English 9A

Welcome to Mrs. Gifford’s English 9A Class
There are a few guidelines to follow in our classroom:

1. Bring a positive attitude to class, along with a lot of creativity. This will make our class both enjoyable and productive.
2. Do everything you can to make this class the best learning environment possible. Do more than less; always try even when you encounter difficulties, and offer constructive criticism at the appropriate times. This is our class.
3. Please be in your seat prepared for class and ready to learn when the bell rings.
4. Respect each other’s property.
5. Do not talk when someone else is talking. Learning to accept and recognize diversity is important.
6. Use good manners.
7. Be kind and polite to everyone. Have a sense of humor, but avoid put-downs or other jokes that are hurtful, rude, or otherwise inappropriate for school.
8. Making fun of someone in any way is not acceptable behavior.
9. Restroom passes will be limited throughout the year.


Philosophies of the Class:
1. Honesty is the best policy.
2. Accountability is important.
3. Asking for help when needed is necessary.
4. Cheating is neither necessary nor accepted.
5. Random acts of kindness are always welcome.
6. Conflicts can be resolved peacefully.
7. Communication is very important.
8. The phrases “I am sorry” and “I am wrong” should not be foreign in your vocabulary.
9. Believing in yourself is very important.

Additional Information
• A weekly or monthly syllabus will be given to you. This will cite daily assignments, tests, essays, etc. You are responsible for any make up work when you are absent. If you are absent for several days, you should call Mrs. Morales in the guidance office (ext. 235) to have homework collected. You may also contact me. All make up work should be made up within the time limits defined in the Student Handbook.
• Paper headings must follow the MLA form. This form is in your Plymouth High School Writing Handbook.
• Grades in this course will be weighted as follows:
 Grammar (Language Mechanics) & Vocabulary= 25%
 Writing = 25%
 Independent Reading= 10%
 Literature= 25%
 Homework, Class Participation, Effort, Preparedness, Binder Assessments= 15 %
• Final grades will be based on a 100% scale:

A+=100-97.7 B+=89.6-87.7 C+=79.6-77.7 D+=69.6-67.7
A= 97.6-93.7 B=87.6-83.7 C=77.6-73.7 D=67.6-63.7
A-=93.6-89.7 B-= 83.6-79.7 C-=73.6-69.7 D-=63.6-59.7

Please feel free to ask for help. I am here early in the morning and stay late after school. My school extension is 338. My home phone number is 936-7355. Feel free to call me anytime before 10:00 P.M. My email address is mgifford@plymouth.k12.in.us. Have a wonderful and successful year!

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