Mrs. Smith English 4 CP esmith@tusd.net
Website I use the class web site a lot during the year to post bell work, notes, and other information - including the syllabus. https://www.tracy.k12.ca.us/sites/esmith Know this site. You will need it.
Items you will need to get One notebook strictly for bell work. You will use this every day! You will need for sure by Monday. An additional binder or notebook for notes, homework, etc. An SSR book (DUE NEXT MONDAY) Your choice Grade level and school appropriate
Textbooks We have a class set of textbooks. You will be assigned a number based on your seat. These books are never to leave the classroom. You have your own copy at home. Novels - when we check out novels it is your responsibility to bring it to class every day. Do not leave it in the room.
Supplies You will bring the following supplies every day. No excuses! Notebook for Bellwork Binder/Folder/Different Notebook Pen/Pencil SSR Book
Grades Grades are weighted & based on straight percentage, not a curve. Quarter and semester grades will be determined according to the following percentages: 35% - Test, Quizzes (includes Final Exam) 35% - Writing, Projects 30% - Participation, Homework, Discussion, Classwork NO LATE WORK!!!!!!! Cheating is not tolerated this includes copying someone s work or letting someone copy your work. You will get a zero and I will follow the consequences laid out in the student handbook
If you are absent You are responsible to get the make up work and complete it on time. I won t give it to you unless you ask. This includes test make ups. See me BEFORE or AFTER class (do not interrupt my class) Bell work will be posted on the calendar. It is your responsibility to have it done by that Friday. We always have a notebook check on Friday If you are gone for an excused school event (like athletics) YOU MUST GET YOUR WORK THAT DAY.
What we will be doing this year: First Semester: Unit 1 Textual Analysis Unit 2 Understanding Narrative Unit 3 Shakespeare Second Semester: Unit 4 Satire Unit 5 Literary Analysis Unit 6 Argumentative
What we do Bell Work Notebook At the start of every class you will have your notebook out and ready for the bell work. There will be a notebook check every Friday. Bell work will include SSR, Vocab, and Journals Homework varies, will be written on board. You are responsible to check and make sure it gets done.
Bathroom Policy If you have to use the bathroom: Wait for an appropriate moment Ask me and I will give you permission You must sign out and in on the sign sheet LEAVE YOUR PHONE The pass is hanging on the front board You have TWO passes per quarter, extra credit for those who don t use them
Electronic Policy Phones are not allowed unless I give you permission. YOU MUST ASK YOU EACH TIME. There is no charging in this room. Do not plug in phones or other devices. Apple watches and other such devices are also not allowed. If I see you using it I will take it like a phone.
Some things that will get you in trouble Arguing with me If I tell you to do something. Do it. It is not a debate Being a disruption. This includes random noises and non-verbal communication across the room. Talking while I am talking. Rudeness Being disrespectful to another student You will remain in your seat until I dismiss you not the bell
Important Teacher Desk, podium and back counter are off limits. DO NOT TOUCH MY STUFF. Keep both bookshelves neat. Do not take the numbers off the desks. Also do not carve, scratch, or write on the desks. It is considered vandalism. Report to me if you notice it. Do not throw things ever. You have an assigned seat and you must remain in it If you are not in your assigned seat when the bell rings you will get a tardy.
Important CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF. This includes paper and books. Nobody leaves until everyone is seated. I don t ever want to see gum. The garbage is the only place I want to see you put it. No eating or drinking (except water)
Possible Consequences Verbal warning with possible seat adjustment I will contact home Student/Teacher conference with parent/guardian Referral to the office and a call home
Senior Year!! Some friendly advice: Remember you must pass this class to graduate. Do not get lazy this year. One more to go! Budget! Senior year is expensive: College applications, SATs, AP tests, Prom, Senior Trip, Graduation etc. Start saving now. Have fun and participate in school activities. Go to sport games, dances, join a club. It is your last year to be a Jag