Course Description English 10 is a required course designed to help students read closely, analyze, evaluate, and appreciate common pieces of writing and world literature. Students are expected to read at home as well as in class and use their reading as a basis for class discussion, writing as a process, and enhancement of vocabulary, language, speaking and listening skills. Citizenship and Work Habits Students will be given an “Outstanding” in citizenship and/or work habits for excellent conduct, cooperation, and/or class contribution. Students will be given an “Unsatisfactory” for repeated violations of class and school rules, disruption, failure to bring materials, and failure to complete assignments. Tardies and Absences Burroughs' attendance policy will be enforced. Regular attendance is important for success; students are expected to attend and participate in all class activities. A tardy is recorded on the attendance record each time a student is not in his/her assigned seat, ready to work when class begins. Repeated absences or tardies will result in a ‘U’ on a report card, and/or disciplinary action. Students will have limited bathroom passes. If the student has a medical condition, or any issue that requires special accommodations, please inform the school and teacher. Late Work Policy Late work is not accepted unless the student or the parent/guardian informs the teacher prior to the date assignment(s) are due and a new due date is established. Late work, as a result of an excused absence, is accepted for full points and students are allotted one extra day for the absence. Some in-class assignments may not have the option to be made up. Extra credit opportunities with be given occasionally to help student grades. It is the student’s responsibility to get absent work from the teacher before the absence, or once they return from the absence. Classroom Policies and Expectations Be Prepared: Arrive on time, and in your seat, and ready to begin class. Have all supplies, textbooks, and required resources. Be Responsible: Complete all homework, do class work, and make the teacher aware of any issues or concerns. Be Respectful: Be kind and respectful. Do not talk over others, listen when others are speaking, do your part in a project, and restrict use of inappropriate language. Students, please keep in mind, it is not acceptable to make rude comments, walk around the room, throw items, or act in any way that is disrespectful to the teacher or other students. Water is allowed in class. However, in accordance to Burroughs’ policy, students may not have cellphones (unless approved by teacher for academic reasons), food, drinks, music players, or any other disruptive or restricted items in the classroom. Assignments and Grading Students will have varied assignments throughout the semester, which include, but are not limited to, reading, writing essays, research papers (including Senior Research project), tests, quizzes, vocabulary, presentations, warm-ups, group work, and individual work. Each assignment will have its own rubric and assignments will vary in percentages. Academic Honesty is strongly enforced and any cheating and plagiarism may result in disciplinary actions in accordance to the school policy. Class Readings Students will be required to read two books a semester, two of which include Cyrano De Bergerac and To Kill a Mockingbird. Students will also focus on short stories, poetry, and other mediums of literature throughout the year. Media and Technology In order to give students a more rounded education, media, through the use of music, movies, clips, etc. is used in the classroom to support the text and literature being studied in class. If a parent/guardian would like to excuse the student from media used in the classroom, they can select to opt out. Although phone use is restricted in class, students are encouraged, and often required, to develop their technological skills by using Google docs, PowerPoints, etc. for class assignments and presentations.