Parent/ Student To do list: *updated 1/5/2021

1. Create a parent (Observer) account on Canvas (look for directions on the left)
2. See Canvas for LOTS of information regarding the course!!!
3. Look below to find the class syllabus and supply list- make sure your student has their own materials. There will be no sharing materials in class

My name is Heather Byrd and I am very excited to be your teacher this year!

            I moved to Paulding County when I was in third grade! I went to P.B. Ritch Elementary for third and fourth grade, then they built Nebo and I was the first graduating class of Nebo Elementary! I graduated from Paulding County High School in 2005, then continued on to Kennesaw State University and graduated in 2010. I taught Pre-K at Paulding Kids University for 4 years, 4 years at Panter Elementary in third grade and this will be my third year at PCHS! My 11th year of teaching! I have been married for 11 years and we have a rambunctious nine year old named Silas. I also have beautiful twin girls, Hannah and Hadassah, who just turned 5! We also just welcomed a few more into our household; Chris (18), Nathan (14), and Taylor (13). We are so happy to share our happy home with these three boys!

An overview of Reading Enrichment (Fall Semester 2020)

In this class we will:

·         Work on comprehension skills

·         Work on boosting Lexile levels

·         Take frequent benchmark tests (Reading Inventory- RI) to reevaluate Lexile scores

·         Produce daily written responses to literature

This is a class to better prepare students for what is to come in 9th Literature. I will expose them to a variety of literature and model comprehension strategies such as making predictions, analyzing, character traits, etc. I am here to help students succeed. I want to give all the resources that will help them do it on their own so they can become independent citizens. High school is their last leg before going into the real world and I want to make sure they are prepared. Please do not hesitate to email if you have any questions.  

9th Grade Literature (Spring Semester 2021)

Mrs. Heather Byrd

Paulding County High School

Spring 2021 Ninth Grade Literature and Composition Syllabus

E-mail: hbyrd@paulding.k12.ga.us

Course Description

The purpose of this course is for the student to acquire:

• Reading- Students will increase vocabulary and use of context clues to gain knowledge to improve reading comprehension and gain an appreciation for a variety of literary genres.
• Writing- Students will develop writing skills to compose well-developed, cohesive paragraphs and multi-paragraph essays by addressing sentence structure, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and usage.
• Research and Argumentation - Students will design and implement concise and sustained research tasks focused on questions and understandings of rigorous topics. Students will communicate information, reasoning, and supporting evidence that conveys a clear and distinct perspective.
• 21st Century Skills- Students will demonstrate competence in critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity while developing a sense of local and global citizenship.

Texts

Among the texts we plan to utilize this year include:

• Literature (Fourth Course); a variety of texts, including short stories, novels, nonfiction /informational texts, poems, and dramas. Long Way Down, To Kill A Mockingbird, The Odyssey, Romeo and Juliet.

Grading Policy

Cumulative Average: 80% of Semester Grade

• Summative - Tests/Essays/Projects: 71% of cumulative average
• Formative - Classwork/Homework/Quizzes: 29% of cumulative average

EOC/Final Exam: 20% of Semester Grade

Make-Up Work

It is the student’s responsibility to retrieve make-up work from Canvas or the teacher in the event of an absence.  Homework and daily work need to be completed within the number of days the student was absent. For example, if a student is out for four days, the student will have four days to make up the work and get it turned in. Any assignments received prior to the absence are due immediately upon the student’s return. Missed exams need to be made up within a week of the student's return to school. Exams need to be made up before or after school and this needs to be scheduled with teacher beforehand.

Late Work

Assignments that are submitted late will be graded and entered after on-time work has been graded and entered. Students must complete missing work by the end of each unit. Missing work will remain zeroes after the unit is complete. All work per unit must be completed prior to being given the unit recovery assessment.

Homework Policy:

All homework will be assigned in order to provide practice opportunities for skill attainment and mastery. Students are expected to spend time after school reviewing course material and doing independent reading. All assignments must be neatly done and reflect time and effort. Occasionally, homework may be assigned that falls under another grading category such as take-home tests, quizzes, and/or projects.  When this is the case, students will be informed prior to the submission of the assignment.

*Note:  Homework assignments are assigned at the teacher’s discretion, usually to make up a missed assignment.  Please note that all assignments are for the benefit of the student and may not necessarily require grading but may be necessary for the completion and/or comprehension of future graded tasks.

Academic Honesty and Plagiarism

Coursework submitted by a student must be the student’s own, and original work. Students shall not cheat on any assignment by giving or receiving unauthorized assistance or commit the act of plagiarism. Students who commit such acts are subject to receiving a grade of zero (0) on the assignment as well as disciplinary action.

Classroom Materials

• Composition Books: Students are expected to have either a composition book or spiral notebook with them that will remain in class every day. The book will be used to provide structured practice for writing tasks within the course.
• Paper
• Folder to hold all Literature documents handed out
• Pens and pencils
• Highlighters
• Colored markers/crayons (students will need access to art supplies for special projects)

Classroom Expectations

• Students are expected to adhere to all rules and guidelines dictated by the Student Handbook for the Paulding County School System.
• Be respectful and courteous to your teacher and peers.
• Bring all of your English materials to class each day.
• Keep your desk and the surrounding area clean.
• Assume responsibility for your actions and your assignments.
• No food or drinks will be allowed in the classroom.

Classroom Participation and Behavior

Students are expected to participate in class discussions and contribute positively to the class. If students disrupt the classroom environment and/or fail to adhere to classroom expectations outlined above, students will be redirected as follows: the first incident, students will be given a verbal warning, the second infraction will result in parent contact, the third will result in a teacher consequence (usually detention), and fourth is a referral to administration.

Technology

Electronic equipment  and  accessories may  not  be  used  or  visible  during  the  instructional  class

period unless directed by the teacher. Electronic equipment or accessories include items such as cell phones, I-

Pods or I-Touch, Tablet Computers, MP3 players, Electronic games, Headphones or Earbuds (even if

disconnected from the player).

Canvas
Mrs. Byrd will use Canvas notifications or inbox to send reminders, study helps, announcements, etc.

In order to better assist students and guardians with student performance in the course, grade reports will be distributed throughout the year.  Progress can be monitored more often with the use of the Parent Portal on Infinite Campus.

*Parents, please join Canvas to see more details on our daily activities in class, study helps, quizzes and assignments*

hbyrd@paulding.k12.ga.us

Supplies needed:

·         Composition book

·         Loose leaf paper

·         Pencils

·         Pens

·         Earbuds with microphone

Teacher Wish List:

·         Dry Erase markers

·         Post it notes

·         Composition books

·         Lysol wipes

·         TISSUES

·         Notebook paper

·         Pencils

·         Pens