Mrs. Tyson
Room 107
English I
Syllabus
Major Content
1. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton – fiction novel
2. Short Stories Unit #1 – The Most Dangerous Game / The Cask of
Amontillado / Leiningen versus the Ants / The Interlopers / The Lady, or
the Tiger?
3. Odyssey by Homer – epic poem
4. Poetry Unit – numerous selections from the textbook
5. The Tragedy of Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare – play
6. Research Paper
7. Short Stories Unit #2 – The Sniper / The Golden Kite, the Silver Wind /
The Old Demon / Beware of the Dog
8. Night by Elie Wiesel – nonfiction novel
9. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck – fiction novel
***The order of the course content may change slightly as we progress throughout the year.
Other Course Content
 reading-inspired projects
 vocabulary
 study guides
 DEAR DAY (dedicated time for independent reading on a weekly basis)
 mastery of literary elements
 mastery of writing elements
 journal writing
 5 paragraph essays
 creative writing
 preparation for state-wide Keystone standardized testing
And Don’t Forget the Independent Reading Project!
The Independent Reading Project is a school-wide project that each of the
English teachers are assigning to their students in each grade level. You will be
expected to complete FOUR projects for my classroom, ONE PER NINE WEEKS.
This project is outlined for you on a separate handout.
Grading
I follow the Reynolds Jr./Sr. High School guideline for grading, as follows:
A 92 - 100
B 84 – 91
C 72 – 83
D 60 - 71
F 50 - 59
**There will be a final exam for this course.
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Citizenship
I follow the school-wide guideline for Citizenship, which I track continuously.
Considering Citizenship is worth (at the most) 100 points per nine weeks, it can &
will affect your final grade. As a daily reminder, the Citizenship rules for all
Reynolds Raiders are posted on my classroom wall. No excuses.
Student Materials
 Bring something to write with to class EVERY DAY. Do not show up
without a pencil!
 Bring your independent reading book to class EVERY DAY. This book
should always be with you, even on non-Dear Days.
 Textbooks – they are provided for you and KEPT IN THE CLASSROOM.
You are NOT to take a book out of Ms. J.’s room without her permission.
Permission will be granted for special situations, such as makeup work.
 Novels – they are provided for you and will occasionally be sent home with
you to read assigned pages for homework.
 Student folder – it is provided for you and KEPT IN THE CLASSROOM.
 Student journal – it is provided for you and KEPT IN THE CLASSROOM.
***I expect my students to keep their folders neat and organized, so that paperwork can be easily
found. I also expect my textbooks & novels to be treated with care and respect.
Late/Missing Assignments
Students that miss one day of school will be allowed one day to hand in
assignments. This includes making up any reading that we may have completed
in class. Students that miss more than one day should see me to make
arrangements and are responsible for completing missed work/assessments.
Work that is not completed for any reason will be given a score of zero.
Seeking Help
After-school English tutoring is available in the library to all students FREE OF
CHARGE. As soon as the guidance office announces days and times, I will relay
that information to the students in class. Students are encouraged to attend this
tutoring!
Classroom Behavior
Behavior that disrupts the class (verbal abuse, excessive noise, insubordination,
lying, cheating, coming unprepared or late for class, etc.) will NOT be tolerated.
If you exhibit a behavioral problem, I will take fair steps to remedy the situation:
1. I will warn the student when the disturbance occurs.
2. If the negative behavior continues, I will speak to the student individually.
3. If the negative behavior still continues, I will write a discipline referral
(which are sent directly to Head Teacher Mr. Tofani) and I will contact
your guardian.
4. If the negative behavior persists, I will request a conference with the
student’s guidance counselor, the principal and/or your guardian.
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PLEASE DO NOT DO THE FOLLOWING:
 speak out of turn without raising your hand
 cheat or plagiarize (severe consequences)
 work on other assignments during MY class time
 put your head down or attempt to sleep during class
 put your feet up on the desks or other furniture in the classroom
My Expectations
I expect you to try. I expect you to show effort. I expect you to participate. I
expect you to leave your excuses at the door. I expect appropriate school
behavior. And I expect you to show me, my classroom and the other students in
the room RESPECT.
I promise to do the same in return for you.
Contact Info
Mrs. Katie Tyson
[email protected]
724-646-5788
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Please sign and return the following to show that you and your guardian have
read the syllabus. This is your first graded assignment for this course. THIS
MUST BE RETURNED BY FRIDAY, AUGUST 29th TO RECEIVE FULL
CREDIT!
Guardian Signature
Student Signature
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