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Syllabus, Rules, and Supplies Needed

email: caink@lisdtx.org

Conference Period: 4th period, 10:20 -11:06

Students enrolled in Journalism write in a variety of forms for a variety of audiences and purposes. Students enrolled in this course are expected to plan, draft, and complete written compositions on a regular basis, carefully examining their papers for clarity, engaging language, and the correct use of the conventions and mechanics of written English. In Journalism, students are expected to write in a variety of forms and for a variety of audiences and purposes. Students will become analytical consumers of media and technology to enhance their communication skills. Published work of professional journalists, technology, and visual and electronic media are used as tools for learning as students create, clarify, critique, write, and produce effective communications. Students enrolled in Journalism will learn journalistic traditions, research self-selected topics, write journalistic texts, and learn the principles of publishing.

Supplies needed EVERYDAY:

Blue or black pen

Pencil

Folder or small binder used ONLY for journalism

Journal or spiral notebook used ONLY for journalism (interview notes, story ideas, etc.)

Notebook paper

School Chromebook 

Recommended: colored pencils, scissors, glue for some projects

Students should come to class every day with all of their materials.  Being unprepared for class hinders the learning environment for the individual, as well as for the rest of the class.  Additional supplies may be requested throughout the school year.  

Rules and Expectations

All school rules and policies will be upheld in my classroom. For clarification on particular items and issues, please refer to the 2023-2024 LHS Students Handbook.

This class will follow the LHS Cell Phone Policy:

Pursuant to Governor Abbott’s signing of House Bill 1481, school districts must have a written policy prohibiting students from using personal communication devices (including, but not limited to cell phones, smart watches, personal computers, air pods etc.) while on school property during the school day. 

Violations of this policy will be addressed accordingly:

1st offense - Communication devices will be confiscated and returned to the student at days end. Parent will be contacted and a warning will be given in Skyward.

2nd offense- Communication devices will be confiscated and students will have the choice of paying a $15 fine or serving 1 day of ISS. Communication devices will be returned to the student at days end. Parent will be notified and discipline will be documented in Skyward.

3rd offense- Communication devices will be confiscated and students will have the choice of paying a $15 fine or serving 1 day of ISS. Communication devices will be returned to the parent, following a parent/administrator conference.

Repeated offenses can result in increased disciplinary action in accordance with the student code of conduct.

Grading System/Late Work

Daily grades: 50% of grade

Major grades: 50% of grade 

Students who wish to improve their grade if their assignment is failing may correct or redo the assignment for a passing grade. 

Late and missing work is accepted but 10 points will be deducted on the first day late, 20 points the second day late, and 30 points the third day late. After 3 days, the assignment will receive a grade of 50 if turned in before the end of the grading period. Assignments never turned in will receive the grade of 0.   

Academic Dishonesty 

This class will follow the Lampasas High School Academic Dishonesty Policy. Students who cheat, fabricate, or plagiarize an assignment will receive a 0 with ONE chance to redo the assignment for up to a 70. Students will only receive ONE chance during the school year to fix a cheating, fabricating, or plagiarism mistake. Additional offenses will receive a 0. 

Monitoring Grades

Parents and students are encouraged to use Family Access to monitor grades.  In order to foster independence in students, if a question arises regarding a particular grade, communication between the parent and student should be the first step. If there are still questions, feel free to email the teacher.   

Absences/Make-up Work

When students are absent, it is their responsibility to obtain missing assignments. Some assignments will be in Canvas. Students may meet with the teacher during academic period or tutorials to make-up missing quizzes or tests and receive missed instruction. Students will have three days to complete any make-up work before it becomes considered late work (including tests).