Ms.

Avina’s
English I / English I Honors Class
Diamond Bar High School
2019-2020

Welcome to English I / English I Honors!

Dear Parents/Guardians,
Greetings! I would like to take this opportunity to extend a warm welcome to Freshmen English class
and introduce myself. My name is Ms. Avina, and I am happy to announce that I will be your child’s
English teacher for the 2019-2020 school year. I graduated Magna Cum Laude from California State
University, Fullerton with my bachelor’s degree in English. I am currently attending the same
institution’s teaching credential program where I am taking professional development courses in
English education and general pedagogy. While studying literature as an undergraduate student and
taking education courses, I have learned to exercise new literacy skills, as well as inclusion and
differentiation strategies to better accommodate every kind of learner. I have developed lesson plans
and created activities to help enrich the way my students will learn in the classroom.

In my English classroom, my philosophy as a teacher is to promote a positive learning experience every

day. I encourage each student to be an active participant in our class and celebrate their unique
perspectives and contribution to our class community. To encourage exemplary learning opportunities,
I will create lessons that will appeal to every learning style to showcase each student’s skills and
individuality. My job, ultimately, is to put your child’s skills and needs first. I will work with them to
assure they feel confident about their learning journey every time they leave my classroom. I have an
immense amount of love for learning, and I look forward to working with you and your child as we
embark on this literary expedition. Let’s have a great year, Brahmas!

The following document is filled with guidelines and important classroom policies that should be
reviewed carefully with your child. I have also implemented a brief overview of the texts and
assignments students will engage in during the school year. You will find useful communication
information in this packet as well, so you may readily reach me for any questions or concerns.

- Ms. Avina
This year’s curriculum will immerse students in
quality literature and writing practices in their first
year of high school. We will be studying elaborate
works, including Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet,
Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex, Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men,
and Keyes’ Flowers for Algernon. Apart from these
works, students will also have opportunities to
explore short stories, various poetry, and
supplemental material from informational texts. As
we read a wide range of genres with diverse themes,
students will have the chance to discover new ways
to close read and think beyond the text. We will
focus on theme, characterization, irony, conflict, and
more within these literary texts, as students build on
prior knowledge to connect to new ideas. As we
reflect on new ideas and perspectives, students will
exercise their creativity, critical thinking, analysis,
and communication skills. The writing students will
develop in class include: daily journal topics, reading
commentaries for daily SSR time, timed-essay
practices, and final projects. Studying these texts and
writing practices will prepare students for practices
in future 10th grade English classes; moreover, this
will challenge students to become self-regulatory as
they continue to develop their literacy skills in
preparation for future college and career tasks.

Ms. Avina || Room 409 PARENTS/GUARDIANS: If you have any questions,

Email: aavina@wvusd.k12.ca.us ||
Phone: (909) 594-1405
Diamond Bar High School – 21400
Pathfinder Road, Diamond Bar, CA 91765
comments, or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact
me via phone or e-mail. As an educator, it is important that
my classroom is grounded in communication as students
continue learning new skills and material. I check my e-mail
daily, as I am on campus Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
I will also remain on campus after school on Mondays and
Tuesdays, if you wish to schedule an in-person meeting. I
also look forward to meeting you all on Back to School
Night!
In order to provide a classroom environment that encourages exemplary
learning opportunities for all students, I expect students to follow these behavior
standards:
Responsibility:
1. Come to class prepared with books, writing materials, and assignments. If by any reason you do
not have a writing tools, paper, or an SSR book, please ask you table group first. If you find that
you still need materials, then feel free to come ask me.

Respectfulness:
2. Be respectful to the teacher, fellow classmates, and the classroom environment. I assure you that
this is a safe and welcoming learning environment for all students. It is important to show the
same respect to others as you would like for yourself.

Readiness:
3. Come to class seated and prepared to work when the bell rings. It is important to have a positive
attitude in my classroom; it is something I exercise myself. As you come in, I encourage you to
maintain a positive attitude about your abilities to learn something new every day.

Honesty:
4. Ask Questions! If you do not quite understand something and need clarification, please feel free
to ask me. I am here to help you. We trying to achieve learning goals together, and it is my job to
help you feel confident in the material moving forward. Feel free to email me with questions if
you need any assistance outside of class time (i.e. for projects or major assignments).

Positive Participant:
5. This class will have many instances for students to express individual ideas and opinions. Your
viewpoints are very much appreciated and encouraged! It is important that we respect our fellow
classmates’ ideas and opinions as well. I expect you to listen and give attention to the speaker
because they may offer an entirely new perspective. When in discussion, please raise your hand
before speaking. Everyone will get a chance to speak, so it is important to give everyone their
time to express their input. It is also expected that you use positive language in the classroom.
Remember that our words matter, and they should be used for positive feedback and building
encouragement. Let’s celebrate each other’s successes; we are a team!
Rewards if student is Consequences if a student
consistently complying with cannot comply with
expectations: expectations:
 Verbal Praise  Remind the student in question with a
 Phone call/email home warning
 Public Recognition in School  Have a teacher-student conference
Community (newsletter, award before or after school
nominations, etc.)  Notify the parent/guardian
 Refer the student to the grade level
coordinator (GLC)

At the Beginning of Class: By the time the bell rings, place all electronic devices
(phones, air pods, etc.) in your bag and have your independent SSR books on your desk. We
will do silent reading the first 15 minutes of class.

During Instruction & Group Work: There will be plenty of time to partake
collaboration and communication with your table groups. When I am leading instruction,
please be respectful as the information I am providing you will be useful in understanding
future tasks when you CAN work independently or in groups. When working in groups on
projects or sharing journal topic responses, ALL students are to be respectful of fellow
classmates and use positive language (this goes for whole class discussions as well).

At the End of Class: We will do reflective thinking on what we learned based on small
discussions. If we get done early, remain seated and do not pack up until the bell rings.
Help keep the class clean and orderly as before you exit by stacking the books neatly at your
table.
Absences/Tardy Policy: Excused absences will require a note in order to accommodate
class assignments and exams. Students must turn in make-up work within the number of
days he/she was absent, unless there are special accommodations or circumstances made
very clear beforehand. No late work will be accepted without a valid, excused absence – NO
EXCEPTIONS (see “Late/Make Up Work” for more information). Per school policy, being
tardy a third time will result in a referral. If tardies become consistent, the student’s
grade level coordinator (GLC) will intervene.

Collecting/Returning Assignments: Homework needs to be turned into the basket

labeled with your class period at the beginning of the period. Major assignments must be
submitted to Turnitin.com by 6:00 a.m. on the due date and print a hard copy. Students
must bring all hard copies when the assignment is due, or assignment is considered late (-5
points). The teacher will return homework and major assignments to students with teacher
notes and grades will also be posted to Aeries for students, parents, and guardians to see.

Late/Make Up Work: Late work will not be accepted for homework assignments fewer
than 10 points. All formal writing assignments, presentations, and projects greater than 30
points will be accepted one day late with a reduction of 50% of the points possible. Again,
no late work will be accepted without a valid, excused absence – no exceptions. Students
who have legitimate absences may turn in make-up work and must arrange to see the
teacher for special instructions. Quiz/Test make-ups are every Wednesday during lunch.

Using the Restroom: If you need to use the restroom, please ask me. For your safety, do
not take the hall pass and leave the classroom without my permission. Also, make sure to
sign-out on the clipboard by the door. If you do not use the restroom more than three times
a semester, you will receive extra credit! Please be mindful about the appropriate time to ask
to use the restroom (wait until you are done with an exam; do not ask in the middle of a
lecture or presentation).

Additional Requested Help: If you need any additional assistance with course
material, assignments, or general support in relation to the class, do not hesitate to see me.
You may speak with me Monday-Friday after your class period or during lunch. I am also
available and in my classroom on Mondays and Tuesdays after school. If these times do
not work for you, we can arrange another time that will work. You may also contact me by
e-mail.
Six-week, twelve-week, and semester grades will be assigned based on the percentage of possible
points accumulated since the beginning of the semester. Please check the Aeries Program for
individual grades online. Please make an appointment to see me for guidance and tutoring upon
request. In addition, I will work with the IEP team in order to provide special accommodations as
needed for additional support.

GRADING SCALE: GRADING COMPONENTS:

90 - 100% = A Tests/Essays/Projects: 70%
80 - 89% = B Classwork/Major Assignments: 20%
70 - 79% = C Quizzes: 5%
60 - 69% = D Participation: 5%
Below 60% = F

PLEASE NOTE: I do not round grades. Therefore, an 89.9 is considered a B+. It is very
important that you understand this now and not the last day of the semester when it is too late.
Because I offer extra credit, I do not round grades.

PARTICIPATION:
Class participation is very important. Points are earned if you:
 Insightfully contribute to daily group activities and class discussions.
 Come to class on time and wait for me to dismiss you.
 Bring your book(s), journal, pencils (all required supplies).
 Complete opening activity immediately following the bell.

EXTRA CREDIT:
Extra credit is worth 10 points and will be offered once in the fall and once in the spring.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:
Academic dishonesty is any type of cheating that occurs in relation to a formal academic
exercise. Cheating is treated as a serious issue and will not be tolerated in the classroom. Many
assignments require you to showcase your unique work, so please trust your thinking and do
you best. Remember that I am here to help you. I want you to be proud of your work and that
you can demonstrate an understanding of the material. Per school policy, all work will be
submitted to Turnitin.com, which checks for plagiarism. I want you all to do well in my class, so
please see me if you are feeling stressed about exams or need guidance on major assignments.
 Student/Parent Contract
Acknowledgement of Class Procedures
PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN THIS FORM

By signing the form below, I acknowledge the information pertaining to my classroom’s

procedures, rules, and expectations that are to be followed the rest of the school year. I
also understand that failing to comply with these procedures, rules, and expectations
will be handled by the consequences listed above and/or be handled in accordance
with the school policies.

Student Name (PRINT): ___________________________________________

Student Signature: _________________________________________

Date: ______________________

By signing the form below, I acknowledge the information pertaining to my child’s

classroom’s procedures, rules, and expectations that are to be followed the rest of the
school year. I also understand that my child’s failure to comply with these procedures,
rules, and expectations will be handled by the consequences listed above and/or be
handled in accordance with the school policies.

Parent/Guardian Name (PRINT): ___________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: _________________________________________

Date: ______________________