English 11 Period 1: 8:00-8:43am Period 2: 8:49-9:32am with Ms. Sarah McLaughlin Period 6: 11:53-12:36 Period 8: 1:28-2:11

ENGLISH 11 Syllabus Instructor: J. Fernandez “The man who won’t read has no advantage over the one who can’t read.” -Mark Twain “

Course Overview This 11th grade English course is designed to challenge your child to become a better reader, writer, and critical thinker. Also, this course will prepare your child for the Comprehensive English Regents Examination in June. This English class is about more than just literature; it is about culture, language, written and verbal expression, and critical thinking. In 11th grade English, students will continue to use the skills that they developed in 10th grade in order to analyze and understand in greater depth what authors are trying to express through their literature. Throughout the course of the year, we will look both at the practical aspects of the English language, as well as its artistic side. By the end of the year, students will have grown to be even better readers, writers, and speakers who are able to use the English language proficiently, powerfully and creatively.

Grading Policy Quizzes and Tests 20% Creative Projects & Presentations 20% Reader’s Workshop 20% (Book Projects w/ Annotated Bibliographies) Writer’s Workshop 20% (Benchmark Assessments) Homework (Weekly journal entries) 10% Class Participation 10%

Attendance Policy Students are allowed to make up all homework that is missed due to a legal absence (one that has been documented and accepted as legal). In situations other than legal absences where students miss homework, they will be allowed to make up no more than two (2) homework assignments (journal entries) per quarter.

Extra Credit Policy Extra Credit will not be offered in circumstances where a student has refused/neglected to complete an assignment. Extra credit will only be offered in the following circumstances: A student completed an assignment and received a low grade. A student’s legal absence prevented him/her from completing an assignment to the best of his/her ability.

Late Work Policy Late Benchmark Assessments and Book Projects will be penalized at a rate of -10 points per day. All other cases of missed or late work will be handled on a case by case basis; however, points will be deducted from late work.

Classroom Policy You must respect yourself and others. You may NOT wear headphones in your ears in my class. You may NOT use your cell phone or have it out in class. You may not use abusive language of any sort. You must follow the PHS Code of Conduct

Homework Policy Journal entries are the only regularly assigned homework in my class, but there is still always homework because everyone should be reading his/her independent novel for at least 30 minutes per night. After three journal entries on a given book, you must complete an annotated bibliography. You may complete a creative project as well.

Tardiness Policy According to the Peekskill High School Code of Conduct, any student that is late twice in one week will automatically receive detention. If a student enters the classroom late, he/she must enter quietly and sign the late book. If a student is late and does not have a legal pass, he/she is responsible for obtaining the missed work on his or her own time.

Call Back Call Back is from 2:14 to 2:45 Monday-Thursday in my room (228). You must attend if you are failing. You may attend to receive extra attention. You should attend if you have any questions, comments and/or concerns.