English Language Arts 8 - Class Requirements

Miss Feldman and Mrs. Borrelli

Materials and Signatures Due:

Materials Needed

  • 2” Binder with 8 dividers
  • Single subject notebook (college or wide ruled)
  • 3-hole punched, lined notebook paper
  • Pencils, pens, highlighters
  • Post-It Notes
  • An independent novel of your choice – you must have with youat all times
  • Flash Drive is highly recommended (for saving and transferring work)
  • Earbuds/headphones are recommended (Interactive textbook – Collections)

Grading/Evaluation

  • Novel/Notebook Check5-10 pts.
  • Homework/Classwork/Quizzes10-30 pts.
  • Prose-constructed Responses (1-2 paragraph)25-50pts.
  • One-pager Responses50 pts.
  • Analytical Essays/Narrative Rough Draft50 pts.
  • Analytical Essays/Narrative Final Draft100 pts.
  • Projects/Reader’s Assessments50-100 pts.

Class Expectations:

Behavior – you are expected to exercise respect at all times - for yourself, your classmates, peers, teachers, staff, and the equipment/furnishings in the classroom. See the reverse side of this paper forthe complete student/teacher behavioral contract.

Reader’s Workshop – You must have an independent novel/book with you at all times. You will be given time in class to read and are expected to read at home as well. When you finish a book, you must get a new one – the MINIMUM is 2 books per Marking Period (unless a special exception is made by the teacher). The book can be fiction or non-fiction from any genre. There will be reader’s workshop assessments given throughout the year.

Long-term Assignments – You will have assessments, projects, and essays throughout the year that will require several days/weeks to complete. You are responsible for managing your time wisely, seeking teacher help when needed, and completing assignments by the due dates. Late assignments will result in reduced or no credit per teacher discretion. In general, expect 5 pts. per day for a 100 pt. assignment and 2 pts. per day for a 50 pt. assignment. Not completing homework on time will result in a 0.

Absences – When you are absent, it is your responsibility to ask your teachers what you missed!

I have read and understand the above requirements of ELA8 and the classroom behavior contract:

Student’s signature: Date

Parent/Guardian signature: Date

English Language Arts 8 – Behavior Contract

Miss Feldman and Mrs. Borrelli

CLASSROOM RULE: You are expected to exercise RESPECTAT ALL TIMES - for yourself, your classmates, your teachers, and the equipment and furnishings in the classroom. Below are some examples of my expectations of RESPECT in the classroom:

  1. Follow “THE GOLDEN RULE” – TREAT OTHERS HOW YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE TREATED.
  1. Listen for directions, and follow them the FIRST time they are given.
  1. Raise your hand and wait to be called on. One voice at a time—NO CALLING OUT!
  1. No side conversations or interrupting the teacher during a lesson.
  1. Do not put yourself or anyone else in harm’s way – including leaning back on chairs, swinging/playing with lanyards, or standing in front of the door at dismissal.
  1. Maintain and support a POSITIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT. No put-downs, insults, name-calling, negative verbal or non-verbal communication, OR ANY OTHER BEHAVIOR THAT DISRUPTS OUR CLASS IN ANY WAY!
  1. Observe all rules in the student handbook.

IF YOU CHOOSE TO BREAK THE RULE:

First time: Verbal warning from teacher.

Second time: Student will serve a lunch detention with teacher in Room 203. Student will complete a behavior action plan.

Third time: Parent/Guardian will be contacted. Formal Write-up. Behavior Referral to Administration.

For chronic class disruption, student will be asked to leave the classroom. Student may be required to complete a graded assignment reflecting on his/her behavior. Teacher may request a conference with parents and/or administration.

STUDENT:

I have read this behavior contract and understand it. I will honor it while in ELA8. If I choose not to, then I accept the consequences of my decision.

Signature: ______Date: ______

TEACHERS:

We agree to be fair and consistent in administering the discipline plan for our classroom.

Miss Feldman and Mrs. Borrelli