​Mr. Czarkowski                                                        Name:______________________
English 9 
 
I. Course Description: 
This class is a broad survey course of English literature and composition. As you enter the high school, it is imperative that you are introduced to essential concepts of English literature and are aided in developing lifelong study skills. I will do everything in my power to ensure that by June you are ready to meet the demands of your sophomore teachers. 
 
In addition to the reading, you will also be expected to do some writing. One cannot underestimate the importance of clear and proficient writing. Grammar and mechanics will also be studied in this class as one cannot write well if he/she does not understand the essential rules of our language.
 
At several points through the year, you will be asked to read and respond to texts outside the curriculum. This is done in an effort to foster life-long reading skills and build reading stamina.
 
If you ever are having trouble with any of the material in this class, you should immediately come and see me for help. I want to make this very clear: I am here to help.  
 
II. Class Rules:
1.)Respect everyone. 
 
2.)STAY AWAKE!
 
3.) Do not use any cell-phones, I-phones, digital cameras, MP3 players---anything that requires earphones and/or batteries during class (unless prompted to do so). For further reading, consult the most recent Haddam-Killingworth Student Handbook.
 
4.)Be PREPARED for class. Bring a pencil, and your assigned text.  I provide you with a notebook.
 
5.)Submit essays in hard copy form. I also cannot accept flash-drives. 
 
Allow me to quote the English Department Manual:
 
Students will turn in all assigned work to their English teachers in hard copy. Electronic submissions, including email and work on flash-drives, will not be accepted without prior approval of the instructor.  This will require students to print, arrange and prepare each assignment so that it is ready to hand in upon arrival to class. The English Department believes that this will provide an opportunity for students to be responsible for every aspect of assignment preparation and will help to avoid the problems that can occur when electronic submissions do not arrive as intended.           
III. Grading Structure:  
 
25% Papers.
  • All essays can be revised for a higher grade provided they are handed in by deadline.

  • If you wish to revise an essay you will need to see me for a one-on-one individual work session. I am available during lunch.
 
15% Homework
  • Homework grades are averaged and put up on Powerschool.
  • You will have something to do on most school nights.
  • Frequent homework assignments include the following:
    • Reading and answering short-answer questions.
    • Defining vocabulary and using those words in meaningful sentences.
    • Writing quote responses.
    • Writing and revising drafts of an essay.
 
10% Classwork and participation. 
 
25% Tests/projects.
 
25% Quizzes. (Weekly vocabulary and open-note reading comprehension quizzes.)

  • ALL READING COMPREHENSION QUIZZES ARE OPEN-NOTE!
  • If you wish to take notes, you may use those handwritten notes on reading comprehension quizzes.
  • An associative tool list can be used on vocabulary quizzes.
 
 
 
 
No extra credit is offered for this class.
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