Author: Tammy

Ogemaw Heights High School

Volume 1, Issue 1

September 2012

Welcome to Mrs. Ahearne’s
English 11 (American Literature) Class

Welcome!

Welcome to American Literature. This newsletter is designed to give you and your parents an idea of what is to be expected from this class.
The goal of this class is to ensure your learning of American Literature so you are aware of the historical aspects of literature from the pre-colonial to the present. There will be six thematic units, three each semester. Each unit will include a variety of types of literature including novels, plays, short stories, poems, and essays. In each unit you will be expected to complete multiple creative writing assignments and formal essay assignments. All of these assignments have been aligned to the Common Core State Standards and we will be discussing these all year.
Reading will be a daily activity in this class. You must have a novel or non-fiction book at all times. Magazines, newspapers, and textbooks will not be allowed during daily reading time. I want you to find authors that you will ENJOY reading for pleasure.
There are many exciting changes happening with the new common core curriculum! I promise to put your agenda on the board daily and the objectives for the lesson so you know EXACTLY what you are supposed to be learning in this class. Be prepared for a good time, and remember, the class is what YOU make it!
What about
Make-up Work?
It is the YOUR responsibility to meet with me to make up work before or after school whether it is with me or in study sanctuary. It is imperative you get your missed work the day you return to school to be prepared for the next class period. In the front of the classroom is a crate with dates. If you miss a day, go to the crate and collect any assignments missed. If you are absent for more than a day, arrangements should be made for work to be sent home. Deadlines for assignments will be strictly enforced. However, if you miss an assignment deadline, you may make arrangements with me outside of class to attend Study Sanctuary and EARN a second due date. The amount of time required will vary depending on the length of the assignment.

Grading Information

This class will follow a grading format designed to ensure your mastery of the materials that are presented to you and at the same time allow you to demonstrate growth as the year progresses.
The only assignments that will count toward your final semester grade will be the formative & summative assessments listed on handouts. These consist of tests and quizzes & writing assignments. Any other activities or assignments that you do are designed to help you understand the content and the process – they will not help your grade – nor will they hurt your grade. Formative assessments (class activities designed to measure your growth) are 20% of your grade, while summative assessments (tests, quizzes, and writings) are 80% of your grade.
Your semester grade will be a cumulative grade – thus there will not be three separate marking period grades averaged together. It is my hope that you will continue to improve as the year moves on – and thus your grade will improve as you develop your skills throughout the year.
I will also evaluate your participation, level of responsibility, and citizenship. This will not affect your letter grade in the course, but it will be reported in a separate section on your report card.
Grades will be available for students on parent/student connect.

Inside this issue:

Welcome	1
Hints for a / Successful Year	1
Grading / Information	1
How Grades are Figured	2
Classroom / Expectations	2
Letter from the Teacher	2
Course / Requirements	3

Be Prepared!
Hints for a
Successful Year
Respect yourself, your classmates, your teacher, and school property.
The most important thing you bring to class is your attitude!
Follow directions quickly and quietly.
Work hard. This is one of the most important jobs you will ever have.

How Grades are Figured

YOU are responsible for keeping a folder of all returned materials. This will be your study guide for all tests and quizzes, as well as writing assignments. All assignments should be written in your planner and a record of grades returned should be kept in the front of your folder so you know your progress at all times. You will also be responsible for a writing folder kept in the classroom for you to monitor your progress on your writing skills.
Summative Assessments...................80%
Formative Assessments................... 20%
I do not curve grades, I work on a strict point value system. You will know exactly what each assignment is worth, therefore will know how much it is weighted in the long run.
Grading Scale:
92.5-100 A 0—59 E
89.5-92 A-
86.5-89 B+
82.5-86 B
79.5-82 B-
76.5-79 C+
72.5-76 C
69.5-72 C-
66.5-69 D+
62.5-66 D
59.5-62 D-

Remember:
The teacher doesn’t “give grades” the student “earns” them. Accept your grades graciously and say, “Thank you, I deserved that grade.”

Planner writing is VERY
Important!

Classroom Expectations

Students will be in their seats ready to begin class when the bell rings.
The teacher and students will be courteous to each other at all times. Vulgar language, teasing, name-calling, and put-downs create a negative learning environment and will not be allowed. Harassment will not be tolerated.
Come to class on time and with the proper materials and be prepared to learn.
Food is not permitted within the classroom unless provided by the teacher. ONLY WATER IN THE CLASSROOM. All else will be in the trash can.
If I have to deal with your electronic devices, you will be asked not to bring them to class. Cell phones are not allowed. If I see an IPOD I will TAKE it and you will be able to retrieve it from the office.
Students will do all of their work individually unless otherwise directed. No working in pairs/groups without permission from the teacher. The cheating policy is outlined in the planner.
Safety is important in all classrooms. Endangering yourself or other students will result in removal from the classroom.
Students will remain seated at the end of the class until they are dismissed by the teacher. I dismiss you…not the bell!
Students who choose to violate these rules will receive: 1st offense: verbal warning; 2nd: detention; 3rd: detention and parent/guardian contact; 4th referral to administrative team. Students who engage in severe misbehavior will be escorted to the office.

Letter from the Teacher

Welcome to English 11. I am happy to be teaching this class, and am looking forward to working with you and helping you to reach all of your goals as well as to prepare you for the future. English 11 is a class designed to help you broaden your American Literature base and inform you about historical events. (If you are taking US History or have taken it already you’ll be way ahead of the game!) I have learned from previous experiences that you hold some strong opinions and feelings about school and your ability to do well. As long as we keep them in check and are respectful of others feelings and beliefs we should do fine. You should look forward to a very busy year. I try hard to make this class enjoyable and accessible for all to succeed, but it takes dedication and hard work from you as well. I look forward to you having a very successful year!
Sincerely, Mrs. Ahearne

Expect to work hard and reap the benefits!

Volume 1, Issue 1

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Bill of Responsibilities

Each of us is in charge of our own learning. To ensure everyone has the opportunity to learn, accepting the following Bill of Responsibilities will be expected of all students.
Bill of Responsibilities
Preamble Freedom and responsibility are mutual and inseparable; we can ensure enjoyment of the one only by exercising the other. Freedom to learn for all of us depends on responsibility by each of us. To secure and expand opportunity to learn, we accept these responsibilities as individual members of our class:
To be fully responsible for our own actions and for the consequences of those actions. Freedom to choose carries with it the responsibility for our choices.
To respect the rights and beliefs of others. In a free society, diversity flourishes. Courtesy and consideration toward others are measures of civilized people.
To give sympathy, understanding and help to others. As we hope others will help us when we are in need, we should help others when they are in need.
To do our best to meet our own educational needs. We need to be aware of our learning styles and to be responsible for our own learning. This means asking questions when we don’t understand and using the help provided in AC, lunch time and after school. By helping ourselves and those closest to us to become productive members of our class, we contribute to the learning of everyone.
To respect and obey the school rules. Laws are accepted rules by which, together, we maintain a safe and productive environment for learning. By taking responsibility for knowing and obeying the rules of our school, we help create a positive learning environment for everyone.
To respect the property of others, both private and public. No one has a right to what is not his or hers. The right to enjoy what is ours depends on our respecting the right of others to enjoy what is theirs.
Failure to meet your responsibilities as a productive member of our class will result in one or more of the following: warning, teacher conference, detention, parent contact, referral to administration.
Adapted from Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge 1985

"The pleasure you get from life is equal to the attitude you put into it."

You are what you take time to become. ~J. Stein
RESULTS, NOT REGRETS!
Save yourself a book fine—COVER YOUR TEXTBOOK

"Live as if you were going to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were going to live forever."
- Mahatma Gandhi

“The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.”
- Vince Lombardi

Volume 1, Issue 1

Page #

Ogemaw Heights High School

960 S. M-33
West Branch, MI 48661

Phone: 989-343-2020 X3151
Website: www.mrsahearnesenglishcorner.weebly.com
Email: ahearnet@wbrc.k12.mi.us
Facebook Fan Page: Tammy Ahearne

No reason to say “I don’t get it!” I’m always available!

We’re on the web! www.wbrc.org

Mission Statement
West Branch-Rose City Area Schools, with involvement of parents and community, acknowledge the responsibility to educate all students. Through innovative and aggressive strategies , we will prepare our students to become knowledgeable, caring, and responsible citizens.

I, ____________________________________, understand and accept responsibility
(print name)
for the rules and ideas set forth in this newsletter.
Student Signature: _________________________________________________
Date: ___________________________________

Developing Writers: A Workshop for High School Teachers from Annenberg Media includes an hour-long segment on writing feedback, with teachers, researchers, and authors talking about and demonstrating effective ways to conference and comment on student work: http://www.learner.org/resources/series194.html?pid=2085#jump6 (Click on the "VoD" icon next to "Workshop 6"; the video may take several minutes to load; disable pop-up blockers.)