English III APEnglish III World LanguagesEnglish III

Class ProceduresS. Paiz Gray

Required Materials English III:Notebook paper; black/blue pens; colored pens; one-inch binder (any color) – no larger; one pack of dividers. All work will be submitted in black/blue ink only or 10 pts. off.

English III AP:Notebook paper; black/blue pens; colored pens; one-inch binder (any color) – no larger; one pack of dividers. All work will be submitted in black/blue ink only or 10 pts. off.

ISSN – World Languages Program

Tenets of ISSN:1. Recognize perspectives.2. Communicate ideas.3. Investigate the world.4. Take Action.

Why do we need to be globally minded?

1. The world is growing at an astronomical rate. 2. The makeup of our own communities is changing to

include those of other countries and cultures. We have to be knowledgeable bout those nations/cultures.

3. There is a need to look beyond our own lives and see how we can make a change in the lives of others.

4. The job market/world of higher education demand that we be globally minded.

Homework English III AP:Homework will be given on a regular basis (mostly daily) to enhance skills learned in class. Be prepared to spend at least an hour a night (possibly more) prepping for the next class. English III:Homework will be given on a regular basis to enhance skills learned in class. You will be responsible for reading a book of your choice independently in and out of class.

Class Expectations1. Come prepared to class with materials (paper, binder, homework, pens).Have these ready to go when the bell rings. We are working with extremely short class periods.2. No food allowed in class. Bottled water is the only exception.3. Be respectful of the room and property. Keep it orderly.4. No cell phones or other electronics on your desk (even if they are off). They will be picked up and turned into the main office if I see them. They are only to be used on designated days.

Behavior and Expectations1. Dress code is enforced at all times. Wear the proper attire. No facial piercings are allowed. You will not be let into class if you are not in uniform and if you are wearing facial piercings. 2. Tardy policy will be enforced – be on time.3. Wait for me to dismiss you – not the bell. Do not start gathering materials and putting away early.4. We do not curse in the classroom. Save that for somewhere else.5. We do not insult each other especially Socratic Seminars. We disagree in a polite manner.6. We do not cause issues that cause the learning to cease – there is literally zero time for ridiculousness.7. We support each other in whatever way possible to be successful as a class.

Expectations

Academic Honesty1. All work you turn in must be done by you. Cheating or copying is not tolerated. See policy on syllabus. 2. The purpose is to have you learn the material and that requires you to practice it on your own.

Absences1. You have two days to make up work if you are absent. It is your responsibility to get the work from me when you come back or before you leave. Do not assume you are exempt because you were not here.2. Students who have excessive absences will be denied credit for the course.

Visitors1.Visitors are always welcome on campus and will walk in to see what you are learning. Often times, they will ask you what you are working on. *Be respectful of anyone who comes into the room (attendance assistant, asst. principal, principal, another teachers, etc.).

Substitutes

There will be days when I cannot be here. Learning needs to go on without me or we all get behind.1. Do the assigned work as it is due before the bell rings. 2. Stay in your assigned seat. Do not change seats for the day.3. Do the work on your own (no group work).4. Be respectful of the substitute.

Substitutes Continued …5. Follow all standard class rules (no food, electronics, disrespect).

6. Good behavior will be rewarded. Misbehavior will lead to automatic afterschool detention and/or referral the day I come back. If the substitute writes your name down for being out of your seat, violating class rules (food and electronics), not doing the work, or being disrespectful, count on having one hour of detention with me the next day.

Substitutes Continued …7. Simply “knocking off” for the day is not tolerated.8. All work is to be submitted at the end of the period as it will be graded twice – one for completion and one for accuracy. Work not submitted results in two automatic zeros that cannot be made up.

About Your Teacher1. I was born in Mathis, Texas (outside of Corpus Christi.)2. I have taught for 13 years – all of them at Brackenridge High School. This is my third year in the World Languages Magnet (ISSN).3. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in English Writing and Rhetoric with a minor in Spanish from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas.4. I have a Master’s Degree in English Language and Literature from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas.5. I am ecstatic to be here with you and am looking forward to working with you all this year.

Miscellaneous

1. Check the wikipages regularly – spaiz2 (might change in September) – for updates on tests, reading calendars, materials/handouts, etc.

2. Tutoring hours are: Tuesday-Wednesday from 4:15-5:00 p.m. Other times are available by appointment.

3. Email – spaiz2@saisd.net – questions about assignments, absences, grades, etc.

Goals for English III – On Level 1. Learn about the world around us

(local and global level). Prepare for SAT and ACT exams that will

be taken this year in preparation for college entrance exams.

Refine skills learned in English II and develop a stronger ability in reading at the college level and writing for various purposes and audiences.

Goals for AP III Work towards earning a 3, 4, or 5 on the

AP exam. Work to be able to read college-level

texts and write academic essays for various purposes and audiences.

Become a more analytical and critical thinker as the year progresses.

Learn to be comfortable defending your ideas and presenting logical evidence.