Mrs. Lund’s English 9 Overview Classroom Goals Classroom Expectations Classroom Rules Homework / Late Work Policy Grading Rubric

Course Overview English 9 is a two semester, one credit course designed to challenge students. The course emphasizes building skills in critical reading, writing, vocabulary, and grammar. Literature is the core of the course, and students are expected to complete a substantial amount of reading. The reading selections range in genre and style, but all provide and opportunity for literary analysis. The writing focus for the 9th grade is expository, with an introduction to persuasive writing during the 4th marking period. Students will also complete a full-length practice Response to Literature CAPT that will be evaluated according to the CAPT rubric in preparation for their sophomore year.

Together, we will strive to: *develop a classroom community where each student feels welcome, comfortable, and safe. *become critical thinkers, capable of making educated choices and decisions about which information is good, bad, right, wrong, useful, useless. *find purpose and value in exploring and creating various genres of writing. Classroom Goals

To help you take full advantage of this course, I expect the following: *Willingness to listen Although you may not always agree with the viewpoints of others, be respectful. Listen carefully and consider openly before you judge. *Commitment Full effort, participation, and preparation are necessary to succeed. Bring necessary materials (binder, vocabulary book, writing utensil, unit novel) and a desire to learn and share your ideas; I value active and questioning minds. *Pride in your work Anything done less than your full potential is not worth doing. Give it all; impress me. *Ability to work with others Learning to work with others requires patience and maturity. Social skills acquired in group settings will enhance the quality of your schooling, work, and life. Classroom Expectations

I have two simple classroom rules: 1. Try you hardest. 2. Be respectful. Classroom Rules

*Normally, homework is assigned each class period and will be due the following day at the beginning of class. * Homework assignments turned in after the due date will only receive up to half credit (50%). *If you are absent on the day the homework is assigned, please do your best to find out what was assigned and complete it; if you are unable to obtain the assignment, speak to me, and we will figure out a reasonable time for you to get the homework completed and handed in. *If you are absent on the day the homework is due, the assignment must be submitted upon your return and labeled ABSENT, otherwise you will receive up to half credit (50%). *I suggest finding a “Homework Buddy” within class, one whom you can call upon if you are absent Homework / Late Work Policy

Grading Rubric Your final average each marking period will be calculated based on the percentages below: *Class participation and class work20% *Quizzes and Journal Entries25% *Homework15% *Tests / Projects / Essays40% A note regarding essays: All writing assignments (essays) must be typed and handed in on time! *Late papers will be penalized one letter grade increment per day (A to A-). *You may not print your essay during class time; it is your responsibility to come prepared, typed essay in hand.