Teacher: Ms. Faron
Email: FaronV
Phone: (904) 646 5100
Where to find me: Room 112
I. Curriculum:
English I focuses on enriching student's ability to read and write proficiently while integrating various types of literature; namely, fiction, non-fiction, and plays. The course is based on Florida's Content Standards for grades 9 and 10, which include aspects such as: reading informational and fictional texts, developing vocabulary and technical language skills, speaking and listening, and information literacy, to name a few. Students are expected to complete all assigned coursework and participate in class. By the end of the course, students should be able to pass the required assessments in FSA Reading and Writing.
Key Texts:
Our main text will be Houghton, Mifflin & Harcourt: Collections 9th grade. Students have access to this book both in print and electronically. In addition to this text, students will also be reading several class novels and plays throughout the year.
Technology Platforms:
Students will need to access a variety of online platforms throughout the school year as we navigate this changing environment. The use of these blended learning platforms will be beneficial to students as they prepare to take the PSAT in their 10th grade year. This year, we will predominately be using Microsoft Teams as a meeting place for our class. Other virtual platforms that students will access for curriculum include Achieve3000 and CommonLit.
Supplies:
For the beginning of the year, I'm going to keep assignments online as often as possible. Students are expected to bring paper, a pen or pencil, and a highlighter to class with them each day. They may also bring a folder or a notebook if they wish.
II. Classroom Policies:
Classroom Rules:
Come prepared and on time, with all materials
Follow instructions and procedures in the classroom
Actively listen when others are speaking
Ask for help when you need it
Keep your hands and feet to yourself
Food & Drink: Students will be allowed to have a personal water bottle in the classroom. No other food or drink is allowed in the classroom without special permission.
Disciplinary Policy: If a student is disruptive, the following policies will apply:
Verbal warning
Loss of point (but can be earned back if student apologizes or corrects their action)
Student behavior meeting
Parent communication
Referral
Class Goals:
In my classroom, each student is part of a team, and class periods compete against each other to reach their daily goals. These goals are set collaboratively, by the students and me, and are then posted in the classroom as a reminder of the standard we want to hold ourselves to. Each day, classes have the opportunity to earn points based on their behavior and performance in the classroom. Achieving each goal is worth one point.
Additionally, I start each day with 4 check marks on the board, which are our bonus points. At the end of the period, if all 4 check marks remain on the board, that class is awarded a bonus point. If a student misbehaves, a check mark is erased, but that student can earn it back through apologizing or correcting their action.
At the end of the week, the class - or classes - with the most points on our scoreboard will be rewarded!
III. Daily Rituals and Routines:
Beginning of Class:
Students will greet me as they enter the classroom.
Students will use the beginning of class to gather materials they may need from the student center, and get set up.
As soon as the bell rings, you should be seated and ready to work, with your laptop out and a Bellringer page pulled up.
End of Class:
When I instruct you to, quietly put away your materials.
We will conclude class with a closing meeting
Wait to leave the classroom until I dismiss you.
Transitions:
Transition periods are signified by the teacher or a timer. Students should get used to tight transition periods to be sure they are making effective use of their time.
Non-Verbal Signals:
Students are asked to use a variety of hand signals in the classroom to signify their needs. The signals for restroom, pencil, and tissue are displayed and labeled in the classroom. If the student has a question, they are to raise their hand.
Physical signals are not necessary for virtual instruction, but students may be asked to raise their hand virtually or type in the chat on Microsoft Teams.
IV. Learning Expectations:
Virtual Learning:
Students are expected to log in early and be ready to learn when class starts, with a charged laptop and the necessary materials.
Students are expected to work in a calm and quiet environment.
Students are expected to remain on mute unless they are instructed to unmute themselves.
Students are expected to always use appropriate language and behavior.
In Person Learning:
Students are expected to come to class prepared and on time.
Students are expected to always use appropriate language and behavior.
Students are expected to abide by the classroom rules.
Students are expected to work together with their classmates and with their teacher.
V. DCPS Policies
Academic Integrity Policy:
The Duval County Public school's code of conducts expectation, is that students exhibit personal and academic integrity. Cheating, plagiarism, falsification, multiple submissions, and attempting or assisting with an academic integrity violation is a violation of the DCPS code of conduct and the expectations that are set forth. Students are expected to know and adhere to the DCPS Code of conduct. Penalties for violating the DCPS Code of Conduct cheating violation, can include a grade penalty up to and including an F for the course. (Please see below for the exact verbiage from the DCPS Code of Conduct.)
2.29 (ZZZ) Cheating and/or Copying the Work of Others – Intentionally copying or using another's work to receive credit or improve grades. Examples would include, but are not limited to, plagiarizing, giving or receiving answers during testing.
Reminders:
Students must follow school dress code policy. (See Student handbook for full uniform policy)
Hall Passes: In order to ensure 100% instruction, there are no hall passes. Should a student have an emergency, a security escort will arrive to take them.
Cell phones: No visibility of electronic devices, anywhere, anytime.
Students must wear appropriate grade level ID around their necks at all times. Students will not be permitted entry to class without an ID.
Backpacks MUST be CLEAR or MESH. Students will not be permitted entry unless they have correct backpack.
VI. Grades:
Grading Breakdown:
Classwork: 30%
Daily Productivity (bellringers, free writes, etc.): 10%
Quizzes: 20%
Tests & Essays: 40%
Grading Scale:
All grades will be posted in the Focus system in a timely manner. The grading breakdown is as follows:
A
B
C
D
F
90-100
80-89
70-79
60-69
59 or below
Late/Absent Work:
Late classwork will be accepted, but points will be docked. Homework will be not be accepted late.
If you are absent, you will have as many days as you were absent to complete the work that was assigned, with no penalty. For example, if you were absent for two days, your absent work will be due two days after you return to school.
Other exceptions can be made, so if you are concerned about late or absent work, please don't hesitate to talk to me!
Extra Credit: No extra credit will be offered for this course.
VII. Signatures
Please know that this syllabus is a guide and may be changed to suit the needs of the individual or the class.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns, now and throughout the year. I am most accessible by email, but a phone call can also be arranged. Anytime you or your student have a question or a problem, I am more than happy to help you. Working together, we can make this school year a successful one!
Sincerely,
Ms. Faron
(see above for contact information)
Duval County Public School Guidelines require parental permission for students to view materials that carry other than a "G" rating. In this course some of the videos that appropriately address the topics presented in the course have a PG-13 rating. If you have concerns or questions about videos shown in the class, please contact me.
Please select your choice by checking and signing the bottom.
_ Permission is granted to view PG-13 and lower rated clips/videos relating to the course.
_ Permission is declined for all videos above a G rating relating to this course.
Please sign below indicating you have read and understand the policies of my English class and the expectation of the student.
Student Name & Class Period:
Student's Signature: _
Parent/Guardian's Signature: _
Parent/Guardian Name_
Parent/Guardian Telephone number: 7:30-2:30 _
Parent/Guardian email address: _