HSPVA Creative Writing Handbook 2017-2018
DEPARTMENTAL PAPERWORK
The Creative Writing Program periodically sends home important documents for parents, including Report Cards and Progress Reports. At the beginning of the year, there is a variety of papers that need to be returned, some from the program and some from HISD. Students will receive a motivational grade to encourage their prompt return.
This year, all beginning of the year paperwork and fees are due on or before, Wednesday, September 6, 2017. Paperwork will be checked and graded according to when it is turned in. We give an easy grade of 100% as an incentive to return these papers in a timely manner. This grade will be averaged into the Daily Grades. If it is not returned on time, students will receive a "0".
SUPPLIES
The following supplies are standard for all students in the creative writing program:
· 2-inch binder for portfolio
· Dividers
· A flash drive (at least 16 GB)
· SD Card, we recommend 24 GB and higher (10th, 11th, 12th grade)
· Blue or black pens
· Pencil
· Paper
· Folder with pockets and brads
Students will likely need additional supplies as specified on individual course policies and procedures.
Students are expected to bring these supplies to class every day. Failure to do so may negatively affect their P and P grade.
FEES
Though HSPVA is a public institution, the need for private support is unquestionable. The Creative Writing Program has a $100 supply fee that the department uses to buy equipment for the growing program. Checks should be made out to “HSPVA” with “creative writing” in the memo line.
TARDIES
Students are expected to arrive in class on time, prepared to work. Breaks are for the bathroom, going to a locker, small snack or drink. There is not enough time to play basketball! HSPVA gives the students a level of trust in choosing not to use bells. Students must not abuse that privilege. Excessive tardies (three or more) will earn a detention and conduct cut.
GRADING
Creative Writing uses the points system for grades. This means that each assignment is given a certain number of points and the students earn some or all of those points for their grades.
Grades will fall into the following categories:
Minor Grades: These are assignments that students complete during class time or in preparation for a larger project. This includes, but is not limited to, in-class writing, storyboarding, close reading responses, journals.
Major Grades: Writing and projects- These are assignments that the students complete over a longer period of time. This includes, but is not limited to, revised writing, literary critiques, projects, presentations.
Performance and productivity: A weekly grade based behaviors in the classroom. Students can only be successful if they come to class prepared and ready to participate. They will receive a weekly grade based on their participation in class- are they taking part in discussions? Did they complete their assignments/readings? Each weekly grade is worth 20 points (p & p in gradespeed) and is calculated as follows:
PERFORMANCE AND PRODUCTIVITY
20: Student performance was at the highest level attainable. The student was consistently productive. The accomplished ALL and MORE than was expected (It can’t get any better! This is an EXCEPTION, not the norm.).
17-19: Student performance was at an acceptable and appropriate level. The student was productive during most of the class and met assignment expectations. Productive and engaged as evidenced by participation or body language ie: eye contact, attention to speaker. (This is a typical level of p & p. It is a good grade reflecting that the student is doing well.)
14-16: Student performance was slightly below expectations. The student was not as self-motivated as required and needed additional prompting and redirecting. Was not prepared for class activities; may not have had supplies or completed assignments. Repeatedly left class. Desired expectations were not fully met. (Not quite acceptable.)
10-15: Student performance was poor. The student was rarely productive and had a disregard for instructor’s direcion/redirection. Student did not complete tasks or did not complete them appropriately. Very few expectations were met. (Unacceptable.)
9-0: Student made little or no attempt, even with added direction and instruction and produced nothing or almost nothing. Even minimal expectations were not met. (Totally unacceptable.)
LATE WORK
Students will receive a 30% penalty for the first day an assignment is late and .a 50% penalty for every day thereafter. Assignments will not be accepted after the last day of the grading cycle.
ABSENCES
It is of utmost importance that your child be in school each day. It is easy to fall behind in coursework, and a class discussion is almost impossible to repeat! That said, there are times when illness or a family emergency will keep your child at home. A student will have one school day per day absent to turn-in any missed assignments or homework. It is the student's responsibility to talk to the teacher about any missed assignments. Regular late penalties will accrue after this grace period. If an assignment was given before the absences, the student will be required to submit it upon return- this includes reading check quizzes, major projects etc.
ELECTRONICS
Students may bring their laptops or tablets to school for research or writing purposes only, and to be used at the discretion of the teacher. Absolutely no texting, games, or social media allowed.
If a student is off-task when using an electronic device, the device will be taken up and given to Mr. Tellez, and the students will need to buy it back for $15.*
*Please note that HSPVA is not responsible for these items, and students should be careful not to leave these items unattended.
*Understand that the use of electronics during any testing is strictly prohibited and violation of this is considered a breach of discipline which can have serious adverse effects on the school as a whole.
Students will regularly use school computers for writing and research. Students may NEVER download anything to a computer without permission. Students should not add anything or change wallpaper on the computer. Students should never save their work to a hard drive on a computer, unless they have gotten consent from an instructor. Surfing the web, checking social media, or otherwise being off-task at the computers will result in a lower participation and productivity grade.
Please see our additional Technology Guidelines for specifics for use with HSPVA equipment.
PRINTING AND COPIES
Students will often need a class set of copies of his or her work to distribute for workshop. They may print one- and ONLY ONE- copy of their work in the classroom or library. If additional copies are needed, students must give the work to a faculty member at least 24 hours in advance of when they need the copies.
FOOD AND DRINK
Students may bring food and drinks in bottles or cups with a lid into the classroom if the instructor permits it. Please limit food to food that does not require utensils.
NO FOOD OR DRINK IN THE LIBRARY CLASSROOM.
ADULT THEMES AND CONTENT
Please know that our faculty takes the sensitive nature of developing students seriously, and we make every effort to honor parental discretion in all of our classes and activities. The students will read a variety of poems, stories, plays, and essays in their creative writing courses. Each selection is chosen with much thought and to demonstrate a particular literary element or theme. If we are aware of any mature content in a reading, film, or exhibit, we will make every effort to notify parents at least a week in advance and will provide an alternative assignment when requested to do so.