Mr. Toohey						
English 10, 2019-20			Assignments online:  https://moodle.avhsd.org/course/view.php?id=210
Phone 718-3100 ext. 305		Grades online: PowerSchool
Email: ptoohey@avhsd.org

Curriculum, Procedures, and Expectations		

Literature:		Text:  Springboard  
Assorted supplementary novels, articles, essays, etc. Specifically, students will be studying elements of story, drama, the novel, poetry, and non-fiction. 

Writing:	Students will do a significant amount of writing this year.  We will spend much class time on the writing process.  We will look at everything: vocabulary and word choice, sentences and their structure, well-written paragraphs and essays.

Grammar:		Text:  Holt Handbook, Fourth Course
Students will study correct grammar, mechanics, and usage, including parts of speech, sentence structure, phrases and clauses.  

Vocabulary:	Assigned every Wednesday, or the “flex” day, due the following Wednesday or “flex” day. The vocabulary list is posted online on my Moodle page, so if a student happens to miss class when new words are assigned, the student is responsible for getting the words. Included will be root words and affixes.

Outside Reading:	Any time students have free time, they are encouraged to read. I always recommend parents have students read at least an hour a day, particularly when students may claim they have no homework for the night.

Grades:	Quarter and semester grades are figured on a percentage-of-points scale: 100 – 89% = A; 88 – 79% = B;      78 – 69% = C; 68 – 58% = D; 57% or below = F. The value of each assignment is determined by the complexity and difficulty of the assignment.  Progress reports are sent home approximately every five weeks.

Homework:  	Students will have homework assigned not necessarily nightly, but often. If homework is not assigned, students are expected to work on long-term assignments or independent reading.  

Make-up / Late Work: 	Students who have excused absences may make up work assigned during the absence. However, it is the responsibility of the student to get missed assignments immediately upon return, and turn it in either the next day after receiving the assignment, or on its assigned due date, if the assignment is not yet due. Students are not entitled to make up assignments missed from unexcused absences. Students absent when a previously-given assignment is due should turn it in the day they return. If a student goes on Short-Term Independent Study, follow the directions given on the STIS paperwork.

Extra Credit: 		Generally, no extra credit is planned, but occasionally things come up that I will offer extra credit for.

Student Behavior:
•	Students will be in their assigned seats when the bell rings; not in the assigned seat is considered tardy
•	Students should have all necessary materials brought to class daily: books, homework, paper, pen, etc.
•	Cell phone use is prohibited in the classroom unless specifically stated otherwise by teacher; this includes having earbuds in or headphones on – these devices are NEVER appropriate during class time.
•	Class time is not nap time: students should never have their heads down on their tables (or on their books, backpacks, or anything else)
•	Foul language is never appropriate in class, even if it is acceptable in your home
•	Students should be respectful to their teacher and classmates at all times
•	Bags, backpacks should be left on the floor, not on the desks
•	No throwing of anything in class: trash, books, backpacks, or other things not specifically listed here

This is not an exhaustive list of expectations; rather, this is a list of common issues and concerns

Aims and Outcomes: 	The hope and the expectation is that the student will put in the time, in class and at home, to be successful in all 
scholastic endeavors. Students who put in an honest effort to pass will, in most cases, pass the class. The more 
time you invest in the subject – any subject in school – the more you will come to enjoy it and excel at it. Good luck, and I hope you enjoy the school year!