WELCOME TO 8th GRADE ELA!
Wheeler Middle School 2013 – 2014
Hello and welcome to 8th Grade ELA! I am Mrs. Hawkins and I will be your English teacher for the 2013 – 2014 school year. This document is intended to give you a clear picture of what is to be expected of you in this class. Please note that it is required that the last page of this syllabus is signed by your parent(s) and will count as your first homework grade!
What can you expect of me?
You may expect that…
- I will provide open and frequent communication with both you and your parents/guardians
- I will provide you with meaningful, relevant and engaging instruction.
- I will provide you with all materials necessary to complete assignments.
- I will provide you with an academically focused environment
- YOU WILL BE CHALLENGED AND HELD TO HIGH EXPECTATIONS
I. CLASSROOM RULES AND EXPECTATIONS
I will enforce and model three major classroom expectations. I may also refer to them as rules because behavior that is contrary to these expectations will result in consequences.
Expectation 1: Be Respectful
- Towards teacher(s)
- Towards classmates (we are all in this together!)
- Towards the classroom and school (this includes all Wheeler Middle School codes of conduct)
- Towards class guests and visitors
Expectation 2: Be Responsible
- Come to class prepared (Writing utensil, homework, independent reading book, journal)
- Come to class on time
- Locate any make-up assignments that were missed due to absence by referencing the sample binder.
- Take pride in all your work!
Expectation 3: Be Thankful
- For family and friends
- For the top-notch education you are earning
- For our freedom
- For our Wheeler community
II. CONSEQUENCES
Classroom management and discipline are essential aspects of a proper learning environment. Every student is to follow the rules and regulations as outlined in the Wheeler Middle School student/parent handbook, the 8th grade team packet, and other resource materials that address student conduct both inside and outside of the classroom. Behavior that impedes the learning of other students will not be tolerated and consequences will be administered. Consequences include:
- Verbal warning,
- Lunch/Recess detention
- DISciplinary sheet
- Parental notification (Teacher Communication Notices)
- Referral submitted to the administration for further action
Behavior that will warrant a Lunch or Recess DETENTION SLIP (skipping verbal warning):
-Failure to turn in HW
-Failure to bring in independent reading book to class
Behavior that will warrant an AUTOMATIC DIS sheet (skipping verbal warning and detention):
-Unexcused Tardiness (School Policy)
-Gum Chewing (School Policy)
-Bringing/using contraband items in class (School Policy)
1.Any food or beverage other than water in a sealable container.
2. Any item that may be distracting to you or others. This includes, but is not limited to: pictures, lotion, CD’s, games, cards, dice, DVD’s, radios, papers, cell phones, make-up.
** If any of the above items are found in class, they may be confiscated immediately.
III. MATERIALS -The following items cannot be provided but are necessary for the class and must be obtained by August 6th:
- Large 3 ring binder (Used for all subjects)
- 2 Spiral Notebooks (preferably 1 section)
- Loose paper
- Post-its (big and small- color doesn’t matter)
- WORDLY WISE WORKBOOK: You will need to purchase the Wordly Wise vocabulary workbook for $7.00 . Unfortunately we are legally unable to produce photocopies of any of the pages of the book so it is imperative that each student has a copy of their own in order to complete weekly assignments. The workbooks must be paid for in CASH within the first 7 days of instruction. Please let me know as soon as possible if there are any concerns with this request.
- One Marbled Composition Notebook (READER WRITER LOGS)
- Writing utensils (Blue, black, and purple pens, mechanical pencils, colored pencils and highlighters)
- 1 pack of dividers
- 2- 2 Pocket homework folder
****If any help is needed in acquiring any of these supplies please come see me as soon as possible.
IV. Planners & Assignments
The planner is a great means of organization. It is mandatory that it is brought to school daily.
STUDENT CALENDARS: A monthly calendar of assignments is on my website. ALL assignments, quizzes and due dates will be provided on these calendars-items are subject to change so please check daily.
V. Grading:
Grading will reflect mastery of content standards and performance skills outlined by the State of Hawaii content area standards for 8th grade ELA. You will be graded on class work, homework, presentations, oral reports, A.R. written responses, journal entries, participation, and quiz and test scores.
* Current grades for each assignment submission will be posted on EasyGradePro through EDline*
- Grades will not be “curved”
- If you are absent you will have the number of days equivalent to the number of days of excused absence to complete missed work without penalty.
Make up policy: If you did not complete your work on time, you will be given the next day at recess to complete it for a maximum score of 50% or higher. Absolutely NO exceptions after that.
Grading Scale:
** YOU WILL RECEIVE A SEPARATE GRADE FOR YOUR READING SKILLS AND YOUR WRITING SKILLS***
VI. SPECFICS OF YOUR ELA WRITING GRADE...jhghghghghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
1. TESTS AND QUIZZES:
Please expect weekly vocabulary quizzes and a larger unit assessment every quarter. Unit assessments will include a variety of formats (True/False, Multiple Choice, Short Answer and Essay). Every effort will be made to coordinate schedules with other teachers so that tests do not overlap.
2. HOMEWORK:
All homework is due at the beginning of class. Homework completion grades will be recorded immediately during the “do now” or warm up exercise that will take place at the beginning of class.
3. CLASSWORK:
This includes all assignments completed in class. Binder organization checks may or may not be announced but will typically be conducted several times per quarter.
4. WRITING ASSIGNMENTS:
As an English course, your writing assignments will be frequent. You should expect at least three graded writing assignments per quarter.
Major Papers include: Formal Theme Analysis Essay, History Day Research Paper, Dream School Project Essay, and 8th Grade Final Project Creative Writing Piece.
VII. SPECFICS OF YOUR ELA READING GRADE
- TESTS AND QUIZZES:
Reading Comprehension Quizzes and Reading Comprehension Unit Tests
- HOMEWORK: Achieve 3000 Assignments
Achieve 3000 is a computerized program that differentiates non-fiction news articles for students and is designed to improve reading levels and skills. Achieve 3000 assignments will be weekly and due dates for multiple choice questions based on the non-fiction articles will be provided on the student calendars.
- The score students receive on their FIRST TRY will be recorded and graded.
- 10 total completions for each quarter.
- CLASSWORK: (In class reading time)
- Students who consistently are missing their AR book during this time or must be frequently reminded to work on these assignments will see a reduction in this portion of their grade.
- INDEPENDENT READING PROGRAM
You will be responsible for reading 3 independent books of your appropriate reading level each quarter or marking period. Two of the Three will be chosen from a list of texts provided in class and students will have the opportunity to work in literature circles with classmates reading the same text. The due dates for the assignments will be scheduled and provided on the student calendars. 15 minutes of independent reading time will be provided in class on a daily basis.
STUDENTS SHOULD READ AT HOME EVERY NIGHT AND ALWAYS HAVE THEIR BOOK IN CLASS
- Written Critiques/Presentations/Seminar Discussions
- Reader/Writer Logs
The INDEPENDENT READING BREAKDOWN:
Reader Writer Logs:
The best way to improve your reading skills is through practice. As Eighth graders you are expected to read for at least 20 minutes at home on a daily basis. I cannot stress enough how important it is to implement this routine in your lives!
- After reading, you must log your understanding by writing a one page answer to the reading prompts into your Reader/ Writer log (composition notebook). This entry is about your Independent Reading Book
- These logs will be collected periodically throughout the quarter, due dates will be on the calendars.
NO LATE LOGS WILL BE ACCEPTED
- A complete list of journal prompts for logs is attached to this packet, and a copy will be stapled to your logs. (Also attached is a sample log for reference)
VIII. HOMEWORK POLICY AND ABSENCES:
Students are expected to reference their student calendars and their planners to keep up with daily assignments. If an assignment has not been completed on the day it is due, students will be required to come in for Recess/Lunch detention to make up the assignment. Once the assignment is completed students are free to return to recess or lunch. These make up assignments however will only be counted for half credit.
- Skipping these detention times will result in a 0 for the assignment and a DIS sheet.
If you are absent, students will be responsible for making up the work that was missed. Any sheets handed out in class or for homework will be waiting for you in the class sample binder. Test or Quizzes must be made up during a lunch period or after school. Failure to make-up work will result in a zero for the assignment(s).
Academic Honesty: All work submitted by you is expected to have been completed by the YOU. Evidence of academic dishonesty (cheating) will result in an automatic zero for the assignment in addition to the penalties outlined by the school.
IX. Website:
VISIT AND INTERACT DAILY: mrshawkinsvirtualclassroom.blogspot.com
Easygradepro.com through EDline will be the website I will use which will enable you and your parents/guardians to access your grades and progress. Once a week I will update scores so you will be kept up to date. Everyone will have an individual password that will be given out in the next few weeks. Only you and your parents/guardians can access your scores.
*If you do not have access to a computer please let me know!
X. Content:
Quarter 1:
- Unit 1: Authors and Artists – An Introduction into Literature and Art Analysis
- “The Tell Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe, Background and Works of Vincent Van Gogh, “Zero” by Michelle Stimpson.
- Unit 2: Looking Back on America: Revolution & Elements of Drastic Change
- Novel: “April Morning” by Howard Fast
Quarter 2:
- Unit 3: Independence, Adventure and Rural Settings
- Novels: Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
- Unit 4: Overcoming Adversity and Rural Settings
- Novel: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor
- Short Story: “Thank You Ma’am” by Langston Hughes
- Poetry: Langston Hughes, Sandra Cisneros
Quarter 3:
- Unit 5: The Road Not Taken: Making a Difference and Following Dreams
- DREAM SCHOOL PROJECT
- Poetry: “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost
- Unit 6 PART 1: Overcoming Adversity, Urban Settings (Diversity, Acceptance Issues)
- Poetry: “Chicago” by Carl Sandburg, “Oh Captain! My Captain” by Walt Whitman
- Unit 6 PART 2: Overcoming Adversity – Issues with Race and Religion (Holocaust)
- Texts: Night By Elie Wiesel
- September 11th 2001: Attack on New York City: Interviews and Accounts (Wilborn Hampton)
Quarter 4:
- Unit 7: Dramatically Speaking (a focus on the art of dramatic performance)
- Drama “A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream” William Shakespeare
- Unit 8: Creative Writing Final Project: Creation of Historical Fiction
XI. Contact:
I encourage all parents/guardians to contact me on a regular basis to check progress. I can be reached at Wheeler Middle School 622-6525 in Rm. C6, my cell at (202) 810-4295 or by email at jhawkins@wheelermiddle.k12.hi.us. If you would like to schedule a conference with me I would love to hear what is on your mind, but please let me know with 24 hours in advance to schedule.
I hope this document has helped generate a better picture of what you will be experiencing this year in 8th grade English! I look forward to working with you throughout the year
XII. CHECKLIST OF MATERIALS NEEDED
REQUIRED
- Composition Notebook
- 2 spiral notebooks
- $7.00 Cash for Vocabulary Workbook
- 2 Pocket Homework Folder
- Pens, Pencils, Highlighters
- Lined Notebook Paper
- Post its (different colors preferred)
- Colored Pencils or Markers
- 1 pack of dividers
- Large 3 ring binder
Please complete the bottom half of this sheet and return for a homework grade
PLEASE CUT HERE
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Student Name (PLEASE PRINT):_______________________________________________ Period: _______
Guardian Name (PLEASE PRINT):_______________________________________________________________
Relationship to Student:____________________________
Guardian phone #: (cell) ____________________________ (other) ________________________________
Email Address:______________________________________________
Best WAY to contact is: ____________________________________________________
(E-mail/Phone/Note home)
Best TIME to contact is: ____________________________________________________
***By signing below you certify that you have read and understood Mrs. Hawkins 2013 – 2014 8th Grade English syllabus.***
Student Signature: ________________________________________________________Date: ___________
Guardian Signature: _______________________________________________________Date: ___________
Other notes: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
THANK YOU!
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