ENGLISH IMr. Hartz

Classroom Expectations:Upon entering the classroom, I expect all students to:

1. Be on time, prepared and ready to begin class when the bell rings.

2. Listen to all directions, instructions and procedures for the block.

3. Raise their hands if they would like to speak.4. Keep hands, feet, and other objects to themselves.5. Treat others as they want to be treated.

Course Materials:1. 1 – 1.5 inch 3-ring binder – OR - a two-pocketed folder with a binder

clasp to hold…(see #2)2. Loose-leaf, lined paper3. PENS AND PENCILS!!!!!---in English class, we read and WRITE!OUR GOAL: To maintain a portfolio to track your progress as well as to have a handy study tool

Thematic Units of Study Main Titles of UnitsThe Power of Playing with Words YOU, types of poems and various poetsExploring the American Dream Of Mice and Men & other Steinbeck writingOther People in Other Places Short[Multicultural]Stories/Short WritingThe Individual Vs. Society Into the Wild/Wild (excerpts)Emotional Maturity and Youth Romeo and JulietWhat Are You Interested In? Short Research ProjectA Young Person’s World and What it Entails SpeakHomework Policy:Homework must be turned in on the assigned due date. Homework handed in the class after the assigned due date will automatically be deducted 10 points each day it is late—including days we do NOT have class.Attendance:If you are legally absent, it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to make up missed work. Check the black mailbox marked “HARTZ’S MAILBOX” for any missed assignments or graded work upon returning to class! Again, I am flexible for making up missed work due to absence, however, it must be within a reasonable amount of time. Skipping class/school will automatically result in a ‘0’ for that day’s work without any chance of making it up.

IN ADDITION TO “HARTZ’S MAILBOX”, CHECK THE FOLLOWING BLOG WHICH IS UPDATED DAILY WITH ANY ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE DAY POSTED TO IT:

e1hartz.wordpress.com

Assessment:I am looking for your own ideas and opinions. The type of mindset students need for ELA requires them to abandon the “right/wrong” one-answer-only mindset. While there might be moments of choosing a right or wrong answer (quizzes and tests), I am mostly interested in seeing how well you support your opinions, interpretations, and conclusions through our writings and discussions. TAKE A RISK! TAKE A CHANCE! BE COURAGEOUS!

Four marking periods make up our grading for the year. The total points you earn on tests, quizzes, homework, and other assignments will be divided as follows:

50% - MAJOR GRADE – Unit tests, longer writing pieces, special projects35% - MINOR GRADE - Reading quizzes, homework, journaling, in-class assignments15% - PARTICIPATION – Short response exercises, discussions, quick writes

CELLPHONE POLICY (NEW):As per district policy, cellphones may only be used during non-instructional time (passing time in the halls; lunch) and not during instructional classroom time as it interferes with the classroom learning environment unless a teacher finds the operating of one as a necessary part of a lesson, activity and so forth. Otherwise, they are not to be used.

Plagiarism:Should a student elect to copy someone else’s work and pass it off as their own, a grade of ‘0’ will be earned for that assignment. Responsibilities of the Teacher:1. Present a lesson that is well-prepared and stimulating.2. Create an enthusiastic, positive and encouraging learning environment.3. Provide extra assistance whenever students need it.4. Communicating to students and/or parents whenever responsibilities are not being met.5. Maintaining high expectations for both the student and the teacher.Contact:My room is 107 should you need to contact me in person. By telephone, I can be reached at 677-3300, ext. 4146. My email is mhartz@wscscools.org.

AS A TEACHER IN THE WEST SENECA COMMUNITY, I PLEDGE THE FOLLOWING:

1. I shall strive to create a positive supportive learning environment and educational experience for all students and pledge to respect each of my students as a unique person, not a test score!!!

2. I acknowledge that your child is a human being with their own ideas, feelings, thoughts, perceptions, observations, and experiences, not a product to be molded!!!