Honors+English+I

** Welcome to Honors English I **

 * Mrs. Bousum's Contact Information:**
 * Telephone:** 908-782-5727 (Ext. 8489)
 * E-mail:** kbousum@hcrhs.org


 * Attention Students:** To find current homework assignments and due dates, go to //**Homework Assignments & Due**// //**Dates!**//


 * School Web Site: ** []

** A Look Ahead **
​ We will read a variety of fiction and non-fiction in this course. Expect to enjoy and study essays, short stories, and excerpts by authors including Sherman Alexie, Frank McCourt, Santha Rama Rau, Amy Tan, and Mark Mathabane. In addition, we will explore the memoir //When I Was Puerto Rican// by Esmarelda Santiago and many poems by poets including Billy Collins, Sandra Cisneros, Li-Young Lee, Emily Dickinson, and Theodore Roethke. We will also study some classic works by Shakespeare, Homer, Hemingway, and Steinbeck. Finally, I am eager to include several student-selected titles and genres this year. These readings will anchor much of your writing, speaking, and listening this year.

Look forward to writing every day. In addition to daily quick writes, you'll learn how to improve your narrative, expository, and argument writing skills.

Expect to do a great deal of reading, writing, thinking, discussing, viewing, listening, and sharing in Honors English I. You will participate in scored discussions, group work, self-directed learning activities, and multi-media presentations. I think you will find the course stimulating and challenging.

** Grading Policy **
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. As explained on the first day of class, you will be graded in the categories of writing, reading, speaking and listening, and language. Assessments might be diagnostic (formative) or graded (summative).

For more details on grades, see the HCRHS Web Site. 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; I expect you to be engaged! • Carry your student identification card at all times. • Make a noble attempt to exhibit a pleasant, positive attitude.

** Homework Policy **
Complete 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. HW is always checked, regularly submitted, and often shared with peers. This will vary depending on the assignment. Don’t jeopardize your grade by being late with assignments. Assignments will be explained in class and posted on the wiki.

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!

** Additional Information **
• 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 in the IMC (or 302) 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.

Updated September 2016..