English I Syllabus

English I--An Exploration of Writing with Mrs. Hapgood

            Welcome to English I.  This course is the first of four required English classes at Olympia High School.  This course focuses intently on writing and how to help students improve and grow as a writer.  Writing is found in every profession and every aspect of daily life.  It doesn’t matter what you do in life—writing is going to be there.

            The overall goal for students this semester is to really learn what is to be a writer and how to become a stronger writer.  The class focuses on each student individually as a writer and how to build and improve writing skills.  Becoming a writer includes: studying the types of writing, writing daily, revising writing, reading the works of professional writers, publishing writings, and learning about the elements of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.

            The class, of course, will include reading (both personal and collective).  Students will have weekly SSR time in class, plus we will be reading some writings together, such as To Kill a Mockingbird and Romeo and Juliet.  There also will be weekly vocabulary quizzes (plus a midterm and final vocabulary tests).  A cumulative 15% final exam is given at the end of the semester.

            Please note this class is the first of four English classes REQUIRED for graduation.  Students must pass English I before advancing to English II.

 

Supplies

• Spiral notebook to keep in the classroom
• A three-ring binder with tab dividers and notepaper
• Writing Utensils

 

Grades

This course follows the school’s standard grading scale.

100-94  A

93-86      B

85-77      C

76-70      D

69–0    F

 

Journals

            Studies have shown that daily writing can help improve writing skill.   Therefore, you will journal for 10 minutes at the start of class each day.  Students keep a spiral notebook in the room for this purpose.  Journals are worth 50 points and are collected every four weeks.  Bonus Time!  Writing at least ¾ to 1 full page per day is required. Bonus points are awarded each day the student complete or exceeds this requirement.  This is an EASY way to earn some extra points.

 

Welcome to English I!  I look forward to learning about you and writing together!  I love teaching this class and am always excited to see what each student brings this course.