Class Syllabus

9^th Grade English Syllabus- Mrs. Retherford's Class

Mrs. Retherford Email:

Website: http://MrsRetherford.educatorpages.com

Phone number:

Our class website is:

In this course we will learn to be better readers, writers, listeners, speakers, and thinkers. We will read some really good books, learn a lot of new words, write for different purposes, and be able to teach others about what we are learning.

1. Show Respect - that means being considerate of others. No cell phones in class without permission, no interrupting when others are speaking, no ridiculing others. Disagreements and discussions are fine- arguments and rude behavior are not!

2. Think for Yourself - that means doing your own work and contributing your own ideas and opinions in class.

3. Make Mistakes - it means you’re learning!

90%-100% = A, 80%-89% = B, 70%-79% = C, 50%-69% = D, 49% and below = F

All assignments are due at the beginning of class on the due date for full credit. Late work will be accepted for a maximum of three days after the due date. 10 points will be deducted from the grade for each day an assignment is late.

For each legitimate, excused absence, one day will be allowed for make-up work to be turned in.

Plagiarism means using someone else’s writing, pictures or ideas and calling them your own, without giving credit to the real author or creator. In this class we will learn about CITING someone else’s work when you refer to it in your own writing. Plagiarism (using someone else’s work without citation) is not allowed in this class, and will result in a grade of zero for the assignment.

Don’t do it! You have a perfectly good brain of your own. I am interested in YOUR ideas, not your neighbor’s!

Each day we will follow a basic routine, or pattern of class activity. Most days, you will be expected to:

1. Quietly enter the classroom

2. Gather your materials from the shelves

3. Sit down and write the daily goals in your notebook journal

4. Check the whiteboard for the daily opening question or instruction. Think quietly about the answer or quietly follow instruction in preparation for discussion.

5. Participate in class discussion by listening and speaking in turn

6. Listen attentively to class instruction

7. Actively participate in class activity - this is usually an okay time to talk with others about what you are doing.

8. Review - here’s where you make sure you understand what you learned

My goal is to make sure you understand what you need to know and to make sure you have a safe place to learn. If you are having trouble with something we are doing in class, a question about an assignment, or just want to discuss an idea or a problem you are having, please let me know. You can call me or email me, have your parents call me or email me, or come to see me before or after school. You can even come see me if you just want to say “Hi!” Remember, I want you to succeed, and I will do whatever I can to help you!