College Prep 9 – Ms.
Branigan
Ms. Katy Branigan
Phone: 720-886-1131
Email: Kbranigan@
cherrycreekschools.org
Office: W315
Office Hours: 2A, 2B,
Speaking and Listening: Students will gather and organize content that will influence
scheduled by class virtually
on Mondays an audience successfully. Students will listen actively to group members when
I strive to return phone
calls and emails within
24 hours. The best way
for students and parents
to contact me is via
email or Remind 101,
as I monitor both after
work hours and on the
weekend.
I use Remind101 in order
to keep students updated on
what they may need for
class, reminders about due
dates, and other general
info.
If you would like to be on
the class Remind, text the
code of your hour below to
the phone number 81010
or download the app
to your smartphone.
1A CP 9 – @branigan1a
1B CP 9 – @branigan1b
4B CP 9 - @branigan4b
Course Standards
Reading: Students will read literary, informational, and persuasive writing in order to
develop ideas and to understand traditional and contemporary texts
Writing: Students will use different organizational patterns to inform or to present an
argument, and their writing will feature a variety of stylistic devices while relying on a
strong foundation of proper grammar and mechanic skills.
accomplishing a group goal.
Research: Students will evaluate the validity of multiple sources while collecting
information in order to answer a question, propose solutions, or share findings.
Grading
The grading scale for each semester of this class will follow the Standards Based
Grading model that highlights student growth and content mastery. The philosophy
behind Standards Based Grading is simple; students’ grades should accurately and
fairly portray their skills in the content area. Because of this, 85% of student grades are
based in assessment of these skills. Participation/Preparedness is worth 5% of a
students’ overall grade, and allows a fostering of “soft skills” in students, The Final
Exam is worth 10% of a students’ semester grade, and should be an opportunity for the
student to prove their growth and mastery of many skills.
85% - Academic Skills (class work, assessments, quizzes, homework)
5% - Participation/Preparation (in-class engagement, “soft skills”)
10% - Final Exam
All standards in the Academic Skills category will be assessed and entered into
PowerSchool on a 1 - 4 (65 – 95%) scale.
95% (4) - Student has shown mastery in the skill and can expertly apply their
knowledge or use their knowledge to perform the skill in a new way.
85% (3) - Student has shown proficiency in the skill and is able to consistently apply
their knowledge.
75% (2) - Student has shown their emerging proficiency in the skill. The student may
be able to perform this skill, but not consistently or is not able to perform all elements
of the skill.
65% (1) - Student has shown a lack of proficiency in the skill and may require another
attempt at assessment of this skill or re-teaching
 Unit Unit Name and Focus Standards
Number Text Focus
Reading: Objective Summary, Author’s Purpose and POV, Theme
Unit 1 Writing Boot Camp Writing: Evidence Integration, Claim, Evidence Quality, Analysis
Reading: Craft, Structure
Unit 2 Short Story + Memoir Writing: Sequence of Events, Word Choice, Figurative Language
Language: Grammar/Usage/Mechanics, Words in Context
Unit 3 Fences – August Wilson Reading: Evaluate Arguments
Writing: Cohesion and Formal Style, Counterclaims
Unit 4 Social + Juvenile Justice Reading: Evaluate Arguments
Writing: Answer a Question, Evaluate and Cite Sources
Speaking and Listening: Initiate Collaborative Discussions, Discussion
Prep, Qualify and Justify Views, Present Info Clearly
Unit 5 Romeo and Juliet – William Reading: Craft, Structure
Shakespeare Writing: Evidence Integration, Claim, Evidence Quality, Analysis
Language: Grammar/Usage/Mechanics, Words in Context
Units of Study

Late Work
Because the goal is for students to grow in their proficiency within the content area of English without a
specific timeline placed upon when this growth must happen, students will be allowed to turn in most
assessments late without penalty as long as it is turned in before the end of the unit of which it was
originally assigned. Late work will not be accepted across units.

Because final assessments are often multi-step projects, large essays, and other assignments that will be
worked on in class for an extended period of time, late submissions will not be a common occurrence,
unless in the instance of excessive absence from class. Late submissions of these assessments are not
accepted unless previous communication has been made with Ms. Branigan regarding specific
circumstances.

Missing Work
Missing work will be entered into the gradebook as a 50%. This is done in an effort to provide students
with a more equitable and mathematically correct experience as it pertains to their grade in our class.
When missing work is entered as a 50% in the gradebook, students’ grades begin to more accurately
reflect their proficiency in academic skills. Students who choose not to engage in a task or assessment
will be given a 50% in the gradebook with an opportunity to re-attempt the skill.

The Stoplight System

Branigan – CP 9
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 Cell Phones and Head Phones - Studies have shown time and time again that cell phones are not
conducive to a learning environment. That being said, it is important to develop and grow as 21st century
citizens that can practice restraint when it comes to their electronic devices. We will be operating on a
stoplight system.

Red - When the stoplight is red (usually during lectures, tests, or other important
activities), there will be a 0 tolerance policy for phones and headphones.

Yellow – When the stoplight is yellow (usually during independent work time), students
will be allowed to listen to their headphones if they wish.

Green – When the stoplight is green (usually during the last 3 minutes of class and during
brain breaks), students are free to use their cell phones and headphones at their leisure.

Bathroom Procedure - We are all human beings and you are all young adults. If you need to use the
bathroom, please utilize the following procedure.

Red – When the stoplight is red, it is preferred that students are not leaving the room for
any reason. It is during this time that the most critical parts of the day’s lesson are being
taught. Speak to Ms. Branigan if it is an absolute emergency or if you have specific
health concerns.

Yellow/Green – When the stoplight is yellow or green, students are free to ask Ms.
Branigan to use the bathroom and then take the pass. One student may go at a time.
Students are expected to limit their bathroom visits to no more than 5 minutes.

Classroom Community - Black Lives Matter 

This classroom community is a place where Black Lives Matter and are valued. I work everyday to be a
teacher that radically condemns and works against racism, bigotry, and prejudice, especially that which
affects the Black community in the United States. I recognize that I cannot uplift and uphold the Black
Lives Matter movement in my classroom without respecting and affirming every student, “regardless of
actual or perceived sexual identity, gender identity, gender expression, economic status, ability,
disability, religious beliefs or disbeliefs, immigration status, or location”. BLM is an intersectional
movement that holds the belief that “to love and desire freedom and justice for ourselves is a
prerequisite for wanting the same for others” (What We Believe, Black Lives Matter BLM. United
States, 2015).  

I intend to continue learning along and with my students to be an active ally and co-conspirator in the
effort to eradicate racism and prejudice in our school and community. I welcome input and dialogue on
this matter, and am always happy to support your growth and learning in regards to the Black Lives
Matter movement. A great starting point for more information regarding the Black Lives Matter
movement is the Black Lives Matter “What We Believe” mission statement

Branigan – CP 9
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 COVID-19 Considerations
Masks – Tri-County Health Department has mandated mask wearing because research and science show
that wearing a mask is critical to slowing the spread of the virus, especially in indoor spaces. We will
work with individual students to address any difficulties or medical issues with adhering to the
following expectations.

Students who decide not to comply will first be provided with educational information on the
requirement to wear a mask in the Cherry Creek Schools. After a second act of non-compliance, the
student will be provided official documentation of the requirement and provide a final warning. Finally,
if the student continues to make the choice not to comply with the requirement to wear a mask, they will
be transferred from in-person to 100% online instruction.

Social Distancing – Students will be expected to follow all social distancing guidelines provided by the
teacher in order to slow the spread of the virus in the classroom space. This includes classroom seating
charts, supply protocols, use of personal items, and in-class and bathroom breaks.
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Parents, Guardians, and Caretakers

To acknowledge your revision of the syllabus with your student, head to

bit.ly/3iFyfJHb

or

Scan the QR code below with your smart phone camera

Branigan – CP 9
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