Email: kdepesa@lexingtonma.org
webpage: depesa.blogspot.com
work: classroom.google.com
Classroom: Room 177 & 179
What is this course about?
This course is designed to help you to become a more effective reader and writer, as well as to help you develop the technology skills that you can apply to your studies and work.
As we study and discuss the content of this course, you will also be honing your reading and writing skills. This course seeks to answer the following skills-based questions:
What will we read?
To begin, we will start with archetypes in the form of short stories, poetry, art, and film. In typical years we read Antigone and Romeo and Juliet Additionally, we will read a variety of short stories and poems. We also usually read a contemporary work of fiction.
You will also complete reading on your own, and we will devote both synchronous and asynchronous class time to read books and other media of your own choosing which will lead into a cumulative project called Capstone.
What kinds of writing will we do?
This course has a core focus on helping you to develop strong analytical writing skills. We will work on paragraph construction and introduction writing, as well as writing strong, argumentative thesis statements and claims.
Creative writing is important too! We will compose a variety of poems and creative assignments. We will also complete a unit on Flash Fiction, to help develop your creative instincts!
Any other curriculum?
We also will learn about art, film and film techniques, and learn how to discuss a film academically.
Is there a final?
What's this class like?
Expect to work with everyone in class at some point. You will share your work, participate in class discussions, Socratic seminars, and do group projects and write group paragraphs. I understand speaking in class can be stressful for some students, so you can show that you're participating and involved in other ways, such as being a good group member, staying focused and attentive in class, as well as doing your work consistently.
Remember, Google classroom is a shared space in which you will communicate with me and each other. Please choose appropriate word choices.
General LHS expectations here!
What are the Academic Expecations?
Please read and review this here. It is wonderful that technology makes it easy for us to collaborate on work in new ways. However, it is important to be mindful that your work you turn in is your own. If you're not sure, ask! Violations of the honor code get reported to the dean and are handled on a case-by-case basis.
What if I'm absent?
Please refer to the LHS Student Handbook 19-20 for the school's policies on absences. You can stay current on the work assigned while you were out by checking Google Classroom.
How do I request extra help?
Ask me after class, or send me an email! Usually we can find a time to meet during the day or after school, but I primarily request students schedule extra help during iBlock. My openings for iblock fill up quickly, so you can ask in advance and I will pre-schedule you.
I want a pass to the library. Can I have it?
Not unless you specifically need it for English class. Usually you don't, since you don't need to print and you can access your work digitally.
Do I have to use my lexingtonma.org account?
Yes. 100% of your communication, document storage, writing, etc. needs to be created and kept in your lexingtonma account (I call it lexma). When we use other websites, you are expected to use your lexingtonma emails and passwords to create logins.
How will we use technology?
We will be using the Chromebooks and packets. You must school-issue chromebooks while at school. If you forget your charger, you must charge at the library or by the main office. Work is posted on google classroom and my website.
Can I use my cell phone in class?
No, while in class, please do your best to refrain. The expectation is that your phone is in your bag. If it becomes the problem, we'll talk further.
That being said, we are a digital class, and I do realize that some students will prefer to keep a digital assignment planner and enter the work in on their phone, or occasionally take pictures of the board with their phone. Other times, I will give you an assignment where I would like you to take pictures or video, and it can be simpler for you to use your own device. In these cases I trust you will use your phone responsibly.
How can I get in touch with you and ask a question outside of class?
webpage: depesa.blogspot.com
work: classroom.google.com
Classroom: Room 177 & 179
““You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take”-Wayne Gretsky” - Michael Scott
THE COURSE EXPECTATIONS
This course is designed to help you to become a more effective reader and writer, as well as to help you develop the technology skills that you can apply to your studies and work.
As we study and discuss the content of this course, you will also be honing your reading and writing skills. This course seeks to answer the following skills-based questions:
- What are the skills and habits that help a reader understand any text?
- How do themes emerge from patterns and details in a text?
- How does a writer develop a successful interpretive claim about a text?
- What constitutes strong evidence to support a claim?
The central question for this class is:
WHY DO WE TELL STORIES?
To begin, we will start with archetypes in the form of short stories, poetry, art, and film. In typical years we read Antigone and Romeo and Juliet Additionally, we will read a variety of short stories and poems. We also usually read a contemporary work of fiction.
You will also complete reading on your own, and we will devote both synchronous and asynchronous class time to read books and other media of your own choosing which will lead into a cumulative project called Capstone.
What kinds of writing will we do?
This course has a core focus on helping you to develop strong analytical writing skills. We will work on paragraph construction and introduction writing, as well as writing strong, argumentative thesis statements and claims.
Creative writing is important too! We will compose a variety of poems and creative assignments. We will also complete a unit on Flash Fiction, to help develop your creative instincts!
Any other curriculum?
We also will learn about art, film and film techniques, and learn how to discuss a film academically.
Is there a final?
There will be a culminating the Capstone Project which we will begin after quarter 1. It will be a humanities based, multi-media presentation in which you will devote the last few weeks of class to complete. Using our curriculum as well as the books and media you read through the year you will answer the question: Why do we tell stories?
What's this class like?
Expect to work with everyone in class at some point. You will share your work, participate in class discussions, Socratic seminars, and do group projects and write group paragraphs. I understand speaking in class can be stressful for some students, so you can show that you're participating and involved in other ways, such as being a good group member, staying focused and attentive in class, as well as doing your work consistently.
Remember, Google classroom is a shared space in which you will communicate with me and each other. Please choose appropriate word choices.
Most importantly, be kind to one another. Be a good one.
LOGISTICS
General LHS expectations here!
What are the Academic Expecations?
Please read and review this here. It is wonderful that technology makes it easy for us to collaborate on work in new ways. However, it is important to be mindful that your work you turn in is your own. If you're not sure, ask! Violations of the honor code get reported to the dean and are handled on a case-by-case basis.
What if I'm absent?
Please refer to the LHS Student Handbook 19-20 for the school's policies on absences. You can stay current on the work assigned while you were out by checking Google Classroom.
How do I request extra help?
Ask me after class, or send me an email! Usually we can find a time to meet during the day or after school, but I primarily request students schedule extra help during iBlock. My openings for iblock fill up quickly, so you can ask in advance and I will pre-schedule you.
I want a pass to the library. Can I have it?
Not unless you specifically need it for English class. Usually you don't, since you don't need to print and you can access your work digitally.
Do I have to use my lexingtonma.org account?
Yes. 100% of your communication, document storage, writing, etc. needs to be created and kept in your lexingtonma account (I call it lexma). When we use other websites, you are expected to use your lexingtonma emails and passwords to create logins.
THE FRESHMAN TEAM
Who is on my freshman team?
Mrs. Larkin, your history teacher, as well as your guidance counselor and dean.
What is the freshman team?
You and your classmates share a homeroom, dean, guidance counselors, special education teacher, English teacher and history teacher. This is to help provide support to you as you transition from middle school to high school. Mrs. Larkin and I meet regularly with your deans, guidance counselors, and special education teacher to discuss ways in which we can best support you both academically and socially.
TECHNOLOGY
How will we use technology?
We will be using the Chromebooks and packets. You must school-issue chromebooks while at school. If you forget your charger, you must charge at the library or by the main office. Work is posted on google classroom and my website.
Will we be using technology in class on a regular basis?
Yes. It's your responsibility to come prepared to class with your school issued device. All work must be done on the school issued device. Bring your own wired headphones to class to ensure the best zoom experience. Can I use my cell phone in class?
No, while in class, please do your best to refrain. The expectation is that your phone is in your bag. If it becomes the problem, we'll talk further.
That being said, we are a digital class, and I do realize that some students will prefer to keep a digital assignment planner and enter the work in on their phone, or occasionally take pictures of the board with their phone. Other times, I will give you an assignment where I would like you to take pictures or video, and it can be simpler for you to use your own device. In these cases I trust you will use your phone responsibly.
COMMUNICATION
How can I get in touch with you and ask a question outside of class?
- Google Classroom: On assignment posts, you can ask questions relating to the task or deadline- I will respond to them there. This is helpful for other students as well, as often others will have the same questions as you!
- Email: We will primarily be using your Lexingtonma issued google accounts to communicate. Email is good for when you have a question more specific to you. I will not discuss grades over email - if you have a question relating to a grade, you may email to make an appointment, or ask me directly after class.
- When to email me? I will check email through the day, but if you email me at night, I will see it the next day.
GRADES and ASSESSMENTS
How am I graded in class?
Each assignment has a point value. This can be a good indicator of how much value an assignment has. In this class, you can expect the following activities:
- Homework: smaller assignments to be completed at home. Typically, each HW is out of four points (4-Exemplary work, 3-Proficient work, 2-Beginning work, 1 -Developing work). Occasionally, you will have work that is just assessed as whether you completed it, completed it late or incomplete, or did not submit it at all.
- Classwork/Quizzes: Participation in discussions (like Socratic seminars) and work designed to be completed in class. Occasionally, you will have work that is just assessed as whether you completed it, completed it late, or did not submit it at all.
- Projects/Writing/Tests: This includes cumulative assessments, as well as work completed over several days/weeks.
- Capstone -through the year (beginning 2nd quarter) we will work on an ongoing English project that will factor into your final grade
What are the categories in Aspen?
Content Knowledge
Analytical Skills
Research Skills - World History Specific
Discussion Skills
Consistent Effort
Creative Writing - English Specific
Presentation
What does EX/PR/DV/BG mean?
- Exemplary: this means you have exceeded the standard for the assignment.
- Proficient: this means you have met the standard for the assignment.
- Developing: this means you are approaching the standard, keep up the good work!
- Beginning: this means you need to pay particular attention to this standard. While you may be upset or frustrated if you get this on an assignment, this isn't necessarily a bad thing, we all need to begin somewhere! Coming in for extra help will get you there. I'm here for you!
When is work due? How will I know?
Please look at Google classroom for the deadlines. I will also post these on the white board in the classroom. Late is late! Yes, even if it's one minute late!
How do I turn my work in?
We will be using Google classroom to submit work.
Ok, my work is late. What happens? Can I make it up?
For HW assignments, if your work is late and we're in the same unit, you can usually make it up. Make sure to check in with me first before you make up any work, as I might modify it in some way for larger assignments.
How can I check my grades, and how often are they updated?
Aspen! I keep Aspen updated fairly regularly, but don't expect instant updating as grading and inputing can take time.
What if I disagree with a grade or would like more clarity about my grade?
I am happy to discuss your grades with you. I ask that you wait a day between getting your grade and asking me for a meeting. During this time, it is helpful if you craft specific questions that you would like to ask and identify specific points of concern.
