See Ms. VH’s website (http://mysite.verizon.net/vzeu8r9j) for daily assignments, project descriptions and more!

Need to contact her?  Call the school at 467-7105 or email jvohlhamilton02@granbyschoolsma.net.

Granby Junior /Senior High School fosters academic achievement, personal responsibility, and respect, in order to develop conscientious and productive members of society.

What will we study?  See below:

In class this year, expect to...

I.  Read, and identify the reading genres and terms of:

·         Short stories

·         Novels (The Advetures of Tom Sawyer and self-selected novels)

·         Drama (Macbeth)   

·         Poetry

·         Nonfiction

II. Become more proficient in writing a(n):

• Persuasive essay
• Expository essay
• Observational essay
• Research paper
• Formal letter

III. You’ll also….

• increase your vocabulary knowledge and usage.
• become a more proficient public speaker.
• approach the MCAS test with confidence.  (You will!  You will!)
• use more concise descriptors in your writing.
• apply more detail and better organization to your writing.
• develop your writing style and voice.
• be encouraged to voice your opinions orally, on tests and in writing journals.
• be expected to think critically, examining all sides of an issue.
• become a better reader!

You can succeed in English!

Here’s how:

1.      Come to class prepared.  Bring your homework, an assignment notebook, a binder with a section for English and a pocket for handouts, loose-leaf paper, a pen or pencil, and anything I’ve asked you to bring to class—a journal, a book, etc.

2.      Do your homework and projects, and do them on time.  If you’re absent, check the website to see what you’ve missed, ask a friend, or ask Ms. VH.  Bring the work in the day after you return.

3.      Ask questions when something is unclear.  Ms. VH is, contrary to popular belief, not clairvoyant.

4.      Participate in class discussions.  Everyone’s opinion is valued.  Speaking out about the topic of the class allows others to learn from you, and helps your grade, as well.

5.      Read, read, and read some more.  Reading makes you powerful, too.  As you read, your grammar, spelling, vocabulary, reading word recognition and fluency improves.  And that doesn’t even take into account how much more interesting and learned you’ll be because of what you’re soaking in via others’ written ideas!

Everyone’s success is the goal!

Grading Policies

Your grade in English will be determined through a combination of tests, quizzes, projects, homework (10 homework grades equal one test grade), class participation and effort.  The mix of assignments varies by marking period.

            Projects are generally worth two test grades.  Each project’s syllabus will detail the requirements, due dates and grading weight.  Students will receive a hard copy of the syllabus, and it will also be posted on Ms. Vohl Hamilton’s website.

          Cheating/plagiarism will result in a grade of zero and disciplinary action, without an opportunity to replace the grade.

Persnickety Details You’ll be Glad to Know About This Class:

·         Papers with ripped edges or illegible handwriting won’t be accepted.  Sorry.

·         If not typing, work in blue or black pen, or pencil.  Ms. VH can’t see gel pen ink very well.  If she can’t read your work, how can she give you a grade?  (That’s a rhetorical question.)

·         Water’s okay to bring to class, but not gum.