ENGLISH 8
Ms. Fancher
2010-2011
Course
Title / English 8 / E-mail /
Room Number / 101 / Pine Valley Website / HUhttp://www.pval.org/pval/site/default.aspU
0BText:
· UThe Pearl by John Steinbeck
· The Blindside by Michael Lewis
· UThe GiverU by Louise Lowry
· U19 Minutes by Jodi Picoult
· Personal Reading Selections (2)
· Step Up to Writing
· Elements of Literature – Course One
· English Composition and Grammar – Second Course
· Wordly Wise – Vocabulary
· Other multimedia resources
I am pleased to have the opportunity to join you during this exciting and challenging year. This is it! You are in middle school now. You are changing classes, meeting new people, preparing for your future and more. The course you are about to take has been designed to help you prepare for what you will encounter throughout your middle school experience. EVERYTHING YOU DO IN HERE WILL HELP YOU WITH YOUR READING, WRITING, LISTENING AND TEST-TAKING SKILLS. THESE ARE SKILLS THAT WILL ENHANCE YOUR LEARNING EXPERIENCE AND PROVIDE YOU WITH THE SKILLS YOU NEED TO BE SUCESSFUL IN LIFE.
UCOURSE OVERVIEW:
U
This course is designed to give students the tools and skills they’ll need in order to be successful in life. Students will learn many basic reading, writing, listening and test-taking skills that can be applied to all their content areas, as well as, help prepare them for the 8th grade NY State ELA exams. Much of the focus for this course will revolve around the development of reading comprehension, writing, critical thinking and problem solving skills while applying the knowledge of the English language that students already possess. Students will be reading, writing, listening and speaking for information and understanding, literary response and expression, critical analysis and evaluation and for social interactions.
Below, is a list of some of the activities that we will be completing throughout the school year:
Journal Writing
You will be writing frequently in your journal (marble notebook). You will complete two types of assignments in your journal: extended journal assignments and various quick writes. Extended journal assignments will help you to discuss your thoughts and ideas on a range of topics and events occurring in the world around us. Quick writes will involve various prompts to help you develop your writing skills, as well as, using your thoughts to express ideas.
Experiencing Literature
This year we will be reading a variety of books, myths/fables, novels, plays, short stories, poems and more. Using these types of literature, we will analyze characters, discuss and research settings, themes and other literary devices used by authors. Student will have a better understanding of literary works and author’s purpose for writing.
Writing Portfolios
Frequently you will be asked to write a number of original works of writing in various forms. We will explore character development, mood, themes, conflict, voice and more to help draw conclusions in our writing. In addition, we will use your extended journal responses and quick writes as a springboard for greater exploration into writing. We will then use process writing and peer editing, to revise pieces for publication in your writing portfolio. I will be available to conference with you about your writing both in and out of class. I highly recommend that you conference with me at least 1 time per piece prior to submitting your final writing piece for publication.
Outside Reading
Each quarter you will be required to read 1-2 outside reading books. You will be required to fill out a book review worksheet for each of these books. You will also need to keep a literature log of all the texts you read both in and out of class.
UMATERIALS YOU WILL NEED:
U
1. Get a RED 1.5” binder three ring binder and loose leaf paper. Here’s why: you need an organizational tool to help you deal with all the materials you will be getting. Things that you may get for one unit may be pulled out for reference for another unit.
2. Small notebook (or composition book) – this is what you will use for journaling your thoughts and ideas. It will be used to start the writing process for many of the written pieces that we will be completing throughout the school year. You will not have to carry this journal back and forth with you everyday; you can store it in my room.
3. 2-pocket folder with clasps – this is what you will carry all hand-outs/assignments in and will be carried back and forth with you everyday.
4. Pen or Pencil – you will need a writing utensil EVERDAY – make sure you have an adequate supply.
5. 5-10 subject tab dividers
6. Assignment notebook (provided by the school) – this is where you will record all assignments for this class. Everyday we will update your assignment notebook so those at home will know what assignments need to be done. We will even mark when you do not have assignments. For the most part, count on homework 2-3 time a week. It never should be more than 1/2 hour of work per night. If it takes you longer than this, do what you can in the 1/2 hour and we will work on the rest in class. Just know that my homework is not designed to be a burden, but to help you learn and practice the material we go over in class. Also, if needed, we can use your assignment notebook to communicate between home and school. YOU MUST BRING YOUR ASSIGNMENT NOTEBOOK EVERYDAY TO CLASS!!!
U
FIVE BASIC RULES OF SURVIVAL IN OUR ENGLISH CLASS:
U
- Come prepared for class!!! – Each teacher will determine the materials needed.
- Respect yourself, teachers, classmates, staff and property.
- Make good use of your time.
- Show appropriate behavior in class.
- If you are late, you must have a pass
- Always do your best…Why would you except second if first is available?
*NOTE: There are consequences, good and bad, for your behavior
UWhat happens if I don’t follow them?
UDISCIPLINE PLAN
1st Offense: Verbal Warning/Seat Change
2nd Offense: Call Home
3rd Offense: 4:00 detention with teacher
4th Offense: Office Referral
UWHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU ARE ABSENT?
U
1. Check out Ms. Fancher’s website for your homework/class assignments at HU8th Grade WebsiteUH. Assignments are updated daily and located on classroom calendar. This website will also be a quick and easy way for you and your parents to stay “plugged in” to the activities and assignments in our English class.
2. Make sure you have the phone number of at least one other classmate and feel free to call them if you have any questions on the assignments.
3. Immediately check the back calendar (for missed assignments) when you return to class…assignments and handouts will be located on the back cupboard.
WHAT SHOULD YOU NOTDO IF YOU ARE ABSENT?
1. Wait for someone to tell you what to do.
GRADING:
For this course, the student’s quarterly grade is a weighted average of the student’s test performance, as well as their effort and in-class participation.
Grade Breakdown and Policy
Grades are broken down into four categories:
- Homework = 10% of grade and assignments are weighed by points
- This consists of completion of daily/weekly vocabulary exercises, study guide questions, grammar, final draft for essays and journaling.
- Study guide questions include responses for reading
comprehension in various formats, such as short answer,
multiple choice, and fill in the blank.
- Papers/Projects = 30% of grade and assignments are weighed by points
- Paper topics will include responses to literature, essays, and creative writing.
- Projects are creative extensions from literature and writing assignments that will include performances, art, and speeches.
- Quizzes/Tests = 20% of grade and are weighed equally
- Quizzes will generally assess spelling and vocabulary progress (tested weekly)
- Tests will occur at the completion of a novel to assess reading comprehension, writing fluency, as well as grammar progress.
- In Class Assignments = 30% of grade
- These assignments are completely done in class.
- There should be no reason these assignments are not completed – If you are absent find out
what you missed right away.
- Class Participation and being prepared = 10% of grade
***All final drafts of papers and projects, as well as quizzes and test scores that are graded and handed back to the student must be signed by a parent or guardian and returned the next class time.
Grading Scale
Percents / Rubrics100% – 92% / 4
91% – 83% / 3
82% – 72% / 2
71% - 65% / 1
Below 65% - 0 = Failing (need to have a meeting with teacher)
What responsibility will I have regarding homework?
· Students are responsible for ALL assignments. Homework that is assigned is due completed, the following day in class (unless otherwise stated). If you do not do your homework you will receive a zero for the assignment. If you are absent it is your responsibility to get the assignment(s) from the designated area in the classroom, make up the assignment in the time you were out (1 day absent = 1 day to make up, 2 days = 2 days, 3 or more days = see each teacher to make arrangements), and hand it in to the appropriate teacher. Homework is never designed to be a burden to the student. It is meant to provide you with the opportunity to practice and master the skills presented in class. If it starts to feel overwhelming at any point, please see me at once!
Students will be given 1 – 2 weeks notice prior to unit exams/projects and will be provided with a project outline of requirements, grading rubrics, study guides, practice sessions, etc.
In an effort to assist students in managing materials and utilizing class notes, homework assignments, reference materials, etc. for studying purposes, I will conduct an agenda check, weekly, throughout each quarter. Students will receive a grading rubric prior to agenda checkpoints. However, their grade will be based on the completion, organization and neatness of their notes, homework assignments and reference materials in their English notebook/binder. This agenda grade, will count as a unit exam in the student’s quarterly average. I cannot stress the importance of managing your notebook/binder properly to assist you in your studies this year!
TO MY STUDENTS
In closing, I want to let you know that I am very excited about the upcoming school year. Please feel free to come and see me at any time if you have questions or concerns. I am here to help you be successful at Pine Valley Middle School.During the day or before/after school if you need the time to catch your breath, catch up on work or anything in between, I will be more than happy to meet with you to help you get back on track. Just simply give me two days notice to schedule a time so we can meet.
TO MY PARENTS/GUARDIANS:
In closing, I want to let you know that I am very excited about the upcoming school year. Please feel free to contact me at any time if you have questions regarding your child’s progress in my class. I can be reached at school at 988-3276 (ext. ). Since I will be working with different students throughout the day, both in and out of the classroom, I may not always be immediately available. Please leave a message and I will return your call as soon as possible. Also, if you could please suggest a good time for me to return your call, I would greatly appreciate it. My e-mail here at school is in case this is a better method of communication for you. Also, feel free to use and navigate through the Middle School Language Arts website at the Pine Valley Website (located on pg. 1) to stay up-to-date on the activities and assignments going on in our English class.
------
If you could please sign the attached slip indicating that you have gone over this course outline with your parent/guardian and return it to me by Friday, September 10th, I would greatly appreciate it.
I ______have read the attached course outline for Ms. Fancher’s English class and have reviewed it with my parent/guardian.
This includes:
Course Overview
Materials You Will Need
Eight Basic Rules of Survival in Ms. Fancher’s English Class
What To Do And Not Do If You Are Absent
Grading
I also realize that if at any time I have questions or concerns in this English class or about anything else here at school, It is my responsibility to meet with Ms. Fancher.
______
Student Signature Date
1B______Parent/Guardian Signature Date
Page 1