Welcome to Mrs. Mekari’s ClassNPHS 12CP English

ABOUT YOUR TEACHER

Education/Degrees

Pepperdine Graduate School of Education and Philosophy – MS Educational LeadershipPreliminary Administrative Credential

California Lutheran UniversityClear Single Subject Credential – EnglishClear Multiple Subject Credential – ElementaryBA – Liberal Studies

Work Experience

Newbury Park High School – English (current)Pepperdine University, MAE Adjunct Professor (2013-current)Options For Youth Charter School, Curriculum Design (2007-2009)Westlake High School - English (2005 – 2007)West Valley Christian High School - English (2000-2005)Trinity Christian Elementary School – 5th/6th Grade (1995-2000)

BEST FRIEND

•Met and began dating at 16 (look around … it could happen to you!)•Finished school and married in 1997•Moved to Conejo Valley in 1999•Started a family in 2004•Celebrating 22 years this October!

MY REASON FOR LIVING!

Maddy – 9 years oldSharp as a tack – keeps me on my toes!

Elly – 6 years oldAttitude for days – keeps me on my toes!

MY GREATEST FEAR!

MY GREATEST ADVENTURE!

(Besides Parenting!)

BUNGEE JUMPING!!! 18 Stories off a crane over a tiny pool in

VEGAS!!!

BEST JOB IN THE WORLD … (next to mom and wife!)

Important Class Policies

Student Responsibilities:

1.Attend class and be on time.2.Be prepared to contribute to class discussions by completing all assignments, reading and written, when due.3.Bring materials to class each day.4.Successfully complete the course, achieving the highest grade possible for the student.

Class Rules:

5.Inappropriate and/or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. This behavior undermines the learning of the student and the class.6.Honest and personal integrity are expected.7.Be on time.8.Bring all materials and required work to class.9.Be prepared to participate in class activities and discussions.10.Water is allowed in class, but other food, drink, and snack items are not.11.Use the restroom on your time whenever possible. Do not abuse the hall pass!

Policies, cont.

Cliff’s Notes Policy (All Supplementary Notes):

Supplementary notes are not to be used in this class unless specifically approved, suggested, or supplied by the teacher. It is critical that the literature assigned in class is read completely in order to learn the skills of evaluation and analysis. I consider this cheating and would encourage you to read and think for yourselves. Cheating, in general, will be dealt with according to district academic dishonesty policy.

1.Plagiarism: To take another person’s ideas, writing or inventions as one’s own. (Who is Cliff anyway? Rely on yourselves!)

Course Overview

Course Rationale: This course covers a broad spectrum of literature that focuses on the American Journey within literature. Students will read, analyze and compare various selections, including fiction, nonfiction, drama, poetry and short stories. This course provides a balanced, unified program of instruction in language, literature, and composition.

Course Objectives:

1.Develop an appreciation and understanding of literature.2.Develop an appreciation of literature and various authors through lecture, readings, discussions, writings, and projects.3.Enhance writing skills through a variety of assignments on subjects related to literary themes, student experiences, and student interests.4.Develop oral skills through presentations and class discussions.5.Enhance listening and study skills to enable students to be independent learners and critical thinkers.6.Grow awareness of individual learning styles.

What Do I Expect From You?

• Respect – for me, yourself, your peers, for literature, and for learning• Honesty – academic honesty, personal integrity• Attention – undivided when it is my turn• Effort – the best you have to give academically, personally, and creatively• Creativity – in thinking, speaking, and writing• Voice – speak up, your opinion is valid and will be heard and respected• Patience – bumps, adjustments, and delays are inevitable!

Homework

Homework will vary. It will almost always consist of one or more of the following items:

1. Read in your core novel2. Write for your core novel or current

writing assignment3. Complete work not finished in class

Grading

All graded assignments will fit into four categories:Category 1: Preparedness and Participation (5 pts.)Category 2: Homework and Classwork (10 pts.)Category 3: Quizzes and Journals (15-25 pts.)Category 4: Tests, Projects, and Papers (100 pts. and up)

Full Credit: On time HC and tii.com70% Credit: One day late50% Credit: 2 days late0% Credit: 3 or more days late

Grades are calculated by dividing the total points earned by the total points possible.

Technology

Each student is required to have a Turnitin.com account and should submit all required assignments on time or they will receive zero credit.

Hard copies of typed assignments are almost ALWAYS due in class on the same day they are due to Turnitin.com.

Technology is not always my friend! I will try to have ZANGLE updated about every 3-4 weeks. If you see a score that is missing a grade – please don’t panic, it only means it has not been entered yet. When you see zeros – then you can panic

I have a teacher website on Teacherweb.com (The link is listed at the top of your student contract)

http://teacherweb.com/ca/newburyparkhighschool/seanamekari