Welcome to Mrs. Aspaas' site! This website will help you with your Language Arts 1-2 and 1-2 H needs.

Syllabus:

Mrs. Aspaas                                                                           

Room # E114

Voice Mail # 623-376-3144

 Natalie.Aspaas@dvusd.org                                                                    naspaas.myteacher.dvusd.com

Course Description:

This course uses a thematic approach to world literature drawing from a wide variety of multicultural selections.  Subject matter includes both traditional classics and contemporary authors.  Practical exercises in grammar and vocabulary are integrated into the study of literary genres, writing, speaking, and listening.  Students will be expected to read at least one example of classical literature each semester per teacher instruction.  Students will also read at least one outside reading novel per semester.  They will also complete special projects and study advanced vocabulary.  Writing workshops will go beyond the basic level to more sophisticated aspects of the writing process.  This course is aligned with district and state standards and supports the school wide efforts in increasing student achievement

Course Objectives:

By the time the students completes this course of study, the student will know or be able to:

-Comprehend these various forms of writing: short stories, dramas, narratives, poems and summaries.

-Write a personal narrative, business letter, research paper, process essay, persuasive essay, and literary analysis.

-Demonstrate skills in reading, thinking, vocabulary, and related skills, literary appreciation, grammar, usage, and mechanics.

-Use speaking skills to communicate to an audience of peers.

Classroom Rules and Consequences:

1. Be respectful to everyone and everything!
2. Enjoy food and drinks in designated areas such as the cafeteria.
3. Be prepared for class everyday with: pen, pencil, paper, notes, and notebook.
4. Be in your assigned seat and begin your starter when the bell rings.
5. Mature behavior will be displayed in and around the classroom.
6. The teacher will dismiss you and allow you to prepare to exit, not the bell.
7. Electronic devices such as ipods, cameras and cell phones are not permitted.

Grading:

90-100%=A                  

80-89%=B                    

70-79%=C                   

60-69=D                       

0-59%=F                      

The final semester grade constitutes 80% of assignments, tests, quizzes, projects, and district required reading and writing assessments.  20% of the grade is the final exam which is broken up into these three parts: essay, objective, and reading.  No extra credit is offered in this course.  No late work is accepted in this course.  Here is the way the grades are weighted for each semester.

   FALL                                                                   SPRING                          

Final Exam                    20%                                Final Exam                    20%

District Writing Test       10%                                District Writing Test       10 %

Compositions               30%                                 Compositions               30%

Tests/Quizzes                20%                              Tests/Quizzes                20%

Class/Homework           20%                               Class/Homework           20%

Makeup Policy and Long Term Project Policy:

As stated in the MRHS Student Handbook, students will have one day for each day they are absent to complete make-up work.  If a student will be absent for a significant period of time, a parent may call the counseling office for homework requests.  When a student returns from an absence, they need to check the activities notebook and copy down the day¢â¡Ás activities, and then they need to look in the purple crate for make-up handouts. It is the student¢â¡Ás responsibility to obtain their make-up work when they are absent.  Please note:  being in Sweep is not an absent. It is the student's responsibility to obtain make-up work the same day they are swept. 

Excused and Unexcused Absences:

Make-up work will only be offered to students with an excused absence.  Students with an unexcused absence will automatically receive a zero for the work due that day and a zero on the work given out that day.

Retake Policy:

The MRHS Language Arts Department does not offer any retakes on quizzes, tests, exams, or homework.  Students may re-do compositions as long as the composition has been turned in on time the first time and students meet with the teacher to discuss corrections.  Re-do compositions may be done more than once, and students may earn up to 100% on a re-do.

Suggested Materials:

1. Blue or black pen
2. Sharpened pencil (I will not have lead for students)
3. A highlighter
4. Loose-leaf notebook paper
5. 1.5 in. 3-ring binder with dividers labeled: handouts, grammar, vocabulary, reading, and writing

Power School Online Information

1. Grades and attendance may be accessed 24 hours a day online with your Power School access code.  Access codes are available in the Administration office Monday - Friday 7:00 -3:30. You must provide picture ID to be issued a code.  You can do many amazing things with Power School such as: set up a reminder daily or weekly to receive grades, check notes from the teacher, and find extra information on assignments.  Please go explore!! :)