All seventh grade students will take a state writing assessment on March 2. Emphasis will be given to the following genres: fictional and autobiographical narratives, analytic writing in response to literature, research, persuasive compositions, and summaries. Students will learn to progress through the stages of the writing process throughout the year and will be well prepared for the writing assessment by spring.
HOMEWORK
Homework will generally be assigned 3-5 times a week, with occasional assignments over weekends. When no specific homework is assigned, use the time to study and review the work currently being covered, continue work on long-term projects, and read. Please make sure to make reading a daily activity both at home and at school.
READING PROGRAM
Our class is participating in the Accelerated Reader program. I also offer credit for books not on the AR list. See this link for details.
COMPUTER TOOLS
We are using a variety of computer tools in our class, including Moodle, Edublogs blogs, VoiceThread, and more. These tools provide a variety of opportunities for students read, write, speak, and interact in an engaging online environment while also teaching them to be good online citizens. For more details, please see the technology letter.
GRADING
Students’ grades are based on their performances in writing assignments; spelling and vocabulary, grammar, and literature assessments; homework and class work; oral presentations; and class participation. Effort and improvement during the semester will also be taken into account in grading.
PROPER PAPER FORMAT
Click here for a sheet outlining the proper paper format. Students need to use this format on all assignments in order to receive full credit. You may want to print it out for easy reference.
LATE WORK
Students will lose 20 percent of credit for each day an assignment is late. Work missed during an excused absence may be made up, but it is the student’s responsibility to obtain both class and homework assignments and complete them in a timely manner. Students who are absent should check the class blog for assignments. Also, get names and telephone numbers of at least two reliable classmates to call for information about assignments before returning to class from an absence.
Students absent more than three days should contact the school office for assignments and conference with me as soon as you return.
MATERIALS
Please have the following materials each and every day:
- College ruled, white loose leaf notebook paper Notebook with a section for language arts 2 black or blue (erasable) pens, highlighters, plenty of pencils, and a colored correcting pen (choose a color other than black or blue for correcting) Completed assignments An independent reading book A flash drive Student ID Any assigned class novel Reminder Binder filled out daily A positive attitude
CLASSROOM RULES
Our class will follow these three simple rules:
1. Be prepared.
2. Be safe.
3. Be respectful
In addition, we will go over class procedures that stem from these rules as the need for each arises.
Students who fail to follow these rules will receive any combination of the following consequences:
A warning, time outside the classroom, an N or U in citizenship, written standards, detention, or an office referral.
Please feel free to contact me at school, at
