Units Covered Unit 1: Risk and Consequence This introduction unit will walk you through the process of reading closely in order to learn how to relate every piece of text to yourself, to other texts, as well as to the world. We will also respond to the text we read by focusing on the Jane Schaffer model of writing. Reading during this unit will be Farley Mowat’s novel Never Cry Wolf. This will allow us to analyze how and why man is willing to take risks even when he is aware of the sometimes dire consequences. Unit 2: Cultural Perspectives Students will read and write informational text to show an understanding of how individual, societal, and characters’ beliefs shape world views and choices. This unit delves into who we are and how the cultures we belong to shape us individually. This unit will require the students to research a culture and write a report, as well as give a speech, about a culture in which they belong. Unit 3: Leadership and Citizenship This unit focuses on power and how it exists at different levels. We will focus on how some individual's ambitions can lead to a corruption of power. This novel unit allows us to delve into the history of the Russian Revolution through the reading of Animal Farm and how everything that happened during this time period is portrayed in this satire. You will be responsible for making all of these connections through group research/presentations where you become the experts. Unit 4: Poetry Analysis/Writing This unit is two-fold. Some days we will be reading, annotating, and writing about and/or discussing poetry. The other days we will be creating our own poetry by following different forms. This unit will challenge you to focus on your word choice and how to express yourself in a different medium, as well as review annotation from semester one, but this time with poetry. Unit 5: Imaginative Literature Our final unit has us explore the purpose of imaginative literature by reading The Princess Bride. We all love to read imaginative literature, but what benefits can we derive from this genre? This unit challenges us to see which life lessons the author wanted us to learn and how we can relate it to our own life. Grading 40% formal writing assessment 30% daily work/projects 20% tests/quizzes 10% semester final Late Work/Absent Work Late work: per Rocky Mountain High School’s Language Arts policy, all late work is due by the end of the unit and can only earn a maximum grade of 70%. Absent Work: you are allowed 2 days per day absent to turn in absent work. Please talk to me if this is not possible due to extreme circumstances. There will be a folder containing missing work/directions for the day(s) absent If the work involves taking notes, you will have to find someone in the class who will share notes with you. I expect you to take the initiative to get your work. I will not hunt you down.

Classroom Rules: Allow all students the opportunity to learn by not disrupting class. Cell phones/IPads/IPods are not to be used unless instructed to use them for educational purposes or if okayed by the teacher (For example, listening to music while drafting your paper). Please always ask for permission. Respect others’ opinions. I LOVE discussion time, so let’s be kind to each other. Do your best the first time by using your time wisely, asking questions when needed, and putting your best effort into all you do. Hydration is important to learning. Water bottles are welcome, Dutch Bros and drinks from other facilities are not. Purses, bags, and backpacks are not allowed. You will need to keep your belongings in your locker. Please don’t stack them outside my door. How can I contact Mrs. Fernandez? Remember, I do require sleep, so don’t expect me to answer your 2 am question about the essay that is due tomorrow. Your failure to plan is not my emergency. However, I would be happy to answer questions coming in before 9 pm. Phone: EXT (If it is during school hours, it will be directed to my voic . I will check this first thing in the morning, during my prep, or after school. Extra Preparations: During this year we will work on items not only required per the West Ada School District curriculum, but also to help you prepare for upcoming classes/tests. ACT/SAT Vocabulary PSAT prep questions to look at strategies and format of test. I will let you know as soon as I can when this test will be available. The counseling office will give you materials needed to sign up. More than likely, you will receive these during English class. Timed Writes to prep for AP tests and any other testing situations requiring quick organization of ideas. What do I need for class? Novel of choice for book project (see handout for more specifics as they are assigned throughout the year) Paper/pens/pencils (don’t be that kid who NEVER has materials!!) Packet of sticky notes for creating annotations Pack of 3x5 index cards (lined or unlined) Great attitude!!!! Completed work/reading!!!!!!!!

I, _______________________ ____ (please print), understand what is expected of me in this class. Student Signature:_________________________________________________________________ Parent’s Name (printed):_________________________________________________________ Parent’s Signature:______________________________________________________________ Phone Numbers (if I need to call home, this is the best number to use):______________________ Other numbers __________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ (if I need to home, this is the best one to use):______________________________ Other ____________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Please return by September 1 (A Day)/September 2 (B Day) to Mrs. Fernandez. Important Note for Teacher (please let me know if you have anything you wish to share at this time to help me better serve your child).