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Writing

Writing will be a daily task where students will be asked to follow the steps of the writing process. Specific forms of writing may include:

*Expository Essays

*Persuasive Essays

*Compare/Contrast

*Summaries

*Narrative

*Poetry

*Short Story

Reading

Students will be asked to read many genres throughout the year. They will come from novels, short stories, poems, essays, reviews, etc. Specific reading texts include:

· Multicultural Reader

· Reader’s Handbook

· Tangerine by Edward Bloor

· Crispin by Avi

Other

· Spelling/

Vocabulary

(prefixes/suffixes, commonly misspelled words, etc.)

· Mechanics

· Speeches

Grading Policies

Each task in English class is broken down into a specific category with a weighted percent. The total for all categories is 100%.

Classwork/Homework

(30%)

This includes in-class assignments, and homework assignments. This may also include daily openers (journals, DOL, analogies), notes, mini-lessons, reading logs, and short written work.

Participation

(10%)

Your participation grade is based on the following elements: oral discussions, presentations, feedback to other writers, contribution to literature circles, active reading/discussing, filling out planners, following directions, completing openers, staying on task, and anything else that will help you and your classmates be successful.

Assessments

(60%)

Assessments will occur on a frequent basis in the following areas: spelling, vocabulary, and mechanics quizzes, comprehension quizzes for reading and writing, long-term unit projects, and all major writing assignments. Assessments should be completed thoroughly and to the best of your ability.

*Because assessments are such a significant part of your grade, it is very important to turn them in on time.

Extra Credit is not a replacement of daily work. It is an enhancement of the learning that is going on in the classroom. It will be available throughout the year - students will be notified (it will not be given out on an individual basis).

Classroom Policies

Materials Needed: 3-subject spiral notebook, one 3 ring 1” binder (for portfolio), pencils, blue or black ink pens, red pens, highlighters, 3x5 index cards, and dividers for portfolio.

Absences: Students are expected to check the homework board (or teacher planner) and calendar upon return to check for any missing assignments. It is also expected of the student to double check with the teacher about what they missed. An extension will be given to complete the work equal to the number of days absent. Absent students turning in work will not lose points if it is turned in on time.

If you will be gone for multiple days, please make arrangements with the teacher several days in advance to get missed work.

Study Club: After school help is available from 2:30 – 3:15, Monday through Thursday in one of your core teacher’s classrooms. Specific dates for subject areas will be announced at a later point. Students who need extra help or who have been absent are encouraged to make arrangements with their teacher for additional help.

Effort: Please know that your effort speaks highly of you. Showing that you made an effort (tried to do the work) makes us believe that you care. We care about what grades you earn and what you learn. Let us work together to make this a super year for all of us.

Classroom Guidelines

Sharpen pencils before class begins or during work time.
No rocking back in chairs – you may fall and get hurt.
Drinks/restroom – use during passing periods before tardy bell.
Wait outside the classroom, quietly lined up against the wall, not blocking the hallway flow until the teacher invites you into the classroom. When entering the room, come in quietly and immediately read the front board, following all directions given.
Wait to be dismissed by the teacher and not the bell.
Passes are required anytime you are out of the classroom (restroom, hall, office).

7. Review School Expectations: MMS Students are prompt, prepared, productive, polite, and positive.

Tips for Parents...

*Utilize the Skyward Grading System. You should check at least once every two weeks to see how your student is progressing. Check with the main office for login information.

*Check your student’s planner on a daily basis – talk about what they are learning in his/her classes.

*Did you know that a high percentage of students with messy binders struggle with homework completion? Help your student with organizational strategies.

*Encourage your student to attend study club on a regular basis.

Parent/Guardians: Please feel free to contact your students’ English teacher if you have any questions. Thank you for your support and cooperation. We look forward to a great year!

We have read and understood the grading/classroom policies, classroom guidelines, and behavior expectations for the 7^th grade English classrooms. Please sign and return by Friday, September .

Print – Student’s First and Last Name

Student Signature

Parent/Guardian Signature

Email address:

*** This syllabus needs to be kept in your notebook for the duration of the school year.