English+I

toc

**Contact Information: Mrs. Bousum**

 * Telephone:** 908-782-5727 (Ext. 8489)
 * E-mail:** kbousum@hcrhs.org
 * School Web Site: **http://www.hcrhs.k12.nj.us/

**A Look Ahead**
We will be reading some exciting literature including plays, short stories, poems, novels, and essays. Some of the works we'll study together are John Steinbeck's //Of Mice and Men//, Homer's //Odyssey//, and Shakespeare's //Romeo and Juliet.// We'll explore some poems by poets like Sandra Cisneros, Robert Frost, Li-Young Lee, and Billy Collins. We will also consider film, internet sites, electronic data bases, music, and different forms of art. Plan on being challenged and having a good time learning and sharing ideas with me, your classmates, other students, and members of your community. We will also practice a variety of writing skills, learn new vocabulary, play with grammar, and improve speaking and communication skills.

**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.

For more details on grades, see the HCRHS website. We will discuss grades and policies together in class.

**Classroom Behavior**
Please refresh yourselves with the rules explained in the HCRHS Student Planner. 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 would like to discuss these rules with you during the first week of class so we can share ideas and be clear on expectations.

• Be on time for class and ready to learn (discipline report after three, unexcused lates). • 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. • Carry your student identification card at all times. Keep it in a safe, consistent place. • Make a noble attempt to exhibit a pleasant, positive attitude. You choose your attitude, and positive attitudes make for a great environment.


 * Homework Policy **

We will discuss expectations for homework. Complete homework when it is due if you want the opportunity to receive full credit. Some assignments will be collected; some will be checked; and some will be shared with peers. 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. Homework will always 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 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). I love to talk with you, your teachers, your counselors, and your parents/guardians.

• Tutorials are offered from 2:10-2:50 in room 204 (or 202) on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday (unless announced otherwise).

• Take advantage of tutorial time by working on 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 August 2014.