Welcome to AP Language & Comp!
It's time to start thinking about school...
Greetings!
Welcome to AP Language and Composition 11! Ms. Engelbrecht and I are hard at work at an AP Summer Institute in California. We are eager to hear and share your summer work when we return to school.
Since the first day of school is quickly approaching (Thursday, August 17), Ms. Engelbrecht and I would like to share some suggestions and reminders to ease your way back to school. If you are receiving this email and you dropped the course this spring, please note that we may not have the most updated mailing list. If you have any questions, please contact your guidance counselor.
Policies and Supplies
Attendance
We are excited to welcome all students who have the desire to tackle the challenge of AP Language and Composition, but it is important that all students and parents understand that this is a rigorous and demanding course. To learn and understand the skills for rhetorical analysis can be quite challenging for most students.
While we understand that some absences are unavoidable (NMAA excused absences), students who do not have stellar attendance records cannot expect a stellar learning experience. Families should review the 2017-2018 academic calendar and make arrangements for all vacations, doctor appointments, and other at will commitments to be scheduled outside of class hours. Unexpected absences do happen and will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. As a reminder, you chose to be in this class; therefore, you have indicated a desire to be present. To be in AP is not a question--it is a commitment.
Workload Expectations
The performance expectations for AP English are extremely high; the workload is challenging – students will be expected to commit a minimum of four to six hours of coursework per week outside the classroom. Reading and writing assignments will often span over weeks. Organization and time management are essential skills needed for the independent work required in this course. Late work is not accepted and extra credit is not offered to students in an AP English course.
Supply and Book Lists
Students and parents may be interested in taking advantage of tax-free weekend (August 4th-6th) to acquire supplies for the course. Students need to have these supplies with them on their first day of class.
One 1.5-2" three-ring binder with organization tabs divided into the following sections: 1) Argumentation, 2) Rhetorical Analysis, 3) Synthesis, 4) Citation and Research, and 5) Timed Writing.
Students will use this binder each day in class to hold the course syllabus, all notes taken in class, handouts associated with the course, scored writings and reflections. A separate binder is mandatory for AP Language.
5 Binder tabs with pockets
These tabs will help organize your binder into sections.
One college-rule, 8x11” page, one subject spiral notebook with pockets.
Students will use this notebook for independent reading and Genius Time. This notebook will not be shared with other classes and may be turned in periodically.
Two reams of college-rule, 8x11" notebook paper.
One ream will go in your class binder for notes and assignments, while the other will be added to the CSRC*.
1-2 pads of standard sized 3x3" Post It Notes in the color(s) of your choice.
Students will use post it notes to annotate core texts inside and outside of class throughout the year. Smaller Post It Notes and dark colored notes do not lend themselves well to legibility.
Two boxes of black or blue ink pens. Any type will do.
Students will keep one box for their personal use in multiple classes and one box will be added to the CSRC*. All work will be completed in pen.
One highlighter/colored pencils of your choosing. Or many highlighters of various colors, if that is your thing.
Students will use highlighters when they annotate texts for rhetorical analysis. These highlighters can be shared with other classes and will stay in the students' possession.
One box of tissues of your choosing.
This box of tissues will be added to the CSRC*. Throughout the school year, students use a lot of tissues and this donation ensures that I will have tissues for them to use in class.
Student-issued Chromebook in carrying case.
Students will be issued a chromebook laptop computer during registration in August. This computer needs to be brought to school daily for use in the classroom. The laptop computer needs to be charged at home.
Access to your school email account.
Students will use their LAPS email addresses to register for turnitin.com, and other technology accounts. Students must check their LAPS email account daily for course announcements.
Book List
Limited copies of all texts except for To Kill a Mockingbird are available in the textbook center for those in need. You are expected to acquire the following texts for the course:
Thank You for Arguing, 2nd Edition by Jay Heinrichs (available in the Textbook Center)
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (available in the Textbook Center)
Go Set A Watchman by Harper Lee (available in the Textbook Center)
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee (must be purchased by students)
1984 by George Orwell (available in the Textbook Center)
Students will complete non-fiction choice reading in and out of class. While some non-fiction texts are available in our classrooms, students may want to acquire additional books to suit their interests. The following list of non-fiction book recommendations would be a good reference when choosing a choice reading book:
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/68243719-ap-language-composition-reading-list.
If students or families are concerned about financial hardships and access to supplies, please contact us for assistance.
We wish you a restful and enjoyable last few weeks of summer and look forward to working with you in August!
Warmly,
Ms. Batha and Ms. Engelbrecht