English 9 Syllabus – Ms.Mesko
Cajon High School
Room E17 (modular)
[email protected]
Texts:
California Collections Textbook, Grade 9 Penguin Edition
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare (No Fear Shakespeare published by
Sparknotes)
Romeo and Juliet (No Fear Shakespeare Graphic Novels) (No Fear
Shakespeare Illustrated)
The Odyssey by Homer and translated by Robert Fitzgerald
Materials Needed:
* Pencil (can use a pen if it has blue or black ink).
* Colored pencils, highlighters, markers
* 3-ring binder (1 ½ inch to 2 inches) in which to maintain class notes.
* Loose leaf paper
*Dividers to assist with organization of bellwork, class notes, and assignments.
*Jump/Flash drive (can be any size)
*Homework agenda (provided by Cajon High School)
*A working email that you can access (Preferably a gmail account)
* A working Aeries account that you can access. (Sign up in C-36 after school)
*Two workbooks (provided by Ms. Mesko) to be left in classroom
Course Objectives (from CA Department of Education website):
Key Ideas and Details
1. Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical
inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to
support conclusions drawn from the text.
2. Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development;
summarize the key supporting details and ideas.
3. Analyze how and why individuals, events, and ideas develop and interact
over the course of a text.
Craft and Structure
4. Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including determining
technical, connotative, and figurative meanings, and analyze how specific
word choices shape meaning or tone.
5. Analyze the structure of texts, including how specific sentences, paragraphs,
and larger portions of the text (e.g., a section, chapter, scene, or stanza)
relate to each other and the whole.1
6. Assess how point of view or purpose shapes the content and style of a text.
1
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas
7. Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats,
including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.
8. Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, including
the validity of the reasoning as well as the relevance and sufficiency of the
evidence.
9. Analyze how two or more texts address similar themes or topics in order to
build knowledge or to compare the approaches the authors take.
Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity
10. Read and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently
and proficiently.
English 9 is a pivotal course that aims to provide a firm foundation for a student’s future literary
and linguistic success in high school and beyond. Students will revisit basic grammar skills as
well as further developing their writing skills. Students will learn how to construct a fiveparagraph essay as well as craft their research abilities. In addition, students will be introduced
to rhetorical devices and literary /dramatic terms. Interpretive concepts of poetry and short
stories will also be investigated. Students will read a variety of novels & plays including, The
Odyssey by Homer and Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, and evaluate work place
documents.
Unit Titles and Pacing Guide
Quarter One: Unit 1: Survival of the Fittest
*Selections from California Collections
*Survival Brochure (Project)
*Unit Test
Unit 2: 21st Century Skills and Collaboration
`
*Website/Brochure analysis
*Digital media inquiry
*Multiple media Analysis
Quarter Two: Unit 3: Character development & relationships
*Selections from Textbook
*Mid-Term Exams
Quarter Three: Unit 4: Literary Analysis and poetry
*Poetry
*Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
Quarter 4:
Unit 5: Heroes & Heroines
*The Odyssey
Unit 6: Advertisements & Propaganda
Unit 7: Research Paper
*Final Exams
2
Grading Criteria:
100-90
89-80
79-70
69-60
Below 59
A
B
C
D
F
Grading System
Homework, Daily Assignments, and participation grades will count as 20% of the overall grade.
Quizzes/Tests (such as vocabulary, grammar and literature quizzes/tests) will count as 20%.
Papers and major projects will count as 25%.
Mid Term and Final Exam will count as 35%.
Make-up Work and Late Work Policy
LATE WORK IS NOT ACCEPTED!!
MAKE-UP WORK IS YOUR RESPONSBILITY!! There is an agenda written on the board which
lists all daily assignments. Students must consult the weekly agenda when they return from an
absence! According to county policy, make-up work must be completed within two (2) school days if
two or fewer consecutive days are missed. The student will receive a day if any additional days are
missed. Work that is turned in late, not due to an absence or extenuating circumstance, during a nine
weeks grading period, will NOT be accepted. Much of the work is done in class and using class time
wisely is suggested. Any work that is not finished in class then becomes homework.
A time to take tests/quizzes can be negotiated in the occurrence of an absence. No make-up work will
be completed during class time.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is using word-for-word or in substance someone else’s work or ideas without giving proper
credit to the source of that information. Acts of plagiarism in any portion of an assignment will result
in a grade of zero for that assignment. Students will not be allowed to resubmit an assignment that has
been plagiarized. This also includes students who are caught cheating on an assignment.
3
Classroom Management Plan
Ms. Mesko’s Classroom Rules (as posted in class):





Students are to act with respect towards the teacher and other classmates, including respecting
the property of others.
Students must demonstrate maturity at all times ( no foul language, no physical contact, raise
hand before speaking, do not interrupt teacher and classmates).
Tardiness will not be tolerated. Every occurrence is documented in the aeries system. Students
must be IN THEIR SEAT by the bell.
No food, drinks, or electronic devices (cell phones, video games) are allowed in class. Bottled
water will be allowed.
Students must bring all materials to class (textbook, notebook, and pencil/pen).
Parents: My goal for any class is to help my students succeed. If you need to speak with me
on any issue concerning your son or daughter, please feel free to contact me at school at
(909) 881-8120 or email me at [email protected] order to get
updates about homework, class work, upcoming projects and other important information you
are encouraged to sign up for remind.com. In order to sign up you will need a cell phone with text
capability or you may join with a working email.
To join using cell phone via text:
Text @msmesko to (786) 565-4088 or 81010.
Follow the instructions as you receive replies
Students/parents may not reply to any messages
For grade level texts:
Text @cajon2019 to (909)5431245
To join via email for class and grade level:
Class: Send a blank email to [email protected]
Grade Level:[email protected]
4
ENGLISH 9C
ROOM E-17
Ms. Mesko’s Syllabus Parent Signature Page
After reviewing the syllabus, please sign and return this document to class.
PARENT SIGNATURE:
My signature acknowledges that I have fully read and understood the syllabus for Ms.
Mesko’s English 9 class.
__________________________
(Parent Signature)
________________________
(Student’s Name: Please print)
________________________
PARENT EMAIL ADDRESS
________________________
PHONE NUMBER
What is the best way to contact you? (Circle one)
email
phone
________________________________________________________________
STUDENT SIGNATURE:
I have read and understood all items contained in the syllabus for Mrs. Albrecht’s English 9
class.
---------------------------------------(Student’s Signature)
-----------------------------------(Date)
5