Wiki Page, IB LANGUAGE & LIT SL YR 1-B: Course Syllabus

Wiki Page
2026-03-12T10:58:43-07:00

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ELA Syllabus: Trimester Overview

Trimester Dates:
Week 1, Dec 2–5, 2025
Week 2, Dec 8–12, 2025
Week 3, Dec 15–19, 2025

Winter Break: Dec 22, 2025–Jan 2, 2026

Week 4, Jan 5–9, 2026
Week 5, Jan 12–16, 2026
Week 6, Jan 20–24, 2026 (Jan 19 is MLK Day)
Week 7, Jan 26–30, 2026
Week 8, Feb 2–6, 2026
Week 9, Feb 9–13, 2026

Mid Winter Break: Feb 17–21, 2026
(No school Feb 16 for President’s Day)

Week 10, Feb 23–27, 2026
Week 11, Mar 2–6, 2026
Week 12, Mar 9–13, 2026 (Final full week of term)

Welcome to ELA

This class helps you read closely, think critically, and write with clarity. You will practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing every week. You will work with your classmates, try new things, revise often, and grow your skills over time.

I will support you, challenge you, and treat you with respect. I expect the same from you.

Grading Breakdown

Your grade reflects three strands of learning. Each matters.

Effort: 33 percent
Effort assignments are usually 1 point each. Do not think of that as “just 1 point.” Think of it as full credit or no credit for that task. There is often at least one effort assignment every day.

Effort assignments:

Springboard you into the classwork

Help you understand what to do next

Connect across all three categories

These add up over time. What I look for is attempt with integrity.

At least once a week, you will also have a larger effort style task, usually a writing sample or practice version of a bigger assignment.

Classwork: 34 percent
Daily assignments, reading tasks, graphic organizers, exit tickets, group work, notes, organizers, practice paragraphs, and anything that builds your skills for assessments.

Assessments: 33 percent
These are graded in class and measure what you can do independently. No take home assessments unless I clearly say so.

Deadlines and Late Work

Effort
Effort assignments stay open for 5 class days after the assigned date unless you have an excused absence.

Classwork
Classwork closes:

The Friday before any break

The last full Friday of the term

I will also send a notice before any unscheduled classwork close out, so you know when everything in that category is about to close.

Assessments
Assessments must be completed in class, unless I give special instructions.

Phone Policy

Phones are tools, but not the main character in this class.

The class gets one shared warning.

After that, phones are pouched.

Phones may be used only to submit pictures of assignments when I say it is allowed.

If you ask to use your phone really quick in the hallway, I will usually say yes or say “yes, in about five minutes.”

No using phones for emergencies or parent calls without asking me first. If you ask, I will most likely say yes in a reasonable way. Violations follow school policy.

AI Use Policy

AI is only allowed when I give specific directions that say you can use it.

If you use AI when I have not said to use it, this triggers our school academic integrity protocols. This is treated like any other issue of honesty in schoolwork.

Behavior Expectations

Our class community works best when everyone feels safe, respected, and able to learn.

We focus on these values:

Respect
Treat classmates, teachers, and yourself with care. Listen when others speak. Use language that builds community.

Engagement
Put in consistent effort. Ask questions. Follow directions. Participate even when the task feels new or difficult.

Responsibility
Come prepared. Manage your materials. Turn work in on time. Support your group and your own learning.

Integrity
Do your own thinking. Give credit when needed. Make choices that help the class function smoothly.

Bathroom Policy

Bathroom passes are for 10 minutes maximum. Other people also need to use the restroom, so return promptly. Misuse of the pass may limit future use.

Communication

There is a guide in Canvas called something like “How to Talk to the Teacher” that I will show you in class. It explains what a good message or email looks like.

The best way to reach me is email.
If you are stuck, email me and ask questions. I will help. I am not always mean.

Families will receive updates through ParentSquare.
Parents and guardians can also contact me by email.

Required Materials

Charged Chromebook every day

Assigned book or class texts

Pen or pencil

A willingness to revise, rethink, and try again

Attendance and Make Up Work

If you are absent with an excused reason, you can make up work without penalty. Check Canvas for instructions and talk to me during class. Make up assessments must be done in class.

Unexcused absences may affect your ability to make up some work depending on the assignment type.

Academic Support

If you need help, talk to me during class, or email me. We can set up a time to go over your work or questions.

You are never expected to struggle alone.