Welcome to English 1!

Instructor: Mrs. C. Billie

Room 238
Phone: (630) 570-8375
E-mail: cbillie@hinsdale86.org
Course Description: This course incorporates instruction in many areas including study
skills, vocabulary development, library experiences, literature, and the writing process.
The literature includes short stories, nonfiction, drama, and novels. Reading, writing,
speaking, listening, and thinking skills are emphasized. Independent reading and
research projects are intended to develop life-long learners. Technology is integrated into
the curriculum with a hands-on focus. These activities are designed to foster interest
and stimulate class participation. The goal is to develop competent learners, thoughtful
readers, enthusiastic writers, and effective oral communicators.
Required Texts:
First Semester:
Of Mice and Men
Lord of the Flies
McDougal Littell Literature
Sadlier Oxford Vocabulary

Second Semester:
Romeo and Juliet
House on Mango Street
McDougal Littell Literature
Sadlier-Oxford Vocabulary

Required Materials:
1. Two two pocket folders
2. Single-subject spiral notebook
3. Black or blue pens, pencils and eraser
4. Texts as indicated
5. Assignment Notebook.
Assignment Guidelines:
1. All major assignments must be typed/word processed. Class policy states that no
late assignments of papers, speeches, and major projects will be accepted. (Note:
Computer or printer problems do not constitute legitimate excuses for late or
incomplete work. Email documents to your school account). Please put your full
name (first and last) in the upper left hand corner or each assignment, along with
the class period, date, and name of assignment. You will be getting two late
homework passes that you may use any time during the semester for those days
when homework completion just cannot happen.
2. Daily handwritten assignments on loose-leaf paper or on class handouts should be
completed in blue or black pen. Please put your full name (first and last) in the
upper left hand corner or each assignment, along with the class period, date, and
name of assignment.
3. If you are absent one or two days, it is your responsibility to talk with me about
your missed work immediately upon your return. Extended absences will require
a consultation with me to determine the best plan to follow.
4. Tests/quizzes may not be made up during class time, so you will need to make
arrangements to make up tests/quizzes within a few days of your return.

Tests/quizzes not made up in time will become a zero. Overall, you have the
responsibility to find out what you may have missed to ensure that work is made
up promptly.
5. Academic integrity and Centrals plagiarism policy are found in the Student
Handbook. Make sure you read these items as you will be held responsible for
any breach of these policies.
Behavior and Class Participation Expectations:
Making this class successful requires participation, hard work, effort, and mutual respect.
Students will be evaluated on their ability to willingly and meaningfully participate in the
following ways:
My rules are simple I insist that we are all prepared, polite, punctual and
productive.
We are a community of learners. Please demonstrate respect towards all members
of our classroom community in order to maintain an environment where teaching
and learning take place.
Please come to class on time, and be prepared for class with all required
homework and materials. When the bell rings, you should be in direct motion to
your seat. Also, remain seated until the bell rings. Please do not begin to pack up
before the bell rings; this shows disrespect for your classmates and me.
I expect a great deal from you at this level. I expect maturity and integrity to
shine through in your attitude and your work ethic.
Please participate actively, pay attention, and ask questions if confused.
Contribute in a meaningful and purposeful way to class discussions. Avoid
disruptive side-conversations, and keep up with what is going on in class. Please
sit up and do not put your head on the desk.
Please do not bring in food or any beverage beside water. Soft drinks are not
allowed in the classroom at any time and must be disposed of before entering the
classroom.
Headsets may not be worn after entering the classroom. Do not bring personal
items such as, Ipods, cell phones, etc.
You get two passes (bathroom or locker) per semester. Once you use them, you
will not be issued additional passes. Unused passes may be turned in for extra
credit at the end of the semester.
Please communicate with me if there is a problem. Do not wait until it is too late
to work out a solution. Feel free to see me before or after class, or set up a time to
meet with me.
I like to reward those who do extraordinary things and those who consistently do
the right thing. So, let me catch you in the act of doing a good job. Rewards are
distributed at random times at my discretion.
Grading:
Students will receive semester grades on transcripts based on the following:
Quarter 1 Grade
40%
Quarter 3 Grade
Quarter 2 Grade
40%
Quarter 4 Grade

40%
40%

First Semester Final Exam 20%

= First Semester Grade
Our grading scale is as follows:
90-100
80- 89
70- 79
60- 69
0- 59

A
B
C
D
F

Second Semester Final Exam_20%

= Second Semester Grade

After reading the above English I class syllabus, policies and procedures, please sign
below. Your signature indicates that you understand the guidelines and will do your best
to follow them. If you have any questions regarding the expectations for English I,
please feel free to contact me.
_________________________________
Students printed name
_________________________________
Students signature

__________________
Date

_________________________________
Parents/Guardians signature

___________________
Date