NINTH GRADE CLASS REQUIREMENTS
Fall Semester


TEXTBOOKS: ELEMENTS OF LITERATURE
VOCABULARY FOR HIGH SCHOOL
ENGLISH WORKSHOP

During the course of this semester, we will read short stories, poetry, essays and The Odyssey. As part of the requirements of this class the student will be required to do the following:

I. Independent reading in a book of her/his choice; however, the book must be approved by the teacher. The book must be at least 200 pages and be of high literary quality. The student must keep a reading log which will be explained later. Near the end of October, the student will turn in a three to four page literary analysis, the specifics of which will be explained in greater detail.

2. The student will also be required to keep a separate notebook for English. (Be sure to get a small, light weight notebook - your notebook is going to get heavy!) Most importantly: KEEP ALL HANDOUTS AND RETURNED WORK, CLASSWORK, HOMEWORK AND TESTS IN THIS NOTEBOOK! At the end of the semester, the notebook will be checked for organization and completeness and creativity. This is a major grade. I really appreciate creativity so feel free to put your drawings, your poetry in your notebook. Let it express who you are.

3.The student is also expected to start each class period with a journal, the topic of which may either be the student’s choice or she/he may use the suggested topic on the board. The journals should be kept in the student’s notebook.

4. Approximately every six weeks there will be a district mandated reading assignment, an essay assigned to the reading, and a multiple choice test. This is an in-class assignment and the student will have one class period for the reading assignment and the essay, and another class period for the multiple choice test.

5. Homework will be assigned Monday - Thursday. No homework will be given on Friday.

6. Tests will be given about every two weeks and ample warning will be given for each test.

7. Students are responsible for make-up work. No make-up work will be given for truancies. The student will be allowed one day after her/his return from a nontruant absence to turn in the late work. The prior day’s assignments will be posted in the classroom and it is the student’s responsibility to keep track of the work and to turn it in the day after her/his return.

8. Fifteen absences per semester may result in an “F” in the class, or may lower the grade and/or result in less than adequate marks in cooperation and work habits.


Tests are worth approximately 20%
Classwork is worth approximately 20%
The literary analysis is worth about 20%
The notebook is worth about 15%
Journals are worth about 15%
Participation is worth about 10%


90% -100% = A
80% - 89% = B
70% - 79% = C
60% - 69% = D
Below 60% = FAIL


Extra points will be given for creativity. Class participation is a must and will be factored into the grading. Being alert and participating in class could be the deciding factor in determining a borderline grade.

If there are any questions please feel free to call me at 323-461-3891 or better yet, e-mail me at jkatbridge@aol.com. You may also keep track of agendas by going to hollywoodhighschool.net and click on “weblogs”, click on “teachers”, click on “J. Bridges” and that will direct you to my class weblog.

Sincerely,

Judith “Kate” Bridges



I HAVE READ THIS WITH MY CHILD AND UNDERSTAND THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS CLASS:

PARENTS’ SIGNATURE:______________________________
STUDENT’S SIGNATURE:_____________________________