Mrs. Rodriguez
English I Honors
Course Syllabus
Contact Information:
e-mail :
Voicemail:
Schoolwires website:
Extra help:
[email protected]
(201) 785-2300 ext. 21895
http://c2.ramsey.schoolwires.net/Page/1645
During lunch and after school - please contact Mrs. Rodriguez for appointment.
I can usually be found in room 210 or the English Office.
Course Description:
English I Honors offers highly motivated students a demanding and accelerated program to enlarge their appreciation,
knowledge, and understanding of language and literature. Composition and literature require sophisticated,
discriminating skills. The writing in this curriculum enables honors students to learn through writing as they learn to
write clearly, cohesively, and literately. Students analyze literature, explore their own reactions to that literature, and
research others' approaches to the works. Additionally, they must formulate argumentative and expository essays
grounded in textual evidence. The program encourages both independent and cooperative work, as well as involvement
in related cultural activities.
Course Materials:
1. Ipad – Make sure you come to class with it charged
2. Text – we use a variety of texts in this course, some in print and some digital.
3. Pen or pencil for tests and quizzes
Assignments:
Students will receive a variety of assignments in this course. Some assignments are designed to help learn new material,
some are to practice skills, and some are for assessment.
1. Homework/Classwork = 5-20 points
This may consist of completing questions, reading, vocabulary, working on an essay, watching a video, etc.
and will be given on a regular basis.
2. Quizzes = 10-50 points
These will usually be a reading check after a long reading assignment, vocabulary, grammar, or assessments
for shorter units.
3. Tests/ Writing assignments/ Long term projects = 50-100 points
These are used as assessment tools. In this class tests will be more analytical than testing basic knowledge.
Writing assignments will include multiple steps such as rough drafts and revision. Long-term projects will be
multi-step assignments that will be performance based.
Make-up Work:
1. It will be your responsibility to find out what work you missed while you were absent and to turn it in within
TWO days. It is also your responsibility to arrange a time when a test or quiz can be made up. Assignments will
be posted on Schoolwires.
2. No homework or classwork will be accepted late unless you were absent.
3. Quizzes will be made up the day you return.
4. Tests must be scheduled within 2 days for a reasonable make up time
5. Writing assignments are due to www.turnitin.com by 11:59pm on the due date. Even if you are absent from
class that day, the assignment is still due. Writing assignments and projects will be 10% off for each day late.
6. A student who CUTS class during an assessment, will not be allowed to make up the work. This includes signing
in late to school unexcused.
7. Any work not made up within TWO days or it will result in a zero
Grading Policy:
All grades are based on a point system. Each assignment will be given a point value according to the difficulty of work.
The number of points earned will be divided by the total possible points to get your percentage.
100-97=A+
96-93 = A
92-90 = A-
89-87=B+
86-83=B
82-80=B-
79-77=C+
76-73=C
72-70=C-
69-67=D+
66-60=D
59-below=F
Grades will be posted on the Parent Portal approximately every 3 weeks. If you see an error, please contact me
immediately. Incomplete grades will be seen as blank. If an assignment is not turned in, the incomplete will be changed
to a 0.
Academic Integrity policy:
All students are expected to turn in original work that is an accurate assessment of their performance. Violations to the
“Academic Integrity Policy” include copying, cheating, collaborating without authorization, plagiarizing, using
unauthorized materials and tampering with grades. Any student who is suspected of violating the policy will be reported
to the Vice Principal and the parent will be notified. Please see school policy for more details.
Class Expectations:
1. Be on time to class – this means being in your seat ready to go. Use the bathroom, go to your locker,
sharpen pencils, etc. before class begins. Remember that 3 tardies = 1 absence from class
2. Be respectful to the teacher and your classmates
3. All conversations, actions and language should be appropriate to school
4. Come prepared every day with your materials and be ready to participate
5. No food or drinks allowed
6. No cell phone use during class- this includes texting, social media, pictures and any other non-school related
use
7. Follow the appropriate guidelines for I-pad use- THERE WILL BE NO GAMES DURING CLASS TIME!!
8. I will dismiss you and not the bell
9. You are expected to follow all school policies throughout the year
10. Keep a positive attitude all year
If any issues arise, you will be referred to Dr. Brentnall for a discipline matter.
Course Outline:
Marking Period 1
To Kill a Mockingbird
I Am Malala
Expository Writing
Marking Period 2
Latino American Poetry
The House on Mango Street
Poetry Out Loud
Narrative Writing
Marking Period 3
Mythology
The Odyssey
Research
Marking Period 4
Romeo and Juliet
Lord of the Flies
Argumentative Writing
Remember that it is your responsibility to follow all classroom rules, teacher expectations and school policies at all
times. Please keep a positive attitude and we will have a great school year!