English 1

Harker Heights High School

Course Information: 2015-2016
Mrs. Megan
Whitehead
Room #: 2301

Email:
Megan.whitehead@killeenisd.org
Website:
http://mrswhiteheadenglish.weebly.com/

Conference Time: 7th

Period (3:19-4:10)
Tutoring: Mon & Fri
PM, Wed & Fri AM

Harker Heights High School has a tradition of excellence in English and this class will be no
exception. My expectations are high, and I am sure that you will strive to meet them.
It is to your benefit to get the most out of this class. I am in my room before and after school.
You are welcome to come and get help with your work ANYTIME! Tutoring signups are in my
room; this ensures that I will be in my room and prepared to help you.
The unread story is not a story; it is little black marks on wood pulp.
The reader, reading it, makes it live: a live thing, a story. - Ursula K.
Le Guin

1. Required Supplies
o Pencils
o College ruled notebook paper
o Colored pens for editing
o Index Cards
Upon signing up for the class, students will be given a folder for coursework. It is required
daily, and all work for the class MUST be placed in their folder. Folders will be kept in the
classroom but may be signed out.
2. Student Responsibilities and Expectations:
My classroom rules can easily be summed up in three sentences.
1. Allow me to teach.

2. Allow others to learn.

3. Allow yourself to learn.

In keeping with these three expectations, I have detailed specific expectations and school
policies that will allow you to accomplish these expectations. You are expected to follow
these as well as the Student Code of Conduct.
3. Grading Procedures: Students will have between 9-24 formative assignments every
nine weeks and 3-5 summative assignments. Students are responsible for collecting their
graded work from the teacher. Not all assignments will be permitted outside of the
classroom after being graded. Please refer to the district grading policies for full grading
Note: The content of this syllabus is subject to change in accordance with the needs of the
class and/or instructor.

English 1
Harker Heights High School
Course Information: 2015-2016
procedures. All assignments in this class will count for 100 points and are weighted as
follows:
Formatives= 40% {Examples: Homework, Classwork or Activities, Practice Essays, Quizzes,
etc.}
Summatives= 60% {Examples: Exams, Long-Term Projects, Final Draft Essays, etc.}

4. Late Work Policy: Late assignments will be accepted up to two days beyond the due
date, with a 10 point deduction per day. Late assignments will not be accepted after two
days beyond the due date, unless it is made-up under the provisions of the Redo Policy.
(Special accommodations will be provided on an individual and/or case-by-case basis.) If
a student has a missing assignment (without an administratively approved excuse and/or
reason), then they will be required to attend a full, mandatory tutoring session, in order to
complete the assignment. If a student fails to comply, they will be assigned a mandatory
Lunch D-Hall (Please see the Tutoring Matrix for days and locations), as a third attempt
to complete the assignment. If a student fails to comply, even with the Lunch D-Hall,
they will receive an administrative referral. Note: If a student is assigned Lunch D-Hall,
he/she will need to go and eat lunch for the first 15 minutes of lunch, then report to their
assigned D-Hall for the remainder of the lunch period.
5. Retake Policy: The criteria for repeat attempts are as follows:
o The redo form and procedure are not applicable to Dual Credit classes as these are
governed by the syllabus and overseen by the College.
o The redo form and procedure are not applicable to UIL Eligibility concerns.
o The student obtains the redo form from the teacher and he/she submits the FULLY
COMPLETED form to the teacher, within 10 school days of the assignment being
posted in the grade book.
o Any student who wishes to redo/retake an assignment or assessment must complete a
minimum of one intervention session during the teachers regularly scheduled
(posted) tutorial time.
o The actual redoing of the assignment occurs in the teachers regularly scheduled
(posted) tutorial time and of tutorial time.
o Redo assignments or assessments will cover the same material, but the new
assignment may have a different format or different questions.
o No redo shall extend beyond the semester grading period.
o This opportunity does not extend to semester exams or assessments, or final exams or
assessments.
o The student will be awarded the average of the 2 grades achieved on the assignment
or assessment.

Note: The content of this syllabus is subject to change in accordance with the needs of the
class and/or instructor.

English 1
Harker Heights High School
Course Information: 2015-2016
6. Absent Policy: Students who are absent are responsible for receiving their absent work
from the absent folder. Students are allowed 5 days to complete the assignment, or their
work will be considered late. Students are expected to attend tutoring after they are
absent to ensure they understand the work they missed. When turning in absent work,
students MUST attach the absent form to their work or points will be deducted in
accordance with the late work policy.
7. Tardy Policy: The classroom door will be closed and locked when the tardy bell rings.
Students will have to obtain a tardy pass to enter the classroom. After 15 minutes,
students will be marked absent. Students are considered tardy if they are not seated by the
time the tardy bell rings.
8. Electronics: Cell phones, ipods, and other personal technology will be stored in the
students backpacks and kept in the back of the room. If you are uncomfortable leaving
your phone there, I have a bin near my desk they may leave it as well. There will be some
days when phones are used for classwork; students will be given express permission to
use their phones on those days. If students have devices out when not allowed, the phone
will be confiscated and turned in to the Assistant Principals Office. There will be
escalating consequences for repeat offences.
9. Dismissal: Students may not pack up their materials until class is dismissed. Please note
that the teacher (or sub) dismisses the class, not the bell.
10. Dont Like Your Grade?: If you disagree or are frustrated with a poor or failing grade
for any reason, feel free to come see me during tutoring school to resolve the issue or
improve your quality of work and results. I will not address or discuss your grades during
class time. I am here to help you achieve success; however, your results are ultimately
your responsibility.
11. Cant Print Your Paper?: Computer or printer problems are no excuse for late work.
You may bring a flash drive and print in the library before class; you may potentially
submit the assignment digitally as well (depending on the assignment).
12. Others Ideas: Our classroom will be a safe and effective learning environment. This
means that all opinions and ideas will be heard and respected even if you do not agree
with them. I will not tolerate name calling, bullying, or disrespectful language. Students
will treat their classmates ideas with respect and engage in mature, productive
discussion. Together we will create, dream, organize, learn, and create and occupy new
worlds. All opinions, worldviews, ideas, etc. are valid. In short, be respectful and help us
be creative!

Note: The content of this syllabus is subject to change in accordance with the needs of the
class and/or instructor.

English 1
Harker Heights High School
Course Information: 2015-2016
13. Others: It is expected that you will respect the opinions and property of each of your
classmates.
14. Control Your Life: Accept and own the fact that you are ultimately in control of one
thing in your life: You control what you think. What you think will affect what you
believe, how you act, what you feel, and what you do. Ultimately what you think will
define who you are.
15. Food and Drink: Per HHHS Administration, there is no eating or drinking (even water!)
in the classroom. Let me know if you have a doctors note stating otherwise.
16. Lavatory/Water Fountain/Random Errands: Slake your thirst and use the facilities
between classes or during lunch. If absolutely necessary, you may leave the classroom
one at a time and only during individual work.
Tutoring Matrix
Day

Available
Teachers

Duty Days
Lunch D
Hall

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Morning
Waller: Rm. 2311

Morning
Waller: Rm. 2311
Kingery: Rm. 2318

Morning
Hall: Rm. 2302
Whitehead: Rm. 2301

Morning
Waller: Rm. 2311
Fuller: Rm. 2304
Mathes: Rm. 2200

Morning
Waller: Rm. 2411
Whitehead: Rm. 2301

Afternoon
Fuller: Rm. 2304
Waller: Rm. 2311
Fuller: Rm. 2304
Kingery: Rm. 2318
Whitehead: Rm. 2301

Afternoon
Fuller: Rm. 2304
Waller: Rm. 2311
Mathes: Rm. 2200

Afternoon
Hall: Rm. 2302
Fuller: Rm. 2404
Waller: Rm. 2311

Afternoon
Hall: Rm. 2302
Fuller: Rm. 2304
Waller: Rm. 2311

Afternoon
Hall: Rm. 2302
Whitehead: Rm. 2301

Whitehead:
Has Duty AM

Fuller:
Has Duty AM
Hall:
Has Duty AM
Hall:
Rm. 2302

Waller:
Has Duty AM

Kingery:
Has Duty AM

Waller:
Rm. 2311

Kingery:
Rm. 2318

Fuller:
Rm. 2304

Whitehead:
Rm. 2301

Note: The content of this syllabus is subject to change in accordance with the needs of the
class and/or instructor.

English 1
Harker Heights High School
Course Information: 2015-2016

To Parents and Students:

Hello! My name is Mrs. Megan Whitehead and I will be your childs English teacher this 20152016 school year. I graduated from Carson-Newman University, a liberal arts school located in the
foothills of the Smokey Mountains in East Tennessee. I have always held a great love for English, and I
cannot wait for this school year to begin!
Education is a group effort. Within the school itself, we have hundreds of staff present to be sure
your child receives the best education we can offer. However, we are missing one crucial element: you.
Your involvement in your childs academic life can make all the difference.
I am always available if you feel the need to check on your childs progress. The fastest way to
contact me is via email: megan.whitehead@killeenisd.org.
Respect and personal responsibility are key components to the learning process. As such, we ask
that all students and their parents/guardians read the syllabus and sign this contract. By signing, you
acknowledge you have read and understood the syllabus and expectations for this class.
Thank you in advance for your support and I look forward to working with you!

Megan Whitehead

__________________________________________________________________
***Please complete the information fields below, to show that you have read and agree with the course
expectations.
Students Name (Print): _____________________________________________ Date:_______________
Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s) Name (Print): __________________________________________________
Parent/Legal Guardian Signature: _________________________________________ Date:___________
Phone Number(s): _______________________ Email address:__________________________________
If there is an issue or concern for your child, how and when do you prefer to be contacted?
_________________________________________________________________________
Is there anything that you would like for me to know about your child, which could impact his/her
learning experience in one way or another (also feel free to email your response)?
Note: The content of this syllabus is subject to change in accordance with the needs of the
class and/or instructor.

English 1
Harker Heights High School
Course Information: 2015-2016
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Note: The content of this syllabus is subject to change in accordance with the needs of the
class and/or instructor.