English II Syllabus
Fall 2017
Meet Mrs. Geoffroy
Mrs. Geoffroy is from Easton, Maryland and graduated from Easton High School. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in British Literature from the University of Maryland in 2008. The next year, she earned her Masters in Education also from the University of Maryland.
Mrs. Geoffroy lives in Easton, Maryland with her husband, a teacher at Kent Island High School; her four year old, Gabriella; her two year old, Clara; and three cats.
Meet Ms. Curry
Ms. Curry is also the proud mother of her daughter, Kirsten (now in Middle School!). She enjoys being a Mom, going to the Beach, and her numerous jobs!
Materials
- Highlighters/ Colorful Pens/ Colored Pencils -- These are handy for Close Reading
- Dividers
Required:
- Laptop
- Pens & Pencils
- Binder with Paper
Class Description:
This course is required for graduation. It builds upon and reinforces the skills acquired in English I, including genre study, critical reading, language usage and conventions, and effective writing. Additional emphasis is placed upon research skills and oral communication. The skills and knowledge attained will prepare students for college level writing and analysis; as an honors course, this class is specifically designed for students seeking higher education beyond High School. Students will also be preparing for English specific AP courses such as AP Language and Composition and AP Literature.
We will be using the textbook series, MyPerspectives by Pearson.
Course (Major) Texts
Note: There will be many opportunities for Student Choice
Major Policies, Procedures, and Expectations
The assignments will be given point values depending on their importance and substantiality. The descriptions of assignments are below:
- Formative Assessments 40%
- Summative Assessments 45%
- Final Exam 15%
Explanation of Assessments:
Students will be assessed formally and informally throughout the course. An informal assessment could be answers to classroom discussion questions. Formal assessment includes the major assessments such as essays as well as quizzes and vocabulary tests. The assessments may be modified.
Late Assignments:
Late assignments are those that are not submitted as a result of an excused absence. All late assignments, including homework, will be recorded as incomplete. Late work will be accepted with the following restrictions:
- Work must be turned in within 3 days of the due date (unless circumstances for an extension have been approved by the teacher and/or administration).
- Full credit will be awarded for work turned in within the time period provided.
Note: The instructor does not accept unexcused late formative assignments. However, things happen; it is another important life skill to communicate issues with instructors, bosses, etc. Therefore, if you need an extension for extenuating circumstances, contact the instructor directly.
Summative Retake/ Revision:
For substantial assignments, including essays, short stories, and projects, students will be given the opportunity to replace their grade through revision. The student must meet with me either during a break, activity period, or after school to talk about the assignment before they may revise. There is no limit to the number of revisions a student may take; nor is there a limit to the grade they can revise up to (i.e., a student who received a D on a paper may revise to an A). The time limit is the same as the QACHS Summative Retake Policy as stated below:
Students will be allowed to retake or revise summative assessments (with the exception of midterms and final exams) within 10 school days from the time the test is returned if they score 69% or less and may earn up to a 70%. Grades may not be averaged and the student’s new grade is to reflect the higher grade up to 70%. Teachers may use their discretion as to whether to use a learning log, a set of different questions, the same test, a new test, or an alternative assessment. Teachers may also opt to have students correct errors with written justification should time be an issue in retaking a summative assessment. These opportunities are to be assigned in a timely manner and students are to be given no less than 3 days to complete the new assignment.
Homework:
Homework will be assigned on a regular basis. Students will have a combination of short-term and long-range reading and written assignments. Students are expected to be working on some aspect of the course every day. Students should complete all homework assignments in a timely manner. Late homework may not be accepted or may be penalized.
Parent Contact:
When a student’s progress (grade) falls below 70% direct parental contact is required by the teacher. Teachers are required to document the contact.
Excused Absences, Suspensions, and Make-up Work
The make-up policy for short-term (no more than three consecutive days) lawful absences shall be:
- The student/parent/guardian may receive missed assignments upon returning to school. Should the student/parent/guardian request missed assignments while the student is absent, every effort will be made to accommodate the request; however, there is not guarantee.
- Students will be given one day for each consecutive absence up to a maximum of three (3) days to turn in all make-up work. All make-up work will be graded in accordance with the regular classroom grading policy and must be completed within the established time period.
- Make-up work time frame for extended lawful absences (more than three consecutive days) will be determined on a case-by-case basis with the teacher and Academic Dean or his/her designee.
- Suspension from school is considered a legal absence.
Academic Integrity:
Zero Tolerance Policy: Willful and Knowledgeable plagiarism includes:
- Copying and Pasting from the internet/ text or another student without authorization or citation
- Taking ideas from another source or student including: sentences, theses, evidence, outlines without authorization or citation
- Giving another student access to essays, annotations, or classwork
Student Will be subject to various forms of consequences:
- Parent Contact via email or phone (Always)
- Referral or Detention (Based on Severity or Assignment)
- Zero in the Gradebook (no chance of Revision)
- Referral to NHS (Always)
Classroom Rules
Cell Phones: Acceptable in the Hallways between classes & Lunch. There are to be no cell phones in class unless authorized by the instructor.
No Food or Drink. You will be asked to throw away any coffee cups from DD or the like,so just don’t bring them. WATER is OK-- as long as it’s in a clear, twist-capped container.
Lateness: walking in after the bell (even if standing in the hallway) constitutes a lateness. Three Latenesses result in an After School Detention
Preparedness: you will not be permitted to go to the parking lot or another class to get anything
Remain in your seat until the bell rings.
Remain in your seat while the instructor is actively teaching because that’s just polite.
Be Respectful of my Room. I worked very hard on it.
- Your Assigned Bathroom is upstairs. Wandering results in immediate After School Detention
Contact Mrs. Geoffroy
Google Classroom Code: ra7oiku
Email: jennifer.geoffroy@qacps.org
Location: 125 Ruthsburg Road, Centreville, MD, United States
Phone: (410)758-0500 251
Twitter: @jennigeoff
Contact Ms. Curry
Email: mary.curry@qacps.org
Location: 125 Ruthsburg Road, Centreville, MD, United States