuses, is prohibited.
B. False information: Making false statements, written oral, to anyone in authority is prohibited.
C. Cheating: Violating rules of honesty and Honor Codes, including but not limited to plagiarism or copying another student’s test or assignment, is prohibited. The superintendent has the discretion to punish violations of this rule as Tier III if the student’s actions have a serious detrimental effect on other students or staff.
Students With Disabilities:
The reauthorization of Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and the implementation of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) require that schools use more inclusive practices for educating students with disabilities. The implementation of inclusive practices across CMS has created an environment where schools can successfully provide academic instruction and improve achievement for students with disabilities. The Exceptional Children’s Department will continue to provide increased access to the general curriculum with continued support from EC modifications /accommodations and EC Study Skill classes for these students with disabilities.
***Each class day will begin with a warm-up (Each day you are to read the warm-up assignment from the board and act accordingly.) There will be 7 minutes after the bell ring to complete the warm-up. It is advised that you will make it to class on time.
*** Each class day will end with a reflective/assessment of the class, your performance, and/or material covered.