English 9 Course Syllabus

Mr. Jared McConkey (jrm46@scasd.org) 

Welcome to English 9.  This course is for students who will read, write, and think, utilizing a variety of skills that we will revamp and revitalize.

Name and Pronunciation 

You have the right to be referred to the name that you are most comfortable with. If the name listed on my roster is not the name you would like to be called, you are welcome to let me know in person or through email at any time. I do my best to learn names quickly and accurately. If I am mis-pronouncing your name, please let me know immediately (in person or in email). In addition, you also have the right to be referred to with the pronouns you are most comfortable with. In order to have a safe and respectful class environment, you should refer to your classmates by the name and pronouns they are most comfortable with. 

Technology 

In this class, I strive to create a balance between the use of physical and digital materials. However, you will most likely need your Chromebook/laptop at some point each class. Please also have a pair of headphones available for days where we will be independently watching videos and listening to audiobooks.

Also, please charge your device before you arrive at school. Cords can be a dangerous trip hazard that can not only result in someone getting hurt but can also damage your device.

Student Mental Health 

SCASD and I are committed to advancing the mental health and wellbeing of its students. If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed, depressed, and/or in need of support, services are available. For help, contact your school counselor in E Pod: 

• Ms. Brown (last names A-K): lsb11@scasd.org
  Ms. Titus (last names L-Z): mbt13@scasd.org 

Additional resources include: 

• Safe to Say: threats, behaviors, actions and harassment. Examples include bullying or intimidation, threats of self-harm or bragging about planning an attack, violence, depression and social isolation, reckless behavior and substance abuse.

• SAP: any non-urgent concern related to something that is a barrier to learning, or is preventing a student from being successful in school (substance use, mental health, or other)

• REACT: to help any State high community member who feels that she or he is a victim of an act of bias or discriminatory behavior. REACT is not a punitive entity. The mission of this initiative is to promote education and dialogue around issues of diversity and inclusion.

Inclusive Excellence

Inclusive Excellence is the understanding that working, living, and learning environments benefit when diversity is recognized and utilized. Inclusive Excellence helps us to engage in civil conversation with those who hold views that differ from our own; and to socialize with persons who have had different life experiences. SCASD and I do not tolerate racism, violence or bullying by any individual or group. Just as importantly, we are actively working toward a more inclusive and caring environment to provide every student with a respectful, safe and positive experience on a daily basis. 

How Inclusive Excellence Matters in English 

Through text, we will discuss characters’ lives and context. These characters mirror real life/ likely experiences of others. As we seek to make connections to the real world and across cultures, please be mindful that sharing your opinion is encouraged, but not if it dehumanizes another person or group(s) of people. In our classroom space, opinions without thoughtful research and reflection are not as valid as those that contain research and reflection. We will practice writing before speaking to help you get your thoughts focused and developed. If you’re ever nervous about sharing, please talk to me beforehand and I can support you. 

Texts for the Year

• The Outsiders

• Romeo and Juliet

• A Monster Calls

• Antigone

• Choice novel (from a selection)

• Story/film excerpts

• Poetry, non-fiction essays and articles
  

The texts in our semester course highlight the following themes: 

• Coming of Age

• Impact of History and Culture on Classic and Modern Literature

• A Hero Big or Small: Choosing to Grow or Fail

• Impact of Social Constructs on the Individual and Society (Literary Analysis)

• Story-telling (Memoir)

You will encounter reading texts that center around characters’ experiences with race, religion, socioeconomic status, education, gender, and non-nuclear family dynamics. Please be mindful of the experiences of other classmates. Refer to the How Inclusive Excellence Matters in English section above. 

Materials needed for class each day:

• Chromebook + charger + headphones

• Some type of notebook (DO NOT keep a collection of loose papers)

• An open mind and willing attitude

• Respect for self and others

Academic Integrity:

You must be the sole author of all work produced in this class. If you are caught plagiarizing you will be held accountable. The SCASD Academic Integrity policy can be found in the SCHS Handbook. If you need help citing a source, reach out. I am happy to help you.  

Evaluation/Grades:

• Grades are compiled on a point system. 

• You can find grades on StudentVUE

• You have an open invitation to meet with me to revise work and resubmit

Class Participation:

Our class functions best when student are prepared. Please show up to class prepared to speak about the topic at hand with classmates. If there have been assigned reading, please make sure you have done the reading and are familiar with the content when you arrive. Many of our readings will have reading comprehension quizzes the following class.

Behavior

I believe behavior is a representation of how your needs are being met. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsafe, please know you can come to me and I will help you find resources. Please remember that everyone deserves a safe and respectful place to learn. You are a person first and an English student second-- it is okay to get frustrated, and even fed up! Above all else, I want each student to leave our class feeling like they matter because they do! 

Grades & Google Classroom

We will be using an online learning management system known as Google Classroom. All assignments will be posted and most will be submitted through Classroom. You will be able to see any feedback on Google Classroom as well as the posted grade for each assignment, however, you should be using Synergy StudentVUE as the primary place to check your grades. There is a chance that there will be differences between the information in Google Classroom and StudentVUE, so it is important that you check StudentVUE as it is the most accurate grade.

Technology Usage

Heavy cognitive tasks like reading, writing, speaking, and listening require concentration. While we will be using Chromebooks often, cell phones, Chromebooks, and other electronic devices have the capacity to interrupt your focus. To start each class, you will be required to place your phone on silent and either in the phone hotel or kept out in a bag or backpack. When we are using devices in class, you are expected to be using your device in a responsible manner. 

Consequences for inappropriate device usage are necessary to ensure a consistent and focused learning environment. 

• 1st Offense - A verbal warning/discussion

• 2nd Offense - A verbal warning/discussion including communication with parent/guardian

• 3rd+ Offense - A 2 hour after-school detention

• Consistently repeating offensives may result in additional consequences as laid out in the student handbook

If you need to use your cell phone for a personal matter, please communicate with me. I understand how useful these tools can be and am open to any use that enhances the classroom environment.

Late Work / Make-up Work

If you feel you need more guidance in class or with assignments, tell me before an assignment is due. I am always willing to make time to help you get the most out of this class. I will always push you to do your best, and I understand that English class can be challenging. Because of this, I will try and make our class environment as positive as possible.

Late work is an assignment not turned in by the established due date/class period. Assignments not turned in by the completion of the marking period will be recorded as a 40%.  You are responsible for communicating with me. I will not chase you around for make-up work.  

For any late assignments, please send me a brief email that follows the convention of professional email etiquette (salutation and closing) informing me of the updated submission and the reason for tardiness. This will help build professionalism, responsibility, courtesy, and ownership. Submitting an email with your late work does not guarantee a passing grade. 

For more help with writing professional emails, check out this link - http://bit.ly/mcemailsc. 

Final Thoughts

My ultimate goal is to be a resource for you. If we communicate, I’m confident that we can make this a successful school year. As important as the English material is, your well-being and safety are my top priorities. I am happy to work with you to find a path for success, but the first step in that process is to communicate clearly. Let me know if you are struggling. We can work through this school year together.