Name:

Freshm

an English Syllabus
Trimester
Mrs.

Vickerstaf

(Rebecca.vickerstaf@jeferson.kyschools.us)
Course Expectations:
Freshman English is a REQUIRED course for graduation. Students must meet the reading,
writing, speaking, listening and language standards mandated by the Kentucky Core Academic
Standards and the ACT Quality Core Standards to earn this credit. It is our mission at Fairdale
High School to see that ALL students meet ALL standards. Students will be given many
opportunities to learn the standards and to show evidence of mastering them. Students will
increase their potential for success by keeping it R.E.A.L:
R-Respect-Be courteous, cooperative and care for classroom space and materials
E-Effort-Work the entire period, be prepared with homework and materials, study for tests
A-Attitude-Participate, accept responsibility, treat others fairly, be positive
L-Leadership-Be a role model, support others, take initiative
Standards for Assessment:
Kentucky Core Academic Standards and learning targets will be given to students and posted in
the room at the beginning of each unit. Students will track their progress toward standard
mastery throughout the unit. To pass a standard, students must average 2.5 out of 4 on each
standard. Assessments will be given every Friday to track standard progress. Parents will also
be informed of standards and tips for studying via Infinite Campus. If a student scores a 2 or
below, he or she will be assigned intervention during Period 6 or Flex Period to receive extra
instruction and re-assess. Students who do not maintain 2.5 or above on each standard will not
pass the course.
Grading Policy and Procedure:
In order to pass Freshman English, students need to show mastery of each standard. Grades will
reflect the level of knowledge in each standard, NOT just student efort. Standard mastery will
be scored on a 4 point scale using the following rubric:
4= Advanced knowledge of content
3=Mastery of target content
2=Progressing toward mastery
1=Progressing toward mastery but needs prompting
Final Grades will be calculated as follows:

Grade Categories
Classwork and Homework; 15%
Literacy Folder; 15%
Standard Mastery; 70%

Grading Scale
A=85-100
B=70-84
C=60-69.9
D=50-59*
U=<50
* Only if student has attended intervention, otherwise grade will be an incomplete until
student attends and performs.

Name:
Category Explanations
Classwork and Homework (15%): Documented Accomplishment sheets, graded classroom
assignments or group work, homework assignments
Literacy Folder (15%): Reader Responses, writing pieces, journals, On-Demand writing, graphic
organizers, etc.
Standard Mastery (70%): 7 Standards, 10% each.

Interventions:
Students will have several opportunities to receive extra help to pass standards.
Period 6: Period 6 for English is on Thursday AFTER school from 2:30-3:30. Students who are not
passing a standard will receive a Period 6 notice in class on Tuesday and are required to attend.
Flex Period: Every Thursday DURING school, there is an extra class between first and second
periods. This class is called Flex Period. Students who need more instruction to master
standards will be assigned to attend class for additional instruction. Students who are passing all
of their standards will be able to choose an enrichment activity to attend during this time.
ATTENDANCE POLICY: The best way to master the standards is to BE IN CLASS. Good
attendance is key to success. When you are here every day of the week, you will be entered
into a school wide raffle on Friday. If you have 2 or more UNEXCUSED absences during 1 pupil
month, you will not be permitted in privileged or extra curricular activities for the next pupil
month. More than 6 unexcused absences in a trimester and you will lose your privileges for
the following trimester.

Classroom Library Disclosure

Students are encouraged to bring their own books or books checked out from
the library for Independent Reading. I also have an extensive library available to
students in my classroom, from which students are welcome to borrow books. I
also use library texts for whole class reading. However, some texts do contain mature
and/or controversial content. I try to provide high interest texts that encourage students
to read for pleasure but that also provide the opportunity for students to practice
standards that are being learned in class. It is so very important that students read as
much as possible. Please help your student grow as a reader, while monitoring their
reading choices, by having regular discussions with your student about what is being
read in class. In addition, please notify me by phone, letter or email if you have any
questions or concerns about reading selections.
I, the parent/guardian of the above named student, have read and understand
the syllabus and Classroom Library Disclosure Statement. I grant my student
permission to choose and read texts from the classroom library.
Parent Signature: ______________________________________________Date:
_____________________
Print Name:
______________________________________________________________________________

Name:
I will contact you throughout the school year in diferent ways, but please check your
preference and I will use that method when possible.
Email --Your address
________________________________________________________________
Phone Number and time that is best to reach you
_______________________________________
Mail Address
______________________________________________________________________
I look forward to working with you and your student this year! Please let me know if you
have any questions or concerns.
Class Rules/Expectations:
1. Be on time we start working when the bell rings.
2. Be serious which means paying attention and staying alert at all times.
3. Strive for excellence meaning give your best efort and never stop trying.
Success does not come easily and is often a challenge.
4. Respect others this includes the teachers, peers, visitors, classroom furniture and
materials, etc. Most importantly, respect yourself by always having an optimistic
outlook and positive attitude.
Supplies Needed:
Plastic 2 pocket folder
Pens or pencils for writing
Muli colored highlighters (Cambridge)
Plastic sheet covers (10 or more) (Cambridge)
**Suitable novel for Independent Reading . This should be a young adult book that
interests the student but does not have to be a new book. It can be from the library,
borrowed from a friend, etc.
Other Highly Recommended Items:
Flash Drive (to save writing pieces and digital projects)
Internet access
Homework: Students who do not prepare for class by doing the homework will not be
prepared to participate in the next days activity. Student work that is not turned in on
time is not exempt from completion. Late work will be accepted, although the total
points possible will be adjusted to reflect the lateness of the work.

Name:
MAKE UP WORK: When students are missing more than three assignments, parent
contact will be made. Students are expected to complete ALL assignments. Students
may make arrangements to make up missing work.

Absences: If you are absent, make sure you do the following:

Bring in an excused note
Check the make-up binder
When you are absent, you will receive a 0 on your DA sheet. Turn in your makeup work to replace that score with a grade.