Poetry

=** Welcome to Poetry **= = = = = =** E-mail: ** kbousum@hcrhs.k12.nj.us = = =
 * Mrs. Bousum's Contact Information: **
 * Telephone: ** 908-782-5727 (Ext. 8489)

= = = = = = ​ We will read a variety of poetry over the next nine weeks. Some of the poets we will explore include Billy Collins, Li-Young Lee, Theodore Roethke, Gwendolyn Brooks, Maya Angelou, Stanley Kunitz, Robert Frost, Emily Dickinson, Sandra Cisneros, William Carlos Williams, William Wordsworth, Amiri Baraka, and Charles Bukowski. Expect to explore new ways to approach, enjoy, and write poetry; learn, analyze, and apply poetic techniques; research and discover poets and poems of interest; and think about themes, craft & style, self-exploration, and poetry's place in your life, society, and the world.
 * Attention Students: ** To find current homework assignments and due dates, go to // **Homework Assignments & Due** // // **Dates!** //
 * A Look Ahead **

I will provide you with daily opportunities to read, write, think, share, speak, and listen. You will write and share quick and free writes (journal entries); you will read and annotate lots of poems; you will research; you will present; and you will write an analysis/explication essay. Finally, you will leave this course knowing how to answer the question all lovers of poetry ask: How does a poem mean?

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** Grading Policy **
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There are so many ways to express or show what you know, understand, and think, so expect a variety of assessments in this class. You will receive ** feedback ** on just about everything you do for the course, and we will always discuss the point values, requirements, and levels of mastery for final products and performances. You will be graded in the categories of writing, reading, speaking and listening, and language. Assessments might be diagnostic (formative) or graded (summative). = = You will receive one interim report and one quarter grade report with a marking period grade and a final exam grade. The quarter-grade is worth eighty percent of your final grade point average. There will also be a final exam which is worth twenty percent of your final grade point average. For more details on grades, see the HCRHS Student Planner. We will discuss grades and policies together in class. = =

** Classroom Behavior **
= = Please familiarize yourselves with the rules explained in the HCRHS Student Handbook (online). All policies will be enforced by me, so know and follow them at all times. It is imperative that students behave appropriately in class. All school wide rules are explained in the student planner, but here are a few additional expectations I have for my students. I intend to discuss these rules with you during the first week of class. Your input is important, and you should we should be clear about expectations. = =

= = • Be on time for class and ready to learn (three tardies results in a discipline report) = = • Be prepared for class; bring necessary texts, notebooks, homework, and supplies = = • Be considerate and respectful to your instructor and peers; disrespectful or rude behavior will not be tolerated = = • Expect to be an active participant in the class = = • Carry your student identification card at all times = = • Make a noble attempt to exhibit a pleasant, positive attitude = =

= = Failure to demonstrate acceptable classroom behavior will result in one or more of the following consequences depending on severity and frequency: = =

= = • Warning = = • After class conference (a one-on-one: me and you) = = • Phone call home (accompanied by a phone call to guidance counselor) = = • Disciplinary Referral to Vice Principal (which results in a detention) = = = =
 * I like to send praise referrals for good behavior!

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** Homework Policy **
= = It is important that you familiarize yourself with the = = = = Homework is very important and really does affect your grade. Submit homework when it is due if you want the opportunity to receive full credit. Some assignments will not be accepted late, and you will receive a zero if you don't have it completed on the day it is due. Other assignments will lose credit/points for each day they are late. This will vary depending on the assignment. Don’t jeopardize your grade by being late with assignments. = =
 * [|Details]
 * [[file:kbousum/English Department Late Policy.doc|Download]]
 * 75 KB

= = If you are absent from class because of an illness, you will be excused from the homework if it is assigned that day. When you return, you will be required to find out what you missed and complete it for the next school day. This is your responsibility. If you are not in school to hand in an assignment, it can be handed in the day of your return without loss of credit. I suggest that you check this site first (see Homework and Assignment Due Dates); you can also e-mail me and/or call a trusted classmate to find out what you missed; that way, you won't be bombarded with work when you return to school after an absence. Keep in mind that a significant amount of material can be covered in one, eighty-four minute block! = =

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** Additional Information **
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= = • Communication is important, and I will do my best to keep you informed throughout the semester. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns; my voice mail extension and e-mail address appear at the top of this document. (E-mail will ensure a quicker response). = =

= = • Tutorials are offered from 2:10-2:50 on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. There are no tutorials on Tuesdays or Fridays. = =

= = • Take advantage of this time by working on your homework, studying, getting assistance from your teacher or completing work missed during an absence. I will let you know where tutorials are held each day. = = = =

= = Last revised by K. Bousum on February 4, 2014.