Class Syllabus

We will be reading six novels throughout the course of this year.  All students are expected to complete reading by the following specific dates:

Frankenstein 9/20
Pride and Prejudice 10/30
the play Wit 11/7
The Adventures of Huckleberry Fin 12/15
All the Pretty Horses 1/20
The Grapes of Wrath 3/15

We will be writing timed essays for each novel, as well as a few additional essays dealing with similar subjects corresponding to each novel.  This is to improve writing and test taking strategies, when needed to write a timed essay.  All essays will be graded and returned an expected to be revised and turn in a final draft at a later time.
                In order to improve writing we will be holding workshops that involve peer editing, teacher editing, and input from other students as well for each essay written in class. Students will be graded in attendance, participation and input in these workshops. Failure to do so will result in a lower grade.

                We will be covering numerous poem, from classical poetry, to modern poetry.  Some of the poem may be graphic and mature content, or shocking.  Poetry is a complicated genre for most students, thus students need to be familiar with different and well known poems to understand the meaning of a poem.  

For every novel we read we will watch a corresponding documentary or movie in class that relates to the subject matter we are discussing in class. [please note the attached permission slip with a detailed description of movies and films that will be watched in class, please sign and return]

                In order to communicate effectively with students and parents, a class blog will be available for viewing at any time online at http://msbuhlers10thgradeenglishclass.blogspot.com/.  This blog will have a weekly update of what students are learning, a page for parents to volunteer or any information that needs to be relayed about upcoming events, etc.  Class assignments will be posted on the blog for students.  We will also have forums in which students can interact on assignments, subjects that can be discussed and any questions they might have.  I will check my email, voicemail and class blog twice a day in order to stay in contact with students and/or parents.

                This is an above average expectations class.  This is an Honors and AP prep class.  That being said, additional extracurricular activities will be encouraged in this class, but not required.  I encourage students to partner with other students and form study groups.  These groups will meet weekly or at least once a month.  My classroom will be open after school from 2:30-4:30 on every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, unless otherwise specified.  I will also be holding occasional movie nights, study session and other activities that will take place in my classroom after school hours.  This will be a challenging course, so I recommend students to take advantage of these extracurricular activities to learn and connect with other students, but it is not required.  It is also encouraged for parents of students to be involved in their student’s studies.  Occasionally, I will be asking for parent volunteers to help in the classroom or with extracurricular activities that occur after school hours.  There will be a parent volunteer signup sheet available on the class’s Wiki, at www.wikivolunteerhours.com.

                Grades will be posted online at www.skyword.com.  Each student will be given a specific login name and password, that parents and students can use to view grades.  I do not encourage late work.  Every assignment that is turned in late will be deducted five percent per day late.  As responsible citizens and students, I expect every student to keep track of their grades online.  If there is a mistake or discrepancy on a grade posted on an assignment, students have two weeks to come meet with me and discuss the grade.  After the two weeks have passed the grades will become final.

                If there is any student that has a special need or accommodation that needs to occur please meet with me so we can figure out suitable accommodations that do not prohibit student learning.

                If you have any questions or concerns feel free to email me at Ashley.buhler08@northwestu.edu. Or call me at 555-666-7777 ext: 5679. The class website is http://msbuhlers10thgradeenglishclass.blogspot.com/ and will have weekly updates to parents of events or other important information.  Class assignments, handouts, or worksheets will be posted on there as well.  In addition, important class sessions will be recorded and posted as a podcast on the class website.

I am very excited to grow together as a community and having a very productive year. I hope to partner with students and parents to provide the best educational opportunities for each student.  Good luck this year, I look forward to a successful year in Ms. Buhler’s class.

Thank you

Ashley Buhler