Sutton High School Mission Statement:

At Sutton High School, we are committed to providing a foundation on which all students have the opportunity to pursue academic excellence and personal development in a safe, supportive, and challenging learning environment.

English Department Mission Statement:

The Sutton High School English Department maintains a high standard of learning in which every student has an opportunity to develop and refine reading, writing, speaking, listening, and critical thinking skills and to become personally responsible for his or her academic growth.

English Department Learning Expectations:

The Sutton High School student is an effective communicator, a critical thinker, and can work independently.

Course Description: This course is an integrated approach to the language arts designed to help the student refine and develop his/her ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, think independently, and read perceptively.

Objectives: The student will:

• Read, evaluate, and discuss a variety of literature and identify key elements
• Develop written fluency by means of regular writing exercises
• Increase his/her working vocabulary
• Improve listening and speaking skills
• Write original expository and critical essays in standard edited English

Text: Adventures in Reading

Areas of Study:

• Drama: Oedipus the King, Romeo & Juliet
• Epic: The Odyssey
• Nonfiction: Hiroshima
• Novels: Animal Farm, Ellen Foster, Of Mice & Men, Ordinary People, To Kill A Mockingbird
• Literary Terms
• Poetry (various aspects)
• Short story
• Review of grammar, usage, sentence structure, and punctuation as necessary
• Writing process (primarily expository essays)

Required Materials:

• Notebook (with folder)
• Pens (black or blue only please) or pencils
• Access to a typewriter or computer (computers in the library may be used after school)

*** Please see me after class if you have difficulty obtaining any of these materials. ***

Punctuality:

Arrive on time and be ready to work when class begins. Be in your assigned seat when the bell rings. Remain in your seat until the end of class.

Preparation: You will need to bring the following materials to class everyday:

• Copy of the current text we’re studying
• English notebook containing notes, handouts, and assignments
• Pens/pencils

Absences & Grading:

• If you are absent, it is YOUR responsibility to find out what you missed and to make up all necessary work.
• Homework and assessment must be completed and turned in the first day following an absence.
• If homework is assigned on the day of your absence, the homework must be made up within two days after your return to class.
• All grades count: compositions, group work, homework, projects, class work, tests.
• Grading Breakdown: Tests: 30%, Essays/Writing Assignments: 25%, Quizzes: 25%, Homework: 15%, Participation: 5%
• No extra-credit work is accepted. If you care, do your best today. If you are having trouble in the class, it is your responsibility to see me as soon as possible.

Extra Help:

Wednesday and Thursday will be my late days from September through December. If this day conflicts with your schedule, please see me and we can arrange a convenient day or time.

Plagiarism:

Please see your student handbook for Sutton High School’s policy on plagiarism.