AICE English General Paper Teacher: Nicholas Troyer

Room: 8-108
Course Syllabus 2022-2023 Email: nicholas.troyer@sarasotacountyschools.net
Extension: x66457
OVERVIEW:
AICE General Paper
This is not a traditional English Class, while it does count as your 10th Grade ELA Credit; it is so much more than just reading and
writing and grammar. Yes, we will read, a LOT! And yes, we will write, a TON! But this class is beyond that box; we will be writing and
discussing topics from all over the curriculum as well as what is currently happening ALL OVER the planet!

This class will prepare you to write for the FAST, AICE Exam, the AP Exams, for college and beyond. You will Read, Write, and Think
on topics you might not have even heard about in the past; you will research, revise, and rewrite to polish your craft; you will
collaborate, create, and present to elevate the discussion and to take ownership of your learning. We will delve into all types of
Literature: Non-Fiction and Fiction, poetry, drama, older texts, and current news articles. To be successful in this class you MUST do
the outside readings and be ENGAGED (note taking, annotating, highlighting) in the readings. It sets the foundations for all types of
writing for your future; from excelling in other courses, to junior research papers, to senior college admissions essays.

SUPPLIES:
Required – Remote students should utilize a similar organization system at in the event
remote learning ends at some point during the year.
 2” binder (with clear pockets on the front/back).
 Tabbed Binder Dividers
 Composition Notebook (AKA marble notebook; NO Spirals) – 80 page min.
 Writing Utensils to be brought every day.
o Pen or pencil for daily use.
o 2 RED pens
o 2 highlighters (different colors!)

Issued by the School

 Digital Textbook available through mySCS and hard copies for the classroom (if lost, student will be charged for a new copy).
 Handouts and class materials (If lost student will need to reprint for themselves from Blackboard).

Course Resources
 SAVVAS Florida - grade 10 Textbook  Gale Group Scholarly Articles
 AICE English General Paper Textbook  ClassDojo
 The New York Times Upfront Magazine  Remind
 Daily videos from CNN10 for the purpose of acquiring  Novels may be assigned throughout the course and must be
general knowledge of current events. purchased or borrowed from the library at that time. Please
 Progress Learning (formerly USA Test Prep) help your student with these choices.

Some of the source materials for the General Paper college-level course including readings, articles, video clips, internet websites, and
movies may contain mature or controversial ideas, themes and/or language, but alternative material is available, if needed.

To accomplish the General Paper expectations, students will need to be exposed to a wide variety of material, including material from
various internet-based sources. Some additional pieces may include: Goldfish, The Lottery, The Hunger Games, Clips from Dr. Who,
Night, The Bill of Rights, The Holocaust, The Outsiders, West Side Story, Life After People, Poetry (including Robert Frost, Tupac, Don
McLean and more), and Various Folktales from around the world.
COURSE TESTING - NOTE: Outside of normal class tests, the students will take the following achievement tests this year:
1. FAST Reading/Writing:
 Grade 10 FAST is a graduation requirement for all students.
 It is two separate pieces (1 writing and 1 reading) in April/May
 Students must take all sessions to receive a score.

2. AICE General Paper Exam

 This is an essay and reading comprehension exam that measures the skills learned during the year. To get college credit
towards the AICE diploma students must pass the exam in April/May. If they fail the exam, they can still receive high school
credit for passing the class.
 There will be an after school mock exam for each session during quarter 4. These mocks are each included as part of the
final exam grade.
 The exam is mandatory. Students must take all sessions to receive a score. No shows will be issued an $100 fee by the
school to cover the exam cost.

BASIC BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

Each student is expected to cooperate with the following basic classroom expectations. Of course, these expectations do not cover
every possible inappropriate behavior.

1. Cell phones/Electronic Devices:

 Per school rules, cell phones/electronic devices may not be used in the classroom. Cell phones and smart watches must
be turned off and put away throughout the period and may not be used without teacher permission even to contact
parents/guardians, coaches, etc. If it is important, please reach your child by calling the school.
 Earbuds MUST be out of sight BEFORE students enter the classroom.
 At no point does anyone have permission to take photos or video of the class. If you need to do so for some reason, get
permission from the teacher in advance. All lessons can be found on Blackboard.
 If you are worried about the safety of your electronic device, then do not bring it to class.
 DO NOT touch another student’s electronic device without permission.
2. Dress code:
 Per school rules, students must meet the school dress code. Specific guidelines are outlined by the school. Students who
do not comply will be sent to the student office.
3. Disruptive behavior:
 Students are expected to act in an appropriate manner in the classroom.
 Students who disrupt the learning of others may be removed from class and further disciplinary may be taken.
4. Tardiness:
 Per school rules, students are expected to be in the classroom when the tardy bell rings.
 Students who enter the classroom after the bell STARTS are tardy.
 Students should expect specific consequences for each tardy including loss of employability points, detentions, and
referrals.
5. Food:
 Per school rules, students may have only drinking water in the classroom.
 Food and other drinks are not allowed, unless permission has been granted.
6. Profanity:
 Profanity is not allowed in the classroom and repeated offences will result in immediate removal from the classroom.
7. Attentiveness:
 Students are expected to be attentive and follow the classroom instruction.
 Sleeping or putting their head down is not allowed in the classroom.
TECHNOLOGY
Students will be required to use the internet for this course. They will have the need for regular access to an internet connected device
to complete some coursework outside the normal school day. The school media center is available before school, after school, and
during lunch periods for student computer use. Students may also make arrangements with the instructor if needed. The use of
technology is not optional, as it is required for many state standards to be met and maintain safety for all. Not planning for the needs of
technology or technology failures on assignments is not an excuse for incompletion of assignments. Any assignment that is required to
be turned in typed will not be accepted handwritten.

ABSENCES
Per district policy, an unexcused absence will result in a loss of points on the employability grade. It will be entered the day absent on
class dojo but will be removed if the absence is excused by the time the grade goes in gradebook. Students not in class, even when on
campus or on a school trip, will be marked absent if not physically present in my classroom. The attendance office is responsible for
updating this. It is usually done within one week.

Assignments
 Per the NPHS handbook, students receive one day per day absent in which to make up assignments.
 Students can track assignments on the class blackboard page. They should also check the make-up work bin when they
return to class.
 Assignments that were assigned prior to the absence:
o If due while the student was out, they must be turned in the day the student returns.
o Assignments not due yet will not receive extra time.
 If a student is absent while an assignment is assigned and/or collected, including tests or quizzes, it will automatically be
entered as missing until it is turned in or is due for that student based on the make-up policy.
o While this can be frustrating for students who miss several days, it provides students a way to see what their grade is
and reminds the instructor they were absent, so they are not assigned a zero.
Skipping
 Skipping means the student did not attend class though on campus (even if in another classroom or area like the media
center) or that they left school grounds during class time without being signed out by the office.
 No teacher may give a student permission to miss another class. Students should talk to the teacher for that period prior to
being out to receive permission.
 Consequences
o Write-up will be given to administration.
o Employability is lost
o Assignments collected that day will be permanent zeros, as they chose not to be present.
o Assignments assigned will not be given extra time, even if assigned the day they skipped.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
All students are expected to submit their original work for their class. Cheating or plagiarizing is not acceptable.
Violations could include, but are not limited to:
 Receiving or giving unauthorized answers on tests, quizzes, essays, research or projects
 Using any form of “cheat sheet” on tests or quizzes
 Obtaining or giving copies of test or quiz questions prior to test time
 Guidance from parents or others that is clearly undue influence (as evidenced by a comparison of day-to-day
achievement of the student)
 Submitting the same academic work in more than one course without prior permission, even if the student’s work.
 Intentionally copying words or ideas of authors or sources (including the internet) without giving credit to the specific
source or any representation of another’s work as one’s own- plagiarism
 Fabricating information, sources or citations
 Unauthorized use of computers, cell phones, or other electronic devices at any time when they are prohibited; even
for purposes other than cheating.

Consequences
 Any form of academic dishonesty will result in a zero, a phone call home, and other possible disciplinary actions.
  General Paper students please see the Cambridge guidelines as well for specific AICE consequences.

EMPLOYABILITY
According to school board policy, teachers must base 20% of a student’s grade on Employability. Employability refers to those “non-cognitive skills”
beyond academics that make individuals good employees. Taking initiative, working well in groups, taking responsibility, and following complex
directions are all “Employability” skills, as are more basic habits such as being on time, being prepared, following school and class rules, etc. The
20% requirement encourages teachers to work on Employability in all classes.
To keep track of Employability, our class uses a site called “Class Dojo.” The Class Dojo app is available for smartphones and can also be accessed
via computer. It allows students and parents to check details about Employability even when the teacher is not immediately available to answer
questions.
Students can receive both positive and negative awards each day. Students can earn positive awards by being prepared with homework or other
supplies, participating, helping to keep their group on task, or completing extra credit. Negative awards include being off task, being late or
unprepared, not having homework, being out of dress code, having their phone out during class, not returning library books by the due date,
unexcused absences, etc. At the end of the week, the percentage of positive awards vs. overall number of awards becomes the student’s
Employability grade. For example, if a student earns 10 positive awards and 2 negative awards in one week, 10 out of the total 12 awards given
were positive. That student’s Employability grade would be 10/12 or an 83%.
Employability percentages will be entered into the gradebook regularly. You can check the ESD Parent Portal to verify your child’s Employability. If
you have questions about your child’s grade, you can immediately check the app to see every individual award that your child received during the
previous two weeks. If you have further questions, you can email your child’s teacher with the details found in Class Dojo and he/she will be able to
answer you much more quickly and accurately.

READING GRADEBOOK:
Gradebook
Category Name & Breakdown Assignment Examples
Weights
Employability Attending class, organizing binder, answering questions in class, reading out
Employability 20% loud, working in groups . . .
20%
Worksheets, reading and annotating, close reader assignments, rough drafts,
Formative Classwork/Homework 25% planning sheets, notes . . .
45% Traditional quizzes, formative progress learning assignments . . .
Quizzes 20%
Summative Traditional exams, projects, journal grades, essays . . .
Tests/Projects 35%
35%

 Grades will always be entered as a percentage.

o A 90-100 = Exceeds Expectations
o B 80-89 = Above Average
o C 70-79 = Average (Needed to maintain GPA for graduation)
o D 60-69 = Below Average (Passing the course)
o F 59-0 = Unacceptable

Code Meaning
0 The student did not turn it in and the assignment cannot be made up.
M Missing and can be made up for 1 week.
Please note: missing work will register as a 59 in their average so the grade will drop further if turned to a 0.
I Incomplete. Failed due to not answering all questions/not completing the assignment, but turned it in.
*/Blank Not graded yet.
X The assignment was excused, because it cannot be made up independently.
L The assignment was turned in past the due date.
10% The student turned in a blank paper with their name on it.
 When for some reason a percentage cannot be given look for the following codes:
*Please make sure this information is up to date in the parent portal. Sometimes emails and phone numbers are not up to date and
this makes it difficult for teachers and other school staff to make contact. This can now be updated once you log in. If you need help
updating the information, please contact the school.
 Syllabus Sign-Off Form
AICE English General Paper

Please visit https://troyeraicegp.weebly.com/class-syllabus.html or scan the QR code in the top right corner to see the
digital copy of the class syllabus before signing and returning this sign-off form. If using a smartphone, there will be an
option to select “mobile” or “web.” Selecting “web” will display the site in the correct format. There is also a PDF
download of the syllabus available on the site as well as our Blackboard page for your convenience.
Thank you! – Mr. Troyer

Classroom Library:
Classroom libraries play a key role in providing access to books and promoting literacy; they have the potential to increase
student motivation, engagement, and achievement and help students become critical thinkers, analytical readers, and
informed citizens. We know that no book is right for every student, and classroom libraries offer ongoing opportunities to
support students as individuals to find books that will ignite their love for learning, calm their fears, answer their
questions, and improve their lives in any of the multiple ways that only literature can.

Parents initial below to indicate how your child will use the classroom library
 _______I want my child to have FULL access to use the classroom library
 _______I do NOT want my child to use the classroom library

Home Technology:
At home the student has access to a (circle what applies):

computer/tablet printer internet cell phone

Extra Help:
There is after school tutoring M-Th in the media center. The instructor is also available most days for additional help before and
after school. When notified, most coaches/directors will allow students to attend extra help/tutoring as eligibility relies on grades.

As needed my student can usually come in for extra help when needed (circle what applies):
Monday: Before school (6:45-7:20) After school (2:14-4:00)
Tuesday: Before school (6:45-7:20) After school (2:14-4:00)
Wednesday: Before school (6:45-7:20) After school (2:14-4:00)
Thursday: Before school (6:45-7:20) After school (2:14-4:00)
Friday: Before school (6:45-7:20) After school (2:14-4:00)

By signing below, you are indicating you have read and understand all parts of the attached course syllabus and the
NPHS student handbook (available on the school website). If you have any questions, contact the teacher noted by
email. Sign and return the form to the class teacher within one week of your first-class.

Student Name: _______________________________ Signature: ____________________________ Period: _________

Guardian Name: ____________________________ Signature: ____________________________ Date: ___________

The best time to reach us about concerns or praises by phone is: __________________________________________

Additional Information
Please note any information you want to alert the teacher to, such as:
 504/ESE/ESOL information, which can be delayed at the beginning of the year.
 Home situations you feel the teacher should be aware of
 Medical concerns
 Electronic Communication
Below are some great ways to stay aware of what your student is doing in their English class. They are available as a website or as an
app you can download to your smartphone.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Class Dojo: This is the program where student behavior will be tracked. Each week the grade they
have on class dojo is entered as their Employability (skills employers look for) in gradebook.
Employability is 20% of the student’s grade in ALL classes per district requirement. This system allows
you and your student to understand why they received the grade they did. Students receive positive
points and/or negative points each day. Students will also be keeping an electronic portfolio through
this app. Your student was given the sign-up code you will need.

Check one and sign below:

□ I am now signed up for Class Dojo and registered for this class.
□ I am choosing not to use Class Dojo at this time.

Parent Signature: ____________________________________________ Date: ___________________

_____________________________________________________________________________
Remind: This program is a way for me to text/email homework and important information to
students and parents. Students and parents can also message me through text, without anyone trading
phone numbers. I will answer as quickly as possible and it is a much quicker means of communication
than emailing me, especially on the weekend. Your student was given the sign-up code you will need.

Check one and sign below:

□ I am now signed up for Remind and registered for this class.
□ I am choosing not to use Remind at this time.

Parent Signature: ____________________________________________ Date: ___________________

_____________________________________________________________________
ESD (AKA: gradebook, parent portal, or cross pointe): Make sure to watch gradebook regularly. I update it
constantly. If your student has a “0” or an “M” this means they did not turn in their work. “0” cannot be made up,
but an “M” can. You can sign up for daily or weekly grade updates for your child for all of their classes, as well as
attendance alerts. Report cards are now provided electronically through this system. I will send out progress
reports via email. Please make sure your email is up to date in the system.
If you do not know how to access gradebook, please contact the school to get your log in information or help. You can also find
online directions on the district website under students + parent.

Check one and sign below:

□ I already use ESD.
□ I currently cannot access ESD and will contact the school to get the needed information.

Parent Signature: ____________________________________________ Date: ___________________