Mr. Woodsmall
English II
Fall 2016
Waterloo High School
Room E207
Voicemail: 618-939-3455 ext. 663
E-mail: s[email protected]
Webpage: http://mrwoodsmallwhsenglish.weebly.com
COURSE OBJECTIVES
This is a course designed to familiarize the student with writing and to increase language skills. English II builds upon writing and reading skills from English I including instruction in reading strategies and further development of writing skills. Works in a variety of genres including the novel, short stories, poetry, and non-fiction will be read. Enrollment is based on recommendation.
ASSIGNMENTS
Throughout the semester, English II students will be given a variety of in-class and homework assignments, including journals, individual and group projects, quizzes, tests, writing assignments, and presentations. First semester assignments will enhance students' appreciation for literature as they develop strategies to improve reading fluency and comprehension. Second semester assignments will be based on research writing as well as analysis of literature. Much of the work done in class and assigned as homework will be online. Students should become familiar with the WHS English II Website and should also make sure to have internet access somewhere outside of school. Please see me if you think internet use will be an issue.
TEXTS
To Kill a Mockingbird
Various readings will also be assigned throughout the term, including supplemental texts, informational texts, and at least one novel for independent reading.
PROCEDURES
Daily tasks:
Each day will begin with a bellringer. As a student enters the room, he or she will make sure that the appropriate Chromebook is available. The student will then refer to the "English II" page from Mr. Woodsmall's website to acquire the bellringer activity by clicking the correct button from the webpage. Students are to work quietly on bellringer until finished or instructed to stop work. If a student finishes early, he or she may not use the Chromebook for any other purpose and must remain quiet while other students are finishing.
Once the bellringer activity is completed, Mr. Woodsmall will proceed with the next item on the day's agenda. All activities for the day will be listed on the whiteboard in the front of the room as well as the "CLASSWORK" tab found on the ENG II page.
At the end of the class period, students may be instructed to return Chromebooks to the appropriate location. If instructed to do so, students are expected to do so in an orderly manner.
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
Students are expected to maintain appropriate level of maturity regarding their academic endeavors as well as their personal behaviors.
DISCIPLINE POLICY FOR RULE VIOLATION
1st Offense: Verbal Warning
2nd Offense: Written Office Referral and Parent/Guardian Contact
3rd Offense: Removal from Class and Written Office Referral
***Severe behavior issues may result in immediate removal from class***
Below are areas of emphasis in my class in addition to the rules set forth in the WHS Student -Parent Agenda.
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
Students are expected to maintain an appropriate attention level while in class. I will not allow students to be passive observers of classroom activities. Any student who refuses to participate in class activities will be removed from class. I consider refusal to be engaged as a refusal to comply with a teacher request.
The following behaviors are prohibited:
-Speaking without permission. As an English class, we will have many discussions as a class. Speaking without first obtaining the floor is counter-productive. I value your opinion, but I cannot tolerate "blurting" of responses. Similarly, speaking to other students while I have the floor is also prohibited. If you have a question, ask me. Your classmates may be able to answer, but I want everyone to have the opportunity to hear the question. If the question or comment does not relate to class, it should not be happening in the first place. I will only give one verbal warning for this type of classroom interruption. Continued disruption, regardless of intent, will result in office referral and possible removal from class.
-Having head on desk surface. Students must remain upright in their seats during the entire class period. A student may not read with his/her head resting on the edge of a desk or on his/her arm. Furthermore, a student may not prop his/her feet up on any object. Feet must remain on the floor.
-Working on assignments from a different class. Students may bring other materials to class, but may not use class time to complete any work other than work from English class. If a student is found to be working on other materials, the materials will be confiscated and submitted to the office.
-Use of any electronic equipment besides those provided in class. Students may not have an I-Pad or other type of computer in class. Phones are also prohibited. We will not have a need for any extra electronics to complete classroom activities. Any visible electronics will be confiscated and submitted to the office.
-Being out of seat without permission. A student who wishes to leave his/her seat during class must ask permission. Also, students must go directly to their assigned seats upon entering the classroom. Students may not wander around the room before class or congregate outside the classroom door.
STUDENT BEHAVIOR
Students are to be respectful to Mr. Woodsmall as well as each other. Any aggressive, hurtful, or otherwise inappropriate behavior will be dealt with accordingly.
Earbuds/Headphones are NOT allowed in class unless specific permission is given. Do not bring them to class or I will confiscate them.
More than one reminder to stay on task regarding Chromebook usage will result in removal from class.
Restroom privileges will be limited to three (3) times during class through the course of the semester. Any additional restroom requests will result in a tardy.
If you get a hall pass during passing period, you will still be marked tardy if you are late to class.
The following behaviors are prohibited:
-Touching of other people or other people's property. Under no circumstances may students touch other students, even if done in a joking manner. Also, one must obtain permission to touch another student's property, including class materials. Under no circumstances should students touch any of Mr. Woodsmall's materials, including windows and books. Doing so will result in immediate written office referral. Chromebooks are the only exception to this rule.
-Possession of food in class. Food will be confiscated and not returned. Any fundraising items are also prohibited. Water and food may only be brought into the classroom with a written doctor exemption.
-Leaning in chair. Leaning back or sideways in classroom chairs is not only destructive, it is dangerous. Chairs must be level and in contact with the ground at all times.
-Getting ready to leave before instruction has concluded. I dismiss class, not the bell. Classes will be held if students attempt to gather materials and leave before instructed to do so.
-Any confrontational/disrespectful demeanor toward classmates. Follow the golden rule. Any "picking on," regardless of intent, will not be tolerated. I view any taunting or ridicule of your classmates as bullying and I will respond accordingly.
-Any disrespectful/condescending attitude toward Mr. Woodsmall. I am here to help you, but do not mistake me for a peer. You may disagree with me, but you may not use a confrontational tone with me. Any perceived lack of respect for the position of me as the classroom teacher will result in written office referral and possible removal from class.
TIMELINESS
Students are expected to arrive on time prepared for class. The following behaviors will result in a tardy.
- Missing materials. If a student arrives to class without necessary materials, he or she will be allowed to retrieve materials, but it will result in a tardy.
-Restroom requests at the beginning of class. Use the restroom before class begins. I will not allow students to leave for the restroom at the beginning of class without issuing a tardy. Do NOT come into class and ask me if you can use the restroom. I will not respond.
-Not being in the appropriate seat ready to work. Any behavior that delays the beginning of class will also result in a tardy. Remember: Simply being in the classroom does not make you "on time." Students bursting into the room as the bell rings will still be marked tardy. Use your passing periods wisely.
MAKEUP WORK
Teacher Expectations
Students should expect me to do anything within reason to help them be successful.
The following procedures should be followed in order to allow me to better serve you.
- Any questions about grades should be asked through email. Many times I will be available after school. Do not ask about assignments during passing period.
- If you have a question or comment that you do not wish to share with the class, please use my school email. If you have an URGENT class-related need, please feel free to find my during passing period, before or after class, or before or after school. "Urgent" needs directly concern your safety or well-being, not academic concerns or opinions/suggestions about the class in general.
- If you have a suggestion about how to improve class or if you would like more help with something outside of class, please use my school email.
English II
Fall 2016
Waterloo High School
Room E207
Voicemail: 618-939-3455 ext. 663
E-mail: s[email protected]
Webpage: http://mrwoodsmallwhsenglish.weebly.com
COURSE OBJECTIVES
This is a course designed to familiarize the student with writing and to increase language skills. English II builds upon writing and reading skills from English I including instruction in reading strategies and further development of writing skills. Works in a variety of genres including the novel, short stories, poetry, and non-fiction will be read. Enrollment is based on recommendation.
ASSIGNMENTS
Throughout the semester, English II students will be given a variety of in-class and homework assignments, including journals, individual and group projects, quizzes, tests, writing assignments, and presentations. First semester assignments will enhance students' appreciation for literature as they develop strategies to improve reading fluency and comprehension. Second semester assignments will be based on research writing as well as analysis of literature. Much of the work done in class and assigned as homework will be online. Students should become familiar with the WHS English II Website and should also make sure to have internet access somewhere outside of school. Please see me if you think internet use will be an issue.
- Assignments are due at the beginning of the class period. Anything submitted after the beginning of class will be marked late.
- Assignments will only be accepted if submitted to the specified location (included correct online submission). Failure to submit assignments to the appropriate location will result in a "late" grade.
- Essays and other large assignments (work assigned at least one week in advance) will be due on the predetermined due date regardless of absence or presentation order.
TEXTS
To Kill a Mockingbird
Various readings will also be assigned throughout the term, including supplemental texts, informational texts, and at least one novel for independent reading.
PROCEDURES
Daily tasks:
Each day will begin with a bellringer. As a student enters the room, he or she will make sure that the appropriate Chromebook is available. The student will then refer to the "English II" page from Mr. Woodsmall's website to acquire the bellringer activity by clicking the correct button from the webpage. Students are to work quietly on bellringer until finished or instructed to stop work. If a student finishes early, he or she may not use the Chromebook for any other purpose and must remain quiet while other students are finishing.
Once the bellringer activity is completed, Mr. Woodsmall will proceed with the next item on the day's agenda. All activities for the day will be listed on the whiteboard in the front of the room as well as the "CLASSWORK" tab found on the ENG II page.
At the end of the class period, students may be instructed to return Chromebooks to the appropriate location. If instructed to do so, students are expected to do so in an orderly manner.
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
Students are expected to maintain appropriate level of maturity regarding their academic endeavors as well as their personal behaviors.
DISCIPLINE POLICY FOR RULE VIOLATION
1st Offense: Verbal Warning
2nd Offense: Written Office Referral and Parent/Guardian Contact
3rd Offense: Removal from Class and Written Office Referral
***Severe behavior issues may result in immediate removal from class***
Below are areas of emphasis in my class in addition to the rules set forth in the WHS Student -Parent Agenda.
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
Students are expected to maintain an appropriate attention level while in class. I will not allow students to be passive observers of classroom activities. Any student who refuses to participate in class activities will be removed from class. I consider refusal to be engaged as a refusal to comply with a teacher request.
The following behaviors are prohibited:
-Speaking without permission. As an English class, we will have many discussions as a class. Speaking without first obtaining the floor is counter-productive. I value your opinion, but I cannot tolerate "blurting" of responses. Similarly, speaking to other students while I have the floor is also prohibited. If you have a question, ask me. Your classmates may be able to answer, but I want everyone to have the opportunity to hear the question. If the question or comment does not relate to class, it should not be happening in the first place. I will only give one verbal warning for this type of classroom interruption. Continued disruption, regardless of intent, will result in office referral and possible removal from class.
-Having head on desk surface. Students must remain upright in their seats during the entire class period. A student may not read with his/her head resting on the edge of a desk or on his/her arm. Furthermore, a student may not prop his/her feet up on any object. Feet must remain on the floor.
-Working on assignments from a different class. Students may bring other materials to class, but may not use class time to complete any work other than work from English class. If a student is found to be working on other materials, the materials will be confiscated and submitted to the office.
-Use of any electronic equipment besides those provided in class. Students may not have an I-Pad or other type of computer in class. Phones are also prohibited. We will not have a need for any extra electronics to complete classroom activities. Any visible electronics will be confiscated and submitted to the office.
-Being out of seat without permission. A student who wishes to leave his/her seat during class must ask permission. Also, students must go directly to their assigned seats upon entering the classroom. Students may not wander around the room before class or congregate outside the classroom door.
STUDENT BEHAVIOR
Students are to be respectful to Mr. Woodsmall as well as each other. Any aggressive, hurtful, or otherwise inappropriate behavior will be dealt with accordingly.
Earbuds/Headphones are NOT allowed in class unless specific permission is given. Do not bring them to class or I will confiscate them.
More than one reminder to stay on task regarding Chromebook usage will result in removal from class.
Restroom privileges will be limited to three (3) times during class through the course of the semester. Any additional restroom requests will result in a tardy.
If you get a hall pass during passing period, you will still be marked tardy if you are late to class.
The following behaviors are prohibited:
-Touching of other people or other people's property. Under no circumstances may students touch other students, even if done in a joking manner. Also, one must obtain permission to touch another student's property, including class materials. Under no circumstances should students touch any of Mr. Woodsmall's materials, including windows and books. Doing so will result in immediate written office referral. Chromebooks are the only exception to this rule.
-Possession of food in class. Food will be confiscated and not returned. Any fundraising items are also prohibited. Water and food may only be brought into the classroom with a written doctor exemption.
-Leaning in chair. Leaning back or sideways in classroom chairs is not only destructive, it is dangerous. Chairs must be level and in contact with the ground at all times.
-Getting ready to leave before instruction has concluded. I dismiss class, not the bell. Classes will be held if students attempt to gather materials and leave before instructed to do so.
-Any confrontational/disrespectful demeanor toward classmates. Follow the golden rule. Any "picking on," regardless of intent, will not be tolerated. I view any taunting or ridicule of your classmates as bullying and I will respond accordingly.
-Any disrespectful/condescending attitude toward Mr. Woodsmall. I am here to help you, but do not mistake me for a peer. You may disagree with me, but you may not use a confrontational tone with me. Any perceived lack of respect for the position of me as the classroom teacher will result in written office referral and possible removal from class.
TIMELINESS
Students are expected to arrive on time prepared for class. The following behaviors will result in a tardy.
- Missing materials. If a student arrives to class without necessary materials, he or she will be allowed to retrieve materials, but it will result in a tardy.
-Restroom requests at the beginning of class. Use the restroom before class begins. I will not allow students to leave for the restroom at the beginning of class without issuing a tardy. Do NOT come into class and ask me if you can use the restroom. I will not respond.
-Not being in the appropriate seat ready to work. Any behavior that delays the beginning of class will also result in a tardy. Remember: Simply being in the classroom does not make you "on time." Students bursting into the room as the bell rings will still be marked tardy. Use your passing periods wisely.
MAKEUP WORK
- For assignments done in class, students will refer to the English II webpage for any missed in-class work and/or homework assignments. I will not accept late work if a student claims that he or she did not know an assignment was due. It is time to start being responsible for your academic achievement.
- REMEMBER: I will not pursue you about your missed work; you must check the assignment calendar and/or get notes from a fellow student in a timely manner.
- Students excused for school-sponsored activities or pre-planned absences are expected to complete and submit assignments before the absence when applicable. For all involved in sports and other extra-curricular activities: Your schedule is especially demanding, but missed assignments or late work will not be excused. Be responsible. Plan ahead
Teacher Expectations
Students should expect me to do anything within reason to help them be successful.
The following procedures should be followed in order to allow me to better serve you.
- Any questions about grades should be asked through email. Many times I will be available after school. Do not ask about assignments during passing period.
- If you have a question or comment that you do not wish to share with the class, please use my school email. If you have an URGENT class-related need, please feel free to find my during passing period, before or after class, or before or after school. "Urgent" needs directly concern your safety or well-being, not academic concerns or opinions/suggestions about the class in general.
- If you have a suggestion about how to improve class or if you would like more help with something outside of class, please use my school email.