English
and Literature 6
2007-2008
Contact Information
Ms. Megan Gehlsen
898-0525 (You may contact me during 2nd or 5th period)
Visit mywebpage at www.yorkcountyschools.org/gms/
Course Description
This course provides an opportunity for students who have demonstrated ability in English to enhance the skills needed for successful academic performance in later advanced English classes. Emphasis is placed on literature, composition, vocabulary development, spelling, listening, speaking, and critical thinking skills.
Tentative Course Outline
Ongoing Throughout Year
| *writing |
| *daily paragraph editing |
| *vocabulary development |
| *grammar instruction |
| *reading logs (homework) |
1st
Quarter |
2nd Quarter |
3rd
Quarter |
4th
Quarter |
| Short Stories | Novel Study (TBA) | Informational Selections | Poetry |
| Drama | Non-Fiction | Debates | Book Clubs |
Grading Policy
| York County Grading Scale | Ms. Gehlsen's Grade Breakdown |
| 92-100 A | Tests/Projects/Writing Assignments 40% |
| 85-91 B | Quizzes/Writing Assignments 30% |
| 75-84 C | Classwork 20% |
| 67-74 D | Homework/Reading 10% |
Required Supplies
*1 ½ to 2 inch 3 ring binder (to be used for English and Literature only)
*5 dividers with pockets for binder
*erasable pens (optional, but recommended)
*White-Out (optional, but recommended; avoid generic brands)
*Post-It notes (3x3 inch size)
*Inexpensive flash drive (optional, but recommended)
*ample supply of loose leaf paper (college or wide ruled)
***Please DO NOT bring mechanical pencils to class! The broken pieces of lead get ground into the floor, which make a terrible mess and can’t be cleaned up until June! All mechanical pencils will be confiscated and returned to parents only!
Homework
Students will be required to read four nights a week for 25 minutes each night. After reading each night, the student will complete the reading log provided by the teacher. The student will fill in the date, pages read, and title of what was read. All reading logs should be signed by a parent or guardian and are due on Mondays. Students are NOT required to use the reading log form. They may use their own paper. Therefore, the excuse “I can’t find the form” is not valid.
Reading logs may be turned in late, but the grade will be reduced by 10 points per day.
Classroom Expectations
1. Show respect for yourself, others, and property.
2. Come to class on time and with materials.
3. Be recognized before speaking.
4. Follow classroom procedures.
Classroom Conduct
Students are expected to follow classroom rules. I have very high expectations when it comes to classroom behavior. Behavior that infringes on others' rights to learn will be dealt with swiftly. A student engaging in inappropriate behavior will be given a verbal warning. If the behavior continues, the student will be asked to sign his or her name in the class sign-in book. A student who accumulates three sign-ins in one week will be assigned lunch detention for the following week and parents will be notified. Continued misbehavior will result in a phone call home followed by referral to the administration. Conferences will be scheduled as needed. All students start with a clean slate on Mondays.
Students without any sign-ins will be rewarded weekly.
Grafton Middle School Tardy Policy
Unexcused tardies will be reported on a school-wide basis. All unexcused tardies will be reported to the main office. Be on time to class!
- 1st: Teacher informs student and notes tardy.
- 2nd: Teacher again informs student and notes tardy.
- 3rd: Teacher notifies parent by phone or email.
- 4th: Administrator will conference with student. Referral sent home for parent signature, copy mailed home.
- 5th: Administrator assigns lunch detention. Parent notified by phone, mail, or email.
- 6th: Administrator assigns after school detention. Parent notified by phone, mail, or email.
- 7th and subsequent offenses: Administrator will assign ATS or combinations of detentions. Parent conference may be requested. Parents will be notified by phone, mail, or email.