Mrs.

Paris Viens
Room 2318
Contact number is 912-395-6750.
E-mail: paris.viens@sccpss.com
Website: http://internet.savannah.chatham.k12.ga.us/schools/nhs/staff/Viens/default.aspx
Alternative Website: http://viensenglish.weebly.com Electronic versions of assignments can be submitted
here. The website will notify me once you submit it using the contact form.

SYLLABUS
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9 Grade Literature and Composition

Monday Friday

INSTRUCTIONAL GOALS
This course focuses on the study of literary genres and informative texts; additionally, the students will
develop an initial understanding of both the structure and the meaning of the focused works. The students
will explore the effect of the literary form in regards to textual interpretation. Throughout the course, the
students will read across the curriculum in an effort to develop academic and personal interests in a variety
of subjects. In addition, students will demonstrate their competency in different writing genres that include
argumentative, informative and explanatory. The students will engage in research, timed writings, and the
writing process; furthermore, their daily writing will prepare them for the Georgia Milestones End of Course
Test. Moreover, Language Conventions instruction will occur within the context of reading, writing, and
speaking, rather than in isolation. Please be advised, this is an accelerated course designed to promote
critical thinking and enhance reading, writing, speaking, listening, and presentation skills.
At the end of this course, you will understand and satisfactorily perform the Georgia Standards of Excellence
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for 9 Grade Literature and Composition. Additionally, you should be able to complete the course, and the
Georgia Milestones End of Course Test, with a final grade of 70 or above.
For full standards, please visit the Georgia Standards website, or ask me for a copy.
https://www.georgiastandards.org/Georgia-Standards/Frameworks/ELA-9-10-Grade-9-LiteratureComposition-Standards.pdf
Required Supplies:
3-ring notebook (2 binder)
Notebook paper
5 Dividers for notebook
Pens/Pencils
Jump Drive (4 gb) or access to Google Drive
Computer accessibility at home may be helpful with some assignments ( if not available, accommodations will
be made)
Suggested Supplies:
Highlighter markers (any color)
Post-its
Summer Reading: Summer reading is mandatory. The summer reading logs will be collected during the first
full week of the semester and will count as a homework grade. An assignment over the summer reading
selections will be administered around August 28, 2015.

Online Resources
www.readwritethink.org
www.usatestprep.com

COURSE SCHEDULE
Unit 1 Skills Based 6 weeks
Various texts that includes assistance for note taking skills, supplementary short stories, essays, and poems.
Several Assessments to gauge comprehension and mastery of skills each student learned and used
throughout the unit.
Unit 2 Paradoxes of Life and Language 9 weeks
Various texts that include Romeo and Juliet, supplementary short stories, essays, and poems.
Several Assessments to gauge comprehension and mastery of skills each student learned and used
throughout the unit.
Unit 3 Defining Courage 9 weeks
Various texts that include To Kill a Mockingbird, supplementary short stories, essays, and poems.
Several Assessments to gauge comprehension and mastery of skills each student learned and used
throughout the unit.
Unit 4 Epics 9 weeks
Various texts that include The Odyssey, supplementary short stories, essays, and poems.
Several Assessments to gauge comprehension and mastery of skills each student learned and used
throughout the unit.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Rules:
1. Follow directions at all times. This is non-negotiable
2. Be respectful of your fellow students, and me, at all times. This includes, but is not limited to, no derogatory
language, no inappropriate touching, no yelling, and no disruptive behavior.
3. Adhere to school and district rules at all times. Please refer to the handbook you received at the beginning of
the school year for clarification.
4. No electronic devices allowed except when approved for a lesson; if allowed to use the devices, do not look at
inappropriate site, do not text, do not take pictures, and do not use social media. If the device is on the desk, in
your hand, in someone else's hand, or plugged in the wall, I reserve the right to confiscate the device until the end
of the school day.
5. To be determined during the first two weeks.
6. To be determined during the first two weeks.
Please be advised that it is expected that students arrive to class on time with a willingness to learn. Disruptive
behavior will not be tolerated and disciplinary action may be initiated. Excessive tardies or absences may
negatively affect grades.

Bring Your Own Technology Policy: No electronic devices allowed except when approved for a lesson; if
allowed to use the devices, do not look at inappropriate site, do not text, do not take pictures, and do not use
social media. If the device is on the desk, in your hand, in someone else's hand, or plugged in the wall, I reserve

the right to confiscate the device until the end of the school day. If the device is confiscated, the student can
retrieve the device at the main office.
Grading Policies:
Class work and homework will account for 40% of the quarter average. Tests/quizzes, essays, projects, etc. will
account for the remaining 60% quarter average. The Georgia Milestones End of Course Test (EOCT) accounts for
20% of the overall semester average.
Homework is due at the beginning of the class period. Please be aware that in order to grasp many of the
concepts in this course, a commitment outside of the classroom is necessary. Additionally, some homework may
be extended over a weekend; however, this will be the case only if it is necessary.
Plagiarism:
If you write an assignment, do not plagiarize the materials within the assignment. If you do plagiarize, you will
receive only one warning, a call home to your parent, and one opportunity to re-write the assignment. If you are
caught plagiarizing for a second time, or more, you will receive an automatic 0 (zero) for the assignment, a call
home to your parent, and an automatic referral. If you are unsure if you are potentially plagiarizing an
assignment, please see me immediately. I would rather you ask for clarification than plagiarize, put your grade at
risk, or be reprimanded by the school for your actions.
Late/Missed Assignments:
In the event of an absence, whether excused or otherwise, students have a maximum of five days to turn in any
missed assignment(s). After five days, a zero will be recorded for the assignment. If students are not absent on
the due date, they will have three days after the due date to turn it in late; furthermore, a letter grade will be
deducted for late assignments. After the three-day period, no late work will be accepted. If a student is absent
during a test, the student will still have five days from the date of return to make up the test; after the five days, a
zero will be recorded. It is the students responsibility to arrange with the teacher to make up the test during
tutorial.
Grading Scale:
90-100% =A
80-89% =B
70-79% =C
Below 70% =failing

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Reading is essential to being successful in English and on the EOCT. Students are encouraged to read as much
as possible outside of the classroom. There will be extra credit opportunities to encourage students to read and
write about their personal reading choices.
Detention and Tutorials will be held on Wednesdays from 4-5pm. (Must be scheduled 24 hours in advance
with detailed information for tutorial focus.)
Tutorials are for your benefit. They allow you the opportunity for one-on-one time in an effort to master difficult
concepts or assignments. Please be advised, these times are not a time to attempt to complete all missing or late
assignments that you failed to complete. Additionally, during weeks 8 and 9, tutorial is for the students who
attended tutorial for at least one of the first 7 weeks. If you cannot make a detention or tutorial, please reschedule.
Missed detentions, if not formally rescheduled, are automatic referrals.

This sheet must be signed and returned by Friday, August 14, 2015. It will become part of the
students file for this class, and will count as a homework assignment.

Honor Code
All students are expected to adhere to the honor code for this class covering plagiarism, ownership of work,
and academic honesty. Violations will be reported to parents and administration, and will result in the
consequences referenced above.
Students, please sign to acknowledge that you have read and understand the requirements for this class,
INCLUDING THE ELECTRONICS POLICY. Signing this also indicates that you are aware you will have out
of class reading assignments that must be completed in order to perform well.
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I have received the syllabus and understand the expectations for 9 Grade Literature and Composition.
Print Student Name_____________________________________ Block________

Student Signature: _____________________________________ Date: ________

Parents, please sign to acknowledge that you have read and understand the requirements for this class,
particularly the sections on grading scales, conduct, the electronics policy, and outside work.

Print Parent/Guardian Name_______________________________Relationship_____________

Parent Signature: _____________________________________ Date: ________

Parent Phone # : __________________________ Parent E-mail:______________________