Daphne Middle School

7thGrade English/Language Arts Syllabus

2016-2017 Course Syllabus

Teacher: Mrs. NettlesEmail:

Conference times: 7:00-7:20 a.m. or 3:30-3:50 p.m.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Students in seventh grade undergo a variety of physical, social, emotional, and intellectual changes. As they continue to explore their identities, seventh graders expand their knowledge of reading skills, literature, and oral communication. Beyond the classroom, these English language arts skills are required for students to flourish in a productive society.

TEXT/SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS: A+ College Ready Modules 1-4

MATERIALS NEEDED:For Mrs. Nettles’ Class:

  • 1 pad of Sticky Notes
  • 1 highlighter
  • 1 folder with paper prongs(to keep in class)
  • 1 binder with dividers (to share with other classes)

TENTATIVE SCHEDULED NOVELS: **students are given a PDF copy, but store-bought copies are preferred.

  • The Uglies by Scott Westerfeld(Summer Reading) Test on August 29th
  • Written in Bone by Sally Walker (1st quarter)
  • A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle (2nd quarter)
  • The Book Thief by Markus Zusac(3rd quarter)
  • Twelfth Nightby William Shakespeare (3rd-4thth quarter)
  • The Cay by Theodore Taylor (4th quarter)

COMMUNICATION:

iNow– Grades can be accessed using “iNOW Home Portal”. Students and parents are encouraged to use this service. Log-In information/password can be given (in person) to the student or legal guardian by someone in the office. I encourage students and parents to email me regarding any questions that you have about our class. Email is the fastest way of communication.

Planner: All students will be issued a school planner. Students are to write their assignments in their planner every day. If you are not seeing your child’s planner, contact me immediately.

Remind: Students and parents will have the option of receiving homework/test reminders from remind.com. This is an sms form of text message so if you pay for text messages, data rates will apply to you. If you have an iPod or iPad, download the free, Remind app. Your cell number will remain confidential.

  • iPad/iPod – 1. download the app, 2. Enter the class code @d930c
  • Computer – 1. Visit this link:
  • Text – 1. Enter this number: (251) 545-4429, 2.Text this message: @d930c

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS: Students are expected to follow rules stated in the Daphne Middle School handbook. The only classroom expectation is to maintain respect for yourself, others, and for learning. Restroom: The student’s bathroom pass is located in their planner. If students do not have his/her planner, he/she will have the option of going to the restroom, but serving a break detention later for not having his/her planner. Please notify the office if your child has specific needs or accommodations.

Behavior/Academic Management: If students misbehave inappropriately, the procedures are below:

  • Step 1:Private conference with student
  • Step 2: Break conference with student and parent communication
  • Step 3: Lunch conference with student and parent communication
  • Step 4: Office Referral (administration will communicate with parents at that time)

CLASS WORK POLICIES

  • Due dates: To be considered on time, assignments must be turned in at the beginning of class on the date due.
  • Online Submission/Computer Glitches: Students should NEVER submit a hard copy of an assignment. When submitting online, students should submit a copied assignment, to ensure that the primary copy is not damaged/lost in any way. Students who submit ahead of the due date will have adequate time to identify if there is a glitch in the submission of assignments. If an error occurs during early submissions, the student must alert the teacher immediately through email. Students that submit their work at the last minute (e.g. night before the due) and claim their assignment does not post, will not receive full credit and may resubmit the assignment for half credit.
  • Late work: Any work that is turned in after the due date will be counted late (50%). Substandard or late work cannot receive a grade of an A.
  • Make-up Work: Students are required to request the work missed after absences. If you are absent for any reason, I expect you to check with your classmates and with me. The make-up policies for any missed assignments due for an excused absence is three days from your return date. After this date, any work will be counted late. Communicate with me if more time is necessary. If absences are scheduled before hand, please see me for work before the absences occur.
  • Suspensions: Any student in On Campus Suspension (OCS) or Off Campus Suspension is responsible for all work missed in class. Baldwin County’s grading policy will be followed for Off Campus Suspensions.

SEMESTER EXAM POLICY: A cumulative exam will be given at the end of each semester. The exam will cover all preceding units. A study guide will be provided, but it is best to keep ALL work to use as a study tool. This grade will count one-ninth of the course grade for each semester.

GRADING POLICIES

Format / Description / Percentage
Assessments / Assessment of student mastery of the course of study requirements. / 50%
Class Work / Assignments done at school under Teacher’s supervision. / 30%
Homework / Work completed outside of the classroom. / 20%