Seventh Grade English Syllabus

Eighth Grade ELA Syllabus

Rodeo Palms junior high

Ms. Fortune

Welcome to 8th grade English Language Arts! I am Ms. Fortune, and I will be guiding you through your reading and writing journey this year.The following is an outline to familiarize you with the course, my expectations, and your responsibilities. I am positive that this will be a fabulous year, and I look forward to nine months of fun and fantastic learning and growth!

Course Goals and Description:This year In ELA you will continue to develop an appreciation of written and spoken language. As readers, eighth graders experience more sophisticated works of literature for study and analysis in the classroom. We will read and analyze literature from the various genres and in its many forms: novels, articles, newspapers, short stories, poems, etc; follow the steps of the writing process to write clear, coherent drafts and compositions; review areas of grammar; and enhance your vocabulary.

You will read a lot this year, and I will read with you. You will write a lot this year, and I will write with you. The ultimate goal is to prepare you for high school and forthe challenges of the 21st century.

Course Instructional Methods: This course utilizes several methods including reading, analyzing, note taking, journal andessay writing, cooperative learning,discussion, drawing, manipulatives, projects, and research.

Technology: We will use technology for assignments in and out of class therefore you must have access to a working computer, internet and fully functional printer. Computers are available on campus before and after school if you are suffering from technical difficulties at home. It is your responsibility to plan ahead and meet the requirements of each assignment. Technical difficulties will not be accepted as a valid excuse for incomplete work.

Class Work: Unless otherwise noted, class work is due the same day. Not completing class work on time will result in a grade deduction and possible removal from other activities. Each day that an assignment is late, it will incur a 10-point deduction. Per district policy, after three days, a zero will be given. You are encouraged to come in to tutorials for help or to finish work. *You must come directly to my classroom when the announcement is made in order to attend after school tutorials.

Tutorials Times:M & Th, 8:15-8:40 a.m. AND T & Th, 4:10-4:40 p.m.*

Homework:Learning does not end when the dismissal bell rings. Students will have homework on most Mondays, which is due at the beginning of class on Friday. Other homework assigned as needed and due the next day unless otherwise noted.

Grading Policy & Scale: ALL class work, homework, essays, tests, quizzes, and projects will count as a grade. The grading scale is consistent with the district policy (90-100 = A, 80-89 = B, 75-79 = C, 70-74 = D, and 69 = F).Grades are follow district guidelines for ELA: Tests = 50%, Daily work & quizzes = 30%, Homework = 20%.

Conduct Grade: E = EXCELLENT (You rock!)

S+ = SATISFACTORY (Most of the time)

S = SATISFACTORY (There’s some room for improvement.)

S- =SATISFACTORY (Let’s work on a solution.)

N = NOT SATISFACTORY (You need to chill. Now.)

U = UNACCEPTABLE (Houston, we have a problem.)

Absences: After an absence, you should check the absent folder for your make-up work onyour FIRST day back. Per district policy, you have THREEdays from the date you return to school to submit the completed work unless other arrangements are made with your parent. It is your responsibility to request absent work if nothing is in the absent folder. It is your responsibility to request make-up work from your other teachers as well.

Make-up Assignments: You MUSTredo any assignment marked “redo” in the top corner, or, if you are dissatisfied with a grade, you may come in to tutorials and make corrections to homework, class work, or quizzes to raise the grade to a 70. You may also retake ONE test grade/grading period. ALL make-up work is due within ONE week from the day it was returned to you, or the grade will stand as is. It is my desire that each of you be successful in my class; however, it is your responsibility to come in to tutorials to make-up assignments.

Progress Reports: Progress reports will be given every three weeks. Keep an eye on your grades and don’t wait until the last minute to talk to your teachers about missing assignments.

Supplies:Come to class with paper, pencils, and a BOOK toread EVERY DAY! Additionally, the following supplies are needed from each student to remain in the classroom for all to use:

1st period:folder, composition book, markers

2ndperiod:folder, composition book, colored pencils, & 1 pkg. notebook paper

3rd period:folder, composition book, tissues

4th period:folder, composition book, markers

5th period:folder, composition book, colored pencils, & 1 pkg. notebook paper

7th period:folder, composition book, tissues

Class Reminders: Receive class reminders, updates, and bonus opportunities.

For Parents & Students:

If you have any questions or concerns, the quickest way to reach me is via e-mail which I check throughout the day. You may also call the school and leave a voicemail. My conference time is 6thperiod which flips times each day. Every attempt will be made to return your e-mail/call the same day.

Thank you,

Ms. Fortune

E-mail:

Phone: 281-245-2078

My signature below indicates: I have read and understand this class syllabus. I give my child permission to use the internet. I give my child permission to watch movie excerpts, possibly including PG-13, in ELA class this year. In addition, the first ELA grade I can receive will be a 100 for returning this form signed tomorrow.

Student Name ______Period #______

Student Signature ______Date ______

Parent Name ______

Parent Signature ______Date ______

Home Phone: ______Cell Phone: ______

Work Phone: ______E-mail: ______