Janice McDonald- EBHS English
English II, AAC English II, and EOC Recovery
A little bit about me:
I am thrilled to have been part of the Brahma Family since the 2013-14 school year, though I've been teaching since 1995. I attended Baylor University, but I earned my BA in Humanities and English from UH-Victoria. I live in Wharton with my husband, and we have two adult children, plus a few furry ones. In my free time, I like to swim, read, sing, travel, and perform in my local community theatre.
Contact me: Email Janice McDonald
979-335-7519
My Schedule:
1st Period: AAC Eng II
2nd Period: Eng II
3rd Period: EOC English
4th Period: AAC Eng II
5th Period: Eng II
LUNCH
6th Period: Planning/Conference Period
7th Period: AAC Eng II
8th Period: Eng II
Janice McDonald
EBHS English Department- Grading Procedures
CLASSROOM RULES AND EXPECTATIONS
Be Prompt- Practice responsible time management. Respect class start times and assignment deadlines.
Be Present- Be physically present every day, and stay mentally present in class by participating in all class activities.
Be Prepared- Show awareness of class needs and requirements to be successful.
Be Positive- Demonstrate good character and integrity in class, especially with your teacher and classmates, and in your work. When you make a mistake, own up to it. Lying is unacceptable.
REQUIRED MATERIALS
Plastic folder with pockets and brads
Supply of pens or pencils
Highlighters (3-5 different colors preferred)
colored pencils
Notebook paper
Box of Kleenex
CHEATING, COPYING, AND PLAGIARIZING
If a student is found cheating, copying, or plagiarizing, the student and any cooperating student(s) will receive an automatic 0. There is no chance of a retest or make-up work after a student is found to have violated this code. *The unauthorized use of AI for classroom activities will be considered plagiarism!* Please be aware: choosing to be dishonorable does not only have immediate consequences, but it also has long-term effects on students planning to pursue certain academic organizations, such as the National Honor Society and other similar organizations.
LATE/MAKE-UP WORK
Please follow the school’s make-up work policy. Late work deadlines are determined by knowledge of the assignment and its due date. The school rule regarding make-up work is 1 day for each day you are absent.
TUTORING
Tutorials are offered Mon at 3:40-4 PM, and Tues/Thurs at 7:25 AM. Students are required to have a pass for morning tutorials; please schedule in advance, or the parent/guardian must write a pass for entry.
End Of Course/STAAR TESTING
There will be TWO Interim (practice) English II EOC assessments: one in October and one in February. Students should take the interims seriously and do their best. Students who do not meet grade-level expectations will be assigned Activity Period or after-school tutorials. The 10th-grade level EOC test will be given in mid-April. We will share more information in the classroom. The course rigor is designed to meet STAAR/EOC standards.
GRADES
You will have at least 8 daily grades and 3 major grades each six weeks.
Daily Grades (40%)- Daily Work
Major Grades (60%)- Tests, Quizzes, Process Writing, and Projects
EXTRA CREDIT
Extra credit is not offered individually. Extra credit will be offered to the entire class at the teacher’s discretion.
English II
AAC English II
EOC Recovery
English II is World Literature, which examines works by non-American writers, whether written in English or translated into English, as well as literature that reflects other cultures. Reading and responding to literature, both in writing and in discussion, will be a major part of the class. Students will practice and refine grammar and research through the essay-writing process.
Course Content
First Six Weeks- World Literature, Essay Writing, Introduction to MLA format
Second Six Weeks- Poetry Conventions and Analysis
Third Six Weeks- Nonfiction, Informative Writing, and Introduction to Research
Fourth Six Weeks- Dramatic Conventions, Rhetorical Devices, Persuasive Writing
Fifth Six Weeks- EOC Review, Novel Study
Sixth Six Weeks- Research Paper, Proper Citations, Integrated Quotes, and MLA format
AAC English II is an ACCELERATED course in World Literature, which examines works by non-American writers, whether written in English or translated into English, as well as literature that reflects other cultures. Reading and responding to literature, both in writing and in discussion, will be a major part of the class; in addition, outside reading will be required. Students will practice and refine grammar and research through the essay-writing process.
Course Content
First Six Weeks- World Literature, Essay Writing, Introduction to MLA format, Outside Reading: The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
Second Six Weeks- Poetry Conventions and Analysis, Outside Reading: Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
Third Six Weeks- Nonfiction, Informative Writing, and Introduction to Research
Fourth Six Weeks- Dramatic Conventions, Rhetorical Devices, Persuasive Writing, Outside Reading: Letter from a Birmingham Jail by Dr. Martin Luther King
Fifth Six Weeks- EOC Review, In-class Novel Study (Students choose from four novels)
Sixth Six Weeks- Research Paper, Proper Citations, Integrated Quotes, and MLA format
This class helps students strengthen the reading, writing, grammar, and critical thinking skills needed to pass the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) End-of-Course exams. I will provide targeted instruction, practice with test-taking strategies, and support in areas where students may struggle, such as literary analysis, revising and editing, and written responses. The goal is to build student confidence, improve academic performance, and ensure students meet graduation requirements while developing skills that are important for future academic and career success.
TEXTBOOK:
Measuring Up: End of Course English I/II
Each student will be given their own workbook. Supplemental materials will be made available to the students as needed.