8th Grade Language Arts

Mrs. Austiff

Room 702

928-7196

Class Objectives:

  To reinforce and master reading and writing skills

  To create a learning environment that will encourage reading and writing

  To encourage life-long learning

  Improve reading comprehension

  Master different reading strategies

  Master literary techniques and elements

  Exposure to different types of literature/genres

  Improve and enhance writing skills

  Exposure to different types of writings

  Prepare students for high school

Activities for Language Arts:

  Class novels

o  Nothing But the Truth

o  A Christmas Carol

o  Hitler’s Youth

o  Hound of the Baskervilles

o  The Pigman

  Short stories from text

  Poetry

  ISAT prep for both reading and writing

  Writing projects

  Scholastic Reading Counts (requires outside reading)

  Weekly vocabulary

Materials

·  LA folder

·  LA spiral notebook paper

·  Pens/Pencils (no gel or red pens)

·  Colored pencils

Grading Policy: Student grades will be calculated the following way:

60%=Summative Assessment: Tests, projects, weekly vocabulary quizzes and Reading Counts

40%=Formative Assessment: Meeting daily targets (What do we learn today?) with in-class work or daily quizzes, participation within the classroom, and homework when assigned.

Homework Policy:

  Homework in language arts is viewed as practice for the assessment. Completion of homework is highly recommended.

  2 Day Late Homework Policy- See MMS handbook

  Students will not be allowed to call home for homework.

  If a student is absent, the student handbook will be followed in regards to how long a student has to complete the work.

  When absent, it is the student’s responsibility to get the homework.

  Parents will be contacted after 3 missing assignments.

  Vacations must be pre-approved through the office. I will give you your make-up work no sooner than one week before leaving. Homework must be completed and turned in the day you return from vacation otherwise, the work will be counted as zeros.

  Homework assignments are posted for the week on the board. You are expected to record the assignments in your assignment notebook.

  Homework and grades can be checked on Skyward.

Class Expectations: Be Respectful, Responsible, and Productive

·  Come to class prepared and ready to learn

·  Try your best everyday

·  Treat others with respect

·  Follow classroom procedures, routines, and rules

·  Use proper communication

Classroom Rules:

1.  Follow directions the first time they are given

2.  Raise your hand and wait for permission to speak

3.  Stay in your seat unless you have permission to do otherwise

4.  Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself

  1. Use appropriate language
  2. NO GUM

If you CHOOSE not to follow the RULES/EXPECTATIONS

·  Step 1- Verbal Warning

· Step 2- Phone call home

· Step 3- Student Action Journal

· Step 4- Student Step Out

· Step 5- Office Referral

Note: Steps can be skipped for major infractions.

Contact Information: Please feel free to contact me at any time. You can reach me by both e-mail and phone. E-mail communication enables a quicker response. If you call me, my voicemail will pick up between 8:00am and 3:00pm. Please leave a detailed message, and I will call you back within 24 hours. Remember that communication is the key to a successful year!


Parent Information Sheet

Child’s Name:______

Class Hour:______

Parents/Guardian’s Name(s) / Parent 1 / Parent 2
Address(es)
E-mail Address(es)
Telephone Number(s)
Home:
Work:
Best way to contact
Best time to contact
Other helpful information

Please fill out this sheet and send it back with your child the following day. This sheet will be useful to me throughout the school year and will remain confidential.

I have read the previous sheets and understand the expectations of

Ms. Mulcahy’s Language Arts class.

Student Signature:______

Parent Signature:______