DESCRIPTION
Students will use oral language, written language, media, and technology for expressive, informational, argumentative, critical, and literary purposes. Students will continue to broaden their reading experiences through the study and analysis of compelling literature. Likewise, students will expand their uses of descriptive words and complex sentences, as well as their choice of modes of writing. The students will also continue to develop the ability to constructively critique their own work and the work of peers. Students will give oral presentations and dramatic interpretations for various audiences and analyze the effects that media images, text, and sound have on viewers.
GOALS
Our goal for the year is to successfully cover and comprehend the Seventh Grade Language Arts Common Core Standards. The Language Arts standards include five co-requisites: 1)Reading/Literature, 2) Reading Across the Curriculum, 3) Writing, 4) Conventions, and 5) Listening, Speaking, and Viewing.
Grading Policy
*Mastery assignments – 40% (test, performance task, large project, notebook)
*Progress assignments – 30% (quiz, lab, less--involved project, notebook)
*Practice assignments- 20% (graded in-class assignments, reading log, notebook)
*Participation assignments – 10% (homework, small in-class assignments, notebook))
Student Responsibilities
Students must bring the following to class daily: agenda, pencil/pen – blue or black ink only, 3-subject spiral notebook, glue stick, scissors, notebook paper, homework/class work, designated textbook, and independent reading book. To be successful, you must be prepared!
Notebook/LA section
No other materials should be located in the LA notebook or designated LA section. This is for LA materials ONLY! The notebook will be divided into 3 sections: reading, writing, and grammar. These sections should be maintained throughout the year. The notebook will be graded will be graded in a variety of ways and can count within each portion of the grading policy.
Reading/literature
Students are required to INDEPENDENTLY read 2 books per quarter. Students will be given time in class to complete this reading. In addition, students will read from the literature book and other teacher-selected texts.
Writing
Students will have the opportunity to complete a variety of writing assignments. Journaling, response to literature, poetry, and essays will make up the majority of these assignments. Each writing assignment should be completed as if it will be graded, not as if it is a text message. Final copies should be typed or in blue or black ink only. Please have an extra colored pen to use for editing.
Pace
Nightly studying of all notes and rules is crucial. Tutoring is available during homeroom any day or Wednesday afternoons until 3:00. Please let me know in advance if you plan to stay. You MUST have a pass!
Absentee Work
Upon returning to school, students are to refer to the calendar provided and obtain needed handouts. Absentee work is to be made up within 3 days of returning to school. Absentee makeup work that is received after the three days will be considered LATE. For extended absences of three or more days or extenuating circumstances, students and/or parents should contact the teacher to make special arrangements.
Late work
Students are expected to turn work in on time. Missing assignments will be recorded as “M” and will count as a “0” until submitted. For each late assignment, the student MUST complete a “Late Assignment” form. There will be a 30 point deduction from the earned grade of any assignment that is turned in late. This includes electronic assignments. If the assignment is turned in more than 3 days after the due date, there will be a 50 point deduction. No late work will be accepted during the last week of each grading period.
Technology
Students will use Chromebooks in the classroom; therefore, many assignments will be submitted through Schoology. If there are technology issues at home, please make arrangements to stay before or after school prior to the assigned due date.
Tardies
Time is of the essence this year; therefore, all students are expected to arrive on time. If a student is late to class and does not have a written excuse from another teacher or administrator, he or she will need to sign the tardy log beside the door. Behavior consequences will be followed for tardies to class.
Behavior/Strike System
Because there is an enormous amount of information to discuss and devour, it is imperative that ALL students are on task, cooperative, positive, and respectful. Consequences will be enforced to maintain an optimal learning environment. Level One consequences are as follows:
Strike 3: parent contact w/consequence Strike 5: 2nd detention
Strike 4: 1st detention Strike 6: referral
*Immediate referrals given as necessary.
Email Blasts
I try (emphasis on the word try) to send out weekly email blasts with upcoming due dates or important reminders. If you would like to make sure that you will receive these, please update your email address in Infinite Campus.
Students will use oral language, written language, media, and technology for expressive, informational, argumentative, critical, and literary purposes. Students will continue to broaden their reading experiences through the study and analysis of compelling literature. Likewise, students will expand their uses of descriptive words and complex sentences, as well as their choice of modes of writing. The students will also continue to develop the ability to constructively critique their own work and the work of peers. Students will give oral presentations and dramatic interpretations for various audiences and analyze the effects that media images, text, and sound have on viewers.
GOALS
Our goal for the year is to successfully cover and comprehend the Seventh Grade Language Arts Common Core Standards. The Language Arts standards include five co-requisites: 1)Reading/Literature, 2) Reading Across the Curriculum, 3) Writing, 4) Conventions, and 5) Listening, Speaking, and Viewing.
Grading Policy
*Mastery assignments – 40% (test, performance task, large project, notebook)
*Progress assignments – 30% (quiz, lab, less--involved project, notebook)
*Practice assignments- 20% (graded in-class assignments, reading log, notebook)
*Participation assignments – 10% (homework, small in-class assignments, notebook))
Student Responsibilities
Students must bring the following to class daily: agenda, pencil/pen – blue or black ink only, 3-subject spiral notebook, glue stick, scissors, notebook paper, homework/class work, designated textbook, and independent reading book. To be successful, you must be prepared!
Notebook/LA section
No other materials should be located in the LA notebook or designated LA section. This is for LA materials ONLY! The notebook will be divided into 3 sections: reading, writing, and grammar. These sections should be maintained throughout the year. The notebook will be graded will be graded in a variety of ways and can count within each portion of the grading policy.
Reading/literature
Students are required to INDEPENDENTLY read 2 books per quarter. Students will be given time in class to complete this reading. In addition, students will read from the literature book and other teacher-selected texts.
Writing
Students will have the opportunity to complete a variety of writing assignments. Journaling, response to literature, poetry, and essays will make up the majority of these assignments. Each writing assignment should be completed as if it will be graded, not as if it is a text message. Final copies should be typed or in blue or black ink only. Please have an extra colored pen to use for editing.
Pace
Nightly studying of all notes and rules is crucial. Tutoring is available during homeroom any day or Wednesday afternoons until 3:00. Please let me know in advance if you plan to stay. You MUST have a pass!
Absentee Work
Upon returning to school, students are to refer to the calendar provided and obtain needed handouts. Absentee work is to be made up within 3 days of returning to school. Absentee makeup work that is received after the three days will be considered LATE. For extended absences of three or more days or extenuating circumstances, students and/or parents should contact the teacher to make special arrangements.
Late work
Students are expected to turn work in on time. Missing assignments will be recorded as “M” and will count as a “0” until submitted. For each late assignment, the student MUST complete a “Late Assignment” form. There will be a 30 point deduction from the earned grade of any assignment that is turned in late. This includes electronic assignments. If the assignment is turned in more than 3 days after the due date, there will be a 50 point deduction. No late work will be accepted during the last week of each grading period.
Technology
Students will use Chromebooks in the classroom; therefore, many assignments will be submitted through Schoology. If there are technology issues at home, please make arrangements to stay before or after school prior to the assigned due date.
Tardies
Time is of the essence this year; therefore, all students are expected to arrive on time. If a student is late to class and does not have a written excuse from another teacher or administrator, he or she will need to sign the tardy log beside the door. Behavior consequences will be followed for tardies to class.
Behavior/Strike System
Because there is an enormous amount of information to discuss and devour, it is imperative that ALL students are on task, cooperative, positive, and respectful. Consequences will be enforced to maintain an optimal learning environment. Level One consequences are as follows:
Strike 3: parent contact w/consequence Strike 5: 2nd detention
Strike 4: 1st detention Strike 6: referral
*Immediate referrals given as necessary.
Email Blasts
I try (emphasis on the word try) to send out weekly email blasts with upcoming due dates or important reminders. If you would like to make sure that you will receive these, please update your email address in Infinite Campus.