Ms. Fennewald's Home Page

2007-2008 English III
Christy Fennewald
573-696-5512 ext. 423
cfennewa@hallsville.org (school)
rungal27@austin.rr.com (home)
Conference period: 5^th hour or by appointment

Welcome to English III!

What is the English III program and what does it entail?

English III will prepare you to be an educated, active, and productive citizen. This year we will explore the differences that reside in each one of us and the similarities that unite us as Americans. To do so, we have multiple forms of writing and creative techniques to explore, so enjoy the ride. Have fun, and LEARN! You can EXPECT TO LEARN every day.

What are the course objectives?

Reading, writing, speaking, listening, and information literacy are all forms of communication that we will explore this year. By the end of this school year, you will obtain the skills necessary to:

· Gather, analyze, and apply information and ideas.

· Communicate effectively within and beyond the classroom.

· Recognize and solve problems.

· Make decisions and act as responsible members of society.

· But most importantly, you will explore and cultivate your own identity.

What behavior is expected of me in the classroom?

Be respectful, punctual, and expect to learn, thanks. When necessary, the Hallsville behavioral policy takes effect. All Hallsville High School policies are observed. Students are not allowed to use cell phones or other electronic devices during class and if the device disturbs class, access to that device will be restricted for the rest of the school day.

What is the attendance policy?

Students must be in attendance and on time everyday. If a student knows in advance of an excused absence, he/she must contact the school and the teacher to arrange for missed work. If a student is more than 25 minutes late, he/she is considered absent. Please see the Hallsville Handbook for all other policies. The retrieval and return of late work is the student’s responsibility.

What is academic integrity?

Students are expected to turn in their own work and ideas. Failure to do so will result in a failure. Parents and guardians will be notified immediately. Students will sign a Plagiarism Contract during the first week of school and will be held accountable to the contract.

What is your policy on grades and make-up work?

All Hallsville High School policies are observed. Students are allowed to make up major-grade assignments at an arranged time (it is the students responsibility to see me prior to the absence to arrange a convenient time) for excused absences. For each day of an excused absence, students will be allowed one make-up day. If the absence is unexcused, students MUST still make up the work, but will receive no grade.

Please observe the contact information above when scheduling times to make up work. Again, it is the student’s responsibility to see me to make up the work.

What is the scoring scale?

90-100 =A

80-89 =B

70-79 =C

69-60 =D

59- =F

How can I calculate my grades?

I will deliver a grade sheet every quarter. The grade sheet will list all of the assignments and their percentage worth.

What if I need extra help?

If a student needs additional help in the subject area, he/she may schedule an appointment to meet with me for additional tutoring. However, it is the student’s responsibility to schedule this appointment.

What materials do I need?

· 1 box of Kleenexes (or any brand of tissues)

· 1 ream of copy paper

· 2 Wide or college-ruled 3-subject Notebooks (~ $0.50 each)

· 2 folders (two pocket with brads) (~$0.10 each)

· 2 highlighters

· 1 stack of at least 5 packages of post-its/sticky notes

· Pens (blue or black)

· Notebook paper (~$0.50 per 100 pages)

· 1 Two-inch three-ring binder (these will be filled by the end)

· Optional: 1 flash drive/thumb drive of at least 256MB (found at Target and Walmart for ~$20)

Are there any additional responsibilities required of me?

We have multitudes of writing and creative techniques to cover, so come to class prepared to LEARN EVERY DAY! Communication is very important to me and to your success, so please contact me if you need additional help, have problems, or have issues. I will discuss my tutoring hours the first day of class; however, please consult my contact information above.

Good luck this year! I hope it meets your every expectation.

English III Overview

Below are activities and their descriptions. We will complete these throughout the course of year, so SAVE this sheet in your binder.

Reading Strategies: We will complete these strategies before, during, and after every reading assignment. You will be asked to display your knowledge of a text by using these strategies. See reading strategies sheet (predicting, questioning, clarifying, inferring, making connections, synthesis, visualizing, and determining importance/significance).
Six Traits of Writing: We will use the six traits of writing scoring guide throughout this year. Expect to be scored with this rubric on all major writing assignments and many of the minor writing assignments.
Quarterly writing assignments: This year, we will focus on persuasive writing. That means we will build upon what you’ve done in Mrs. Rice and Mrs. Morrison’s classes and apply new knowledge. We will focus on writing in the real life context since you will soon be entering the “real world.”
Minor writing assignments: Throughout the year, you will be asked to freewrite like you did in Mrs. Morrison’s class and you will be asked to respond to prompts. We will use these to prepare and practice for your quarterly writing assignments.
Writing Portfolio: NEVER throw away a writing assignment in this class! Throughout the year, you will compile your writing pieces into a writing portfolio. At the end of each quarter or semester, you will choose a piece to revise. At the end of the year, you will organize your portfolio and turn it in for your final grade.
Quizzes: Expect a quiz at any time this year! You will receive quizzes throughout the year over your reading assignments and any important terms discussed in class. These quizzes will be mostly short answer and extended response questions.
Class discussions: You are required to participate in ALL class discussions. Sometimes these will be grade discussions and, other times; these will be graded upon participation. Either way, your grade is impacted by your participation in class.
Respect: Above all, you must display a respectful attitude in this class. If you are not respectful to Ms. Fennewald, your classmates, or yourself, your grade will decrease and you will lose classroom privileges.
Projects/tests: I do not give tests; however, you will write and read A LOT! At the end of units and/or activities, you will be asked to either write or complete a project. The option depends on the unit. Be prepared by coming to class every day and turning in homework.
Homework: Yes, you will receive homework. However, I believe in the philosophy that more is not always better. Therefore, we will try to get through most of the work in class. By participating and maintaining a respectful attitude, we will be able to complete more work in class.
Presentations: Throughout the year, you will give several presentations to practice your speaking and listening skills.

English III Syllabus