Mansanarez, Jayson

Course Description/Overview/Welcome Statement

Welcome to Provo High School! I are excited to have you in our English class this year. We have a full agenda that will be rewarding and interesting for you if you will apply yourself. Through our study of literature and writing this year, it is my hope you can become a better thinker and communicator.

The primary focus of this class will be improving each student’s literacy, or ability to read and write effectively. We will focus on reading success by using a tried and true program and read a minimum of 35 min each day out of class and do a lot of reading in class as well. This program allows the student to choose the books they wish to read within a specific genre list. We will still read some class-assigned books; however, most of the reading will be independent guided reading. We will read many short pieces of literature as a class to learn, from practice and modeling, effective reading strategies to apply to the books the students choose to read. Over the course of the year each student will read nearly 15 books!

Research: You will complete multiple research projects each term and present your findings to the class. These projects will seek to answer questions generated by you. The class is designed around a student directed learning model. That is, you will select much of the content to be studied while I facilitate the development of literacy skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).

Independent Reading: You will be required to complete independent reading assignments as a means of improving reading skills. I will allow you to read any literary novel you like as long as you have parental permission. You must bring your personal reading to class every day.

Class Reading: We will read a variety of literature as a class. When we do, you will be responsible for following the reading schedule. We will have unannounced reading checks (quizzes) as a way to reward those who follow the schedule. You will not be required to read independently while we read a class novel.

As per the district policy on viewing videos in the classroom, we want to make you aware now of what films we plan to use this year. As part of the 9^th grade curriculum we may show parts of these films: Disney’s Hercules, Romeo and Juliet, The Miracle Worker. If any other movies will be used, we will make you aware of them before they are shown in class.

Learning Expectations

Daily learning objectives will be posted in class and on the class webpage.

Grading Scale:

A   94- 100       A-    90- 93

B+ 87- 89         B   83 – 86        B-    80- 82

C+ 77- 79          C   73 – 76         C-    70- 72

D+ 67- 69         D   63 – 66        D-    60 – 62

Assessment of Progress

Students will have a variety of formative (informal) assessments and Summative (formal) assessments to assess where the student learning is as we move through the term. Students and parents should monitor this progress using powerschool and progress reports sent home by me toward the end of each term.

Course Materials

1″ binder with paper

Something to write with

Any required text we will be reading in class and whatever the student has chosen to read outside of class in the event that we have down time during class.

Classroom Procedures

LATE WORK AND MAKE-UP WORK

Your academic work is to be turned in on the day it is due. Any late assignment may be turned in for 70% credit, maximum. We will keep track of these numbers for you through Powerschool. Any student turning in more that 4 late assignments in one single term will not receive higher that a 93% or an A- for that term’s final grade, in which the 5+ late assignments have been turned in.

I do not accept printer excuses for late or missing written work- if your printer isn’t functioning, print the assignment out at school from your Google drive.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

We follow the policy on academic integrity as outlined in the student handbook. If students take part in any academically dishonest act, they will receive a zero for the assignment/test and the violation will be reported to the administration and parents. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, the following actions: plagiarizing, copying, inappropriately using notes, or submitting work done by someone other than yourself (including parents, siblings, and friends). Ignorance is no excuse for breaking rules; if you are unsure about something, please ask.

ACADEMIC ASSISTANCE/Intervention

Academic assistance/Intervention is provided each week during scheduled intervention times. If your class grade falls below a C-, you can expect an invitation to attend intervention to get yourself caught up.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES

This year we will be using our electronic devises for many great academic things, however students are responsible to be sure to use phones and other electronic devices appropriately and will be held accountable to do so. Students who abuse this policy will have their phones taken and parents can come to the school to pick it up.

Grading Scale:

A   94- 100       A-    90- 93

B+ 87- 89         B   83 – 86        B-    80- 82

C+ 77- 79          C   73 – 76         C-    70- 72

D+ 67- 69         D   63 – 66        D-    60 – 62

Calendar of Due Dates for Major Assignments

Term one Objectives

Term Two

Progress Reports and Report Cards

Connecting Home to School

I can be reached by email or phone

Jayson Mansanarez

Email: jaysonm@provo.edu

Phone: 801-373-6550

I also use the Remind text alert system to send home reminders of due dates and new assignments. to connect to this system contact me through email with your students name and grade level and I will send instructions.

Personal Statement and other items (optional)