Cut off and return:
Printed student’s name:
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Printed parent(s) name(s):
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Parent(s) contact number:
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Parent(s) email address:
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We have read the handout for 7th grade English and understand what is expected for this class.
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Parent(s) signature
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Student’s signature
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Date
Please send me an email with your student’s full name and period number as the subject line to:
CURRICULUM AND GRADING
- We will continue to implement the new state program, Common Core.The Common Core program has an emphasis on technology, so you can expect your child to have assignments that require computer use. If this is an issue, your child can use the computers in the MJHS library.
- We will be using the McDougal Little textbook, The Language of Literature, which includes many wonderful short stories and poems and is the state and district adopted text.
- We will read an equal amount of literature and informational texts. We will also be accessing video and audio recordings that support the lessons, such as the video versions of (but not limited to) Monsters are Due on Maple Street, Sleepy Hollow, A Christmas Carol, and The Outsiders (rated PG-13). In accordance with Board Policies and Administration Registrations 6161.11 and 6161.12, a parent/guardian must give written permission for a student to participate in assignments using supplemental material. By signing this syllabus, you are consenting to your student’s participation to the supplemental materials used to support our lessons. If, at any point in the year, you do not give permission to participate in an assignment, please contact me, and your child will be given an alternate assignment.
- One of the components of Common Core is “text based answers.” This process requires students to interact with the text and look for evidence to support their claim or answer. Students will prove not only WHAT they know, but also HOW they know it.
- Another concept we will be utilizing is Speaking and Listening. Students will be expected to discuss concepts during partner and whole-class activities. They will also be encouraged to discuss them with you.
- Feedback and revision are an important part of our class. Throughout each unit students will receive feedback, both from peers and me, to improve their work and make it the best possible – if they put out the effort.
- Grades are based on mastery and include classwork, homework, and assessments: 70% assessments, 30% classwork and homework.
- Late work will not be accepted after the end of each unit
7th Grade
Language Arts
909.627.9263
x7336
2014-2015
Magnolia Jr. High
Welcome to7th Grade English!
The following are some basic rules
and expectations:
1. Do your work and turn it in when it is due. Not to do so is a lazy and unproductive habit. Take pride in your intelligence and ability to do what is expected of you when it is expected, and in a careful, neat, legible, and complete manner.
2. Take part in class discussions and projects. We learn and grow from interacting with others, as well as cement our own thoughts and opinions as we put them into words and express them.
3. If you were absent, check the appropriate spot in the classroomor get the informationfrom a friend. Do the assignments and turn them in. You have one day for every day you were absent to complete the work.
4. Use your agenda. Keeping an agenda is an executive skill and will help you navigate having six different teachers with six different expectations. Write your assignments at the beginning of the period.
5. Bring your materials to class every day. Don’t come to school without pencils and paper. Your classmates are going to resent it if you are always borrowing. Enable your success by being prepared.
6. You know the basic rules: control your talking, don’t cheat, don’t say inappropriate and/orhurtful things, follow the dress code, turn off your cell phones, etc. Pay attention to the school and classroom rules so that you know what is expected of you. I have only one period a day with you, so do not waste my or the other students’ time by acting inappropriately. If you break class or school rules, you will be given the appropriate discipline. I cannot allow someone to interrupt and disrupt the balance.
7. Take responsibility for your education. If you have questions, ask. If you don’t agree with a grade, talk to the teacher. Be ok with taking risks and making mistakes. You’ll find success once you start learning from your mistakes.
8. Get involved in school. Participate in your classes, go to dances, buy grams for your friends, be active in lunchtime activities, dress up for spirit days, buy a yearbook, listen to announcements, etc. School should also be fun and memorable, so take advantage of the opportunities we provide.
9. Keep your folder organized and tidy. Hold onto your assignments until the end of each grading period. Keep your notes all year long.
Essays and Final Drafts
Writing throughout the year will be in the genres of:
Argument (focuses on claims, counterarguments, logical reasoning, and evidence, etc.)
Informative/Explanatory (entails closely examining a topic and then correctly conveying the information)
Narratives (consists of developing real or imagined experiences or events)
The following are some general guidelines when turning in a final draft of a writing assignment:
- Final drafts will always be turned in typed. Handwritten final drafts will not be accepted.
- Final drafts must be double spaced, use 12-pt type in a “normal” style such as Times New Roman or Arial, in black ink only.
- Have no larger than one-inch margins all around.
- Include your name the due date, and your period number in the upper right corner.
- On the due date, come in with your outline, edited rough drafts, and final copy ALREADY STAPLED TOGTHER. Failure to have your final draft stapled and ready to be turned in when the beginning bell rings on the due date will result in it being considered at least one day late (-1 grade per day late).
Plagiarism will not be tolerated and will result in an automatic failure of the assignment. If you are referencing or quoting a source, be sure to give the author credit.
Please use this space to tell me anything you would like me to know about you or anything that would help me better teach you (seating preferences, areas you struggle with). You can also include things such as your favorite subject, your hobbies, your family, etc.
Parents, you can use this space to tell me anything about your child I should know.