Syllabus

 

Ms. McMillian

GEORGE WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL

Course Syllabus 2025-2026

 

Teacher Name: Ms. Bria McMillian

Classroom: C214

Phone Number: (GWHS) 434-799-6410

Email Address: bmcmillian@mail.dps.k12.va.us

 

Welcome to your first English course in high school. You will find this course intriguing, self-fulfilling, and difficult. I have constructed what will prove to be an action-packed, novel-filled, self-reflective year. I have also created space for you, as an imaginative, interested student, to experience topics that may lead you down a path of research and discovery. This English class will be a blend of learning targets that are driven by critical thinking and what you need to feel successful and comfortable. 

 

Supply List: Chromebook, Pencils, Pens, Highlighters, 1 Two-Pocket Folder

 

Course Requirements and Instructional Methods: 

Activities will include, but are not limited to, assigned readings, journals, and essays, collaborative-learning activities, projects, videos, online reading and discussion, memorization and recitation, reading and vocabulary quizzes, unit tests, and class participation. Rubrics and checklists are given for projects, written, and open-ended assignments. The grade for each nine-weeks grading period will be assigned as follows: 

 

• Assessments, Test, Projects – 40 % (Gold)
• Quizzes and Major Assignments – 35 % (Bronze)
• Classwork, Homework, and Participation – 25 % (Silver)

 

GWHS Grading Scale:     A: 100-90       B: 89-80         C: 79-70         D: 69-60         F: 59 and Below

 

Classroom rules must be followed to protect the right of every student to learn and enjoy a safe school environment. Repeated interference with these rights will be handled in the appropriate manner according to GWHS regulations and procedures. 

Assignment Guidelines: Students will maintain all in-class assignments via daily activities and through Canvas. 

 

Late Work: Course work is due when class begins. If a student checks in late or checks out early, it is the student’s responsibility to turn in assignments to avoid deductions. If an assignment has been given a due date, it is due on that date. 

 

Make-Up Work: Make-up work will be labeled with the date and found in the make-up work folders and/or on Canvas. It is the student’s responsibility to collect their work from the make-up folders from the days that they have missed. Students will have the opportunity to make-up tests/quizzes if absent on the assessment day. 

 

Extra Credit: Extra credit is given on an intermittent basis. 

 

Hall Passes: Please note that the first ten minutes and the last ten minutes of each class are protected and that students will not be allowed in the hallway during this time. One student will be allowed out at a time. If a student is out of the room for an unusual amount of time, they will be written up for skipping.  

 

Late Policy: Students will have to report to the security desk if they arrive to class after the bell has rang. If a student is more than five minutes late without a pass, they will be given a warning for skipping and may face future consequences.

 

Cellphone Policy: Cellphones are prohibited from being used in the classroom. If a student does not abide by these expectations they will be given a warning.  If the student continues to have their phone out, they will  be  asked to place their phone on my desk for the remainder of class. If the student refuses to do so, they will be written up for noncompliance/violating cellphone policy. 

 

Please note that I will be following all school policies to the best of my ability. This syllabus is subject to change in order to accommodate instructional needs. I will notify students of any  changes as soon as possible.