WELCOME!
I am pleased to take this opportunity to welcome you to 7th grade Language Arts. My expectations for conduct and academic standards are high. I am very passionate about student success in education and hope to share this passion with you. I want to make each student’s classroom environment a pleasant one, filled with rich experiences, challenging and fun lessons/projects, and loads of achievements. In order to accomplish these tasks, I feel that it is particularly important to develop and maintain a year of classroom involvement with you. A good learning environment is built on a cooperative effort among parents/guardian, student, and teacher. With your positive participation and by collectively working together, I am confident that the school year will be enjoyable, memorable, productive, and successful.
TEACHING CERTIFICATION
Idaho Education Credential in Standard Secondary – English (grades 6-12) and Literacy (grades K-12)
COURSE DESCRIPTION
During the upcoming year, the emphasis in Language Arts will focus on understanding and improving writing and language skills through the completion of multiple compositions related to a variety of genres and for a multitude of purposes (with an emphasis on expository, persuasive, descriptive, and narrative) while addressing the writing process. Each week students will independently engage in literary reflection and analysis with a short writing activity to respond to reading. Grammar, usage, mechanics, organization, note-taking utilizing Cornell Notes, collaboration with peers, spelling, building vocabulary, poetry, research, identifying figurative language, speaking and listening skills will also be taught throughout the course. The main goal is to make sure that students feel confident in what they are producing each day.
RULES and EXPECTATIONS
The 5 P’s –
Be PROMPT – Be on time. Enter the classroom quietly. Turn in homework and be in your assigned seat working before the tardy bell rings.
Be PREPARED – Be ready to learn. Bring all school supplies and necessary work to class.
Be PRODUCTIVE – MAXIMIZE your learning time by staying on task. Be positive and follow directions.
Be POLITE – Respect yourself, your classmates, your teacher, and your classroom. Be nice and neutral to everyone. Bullying will NOT be tolerated.
Be PATIENT– Wait respectfully and calmly for your turn and listen when someone is talking.
CONSEQUENCES
First Offense: Verbal warning. Student will be reminded of the rule and/or expectation(s). I may move the student to another seating position or remove from student whatever is causing distraction.
Second Offense: Student will be removed from the classroom and fill out “Wait in the Hallway” form. Communication between student and me. Notify parents/guardian. Disciplinary action such as Quiet Room and/or Lunch Detention.
Third Offense: Student will be sent to the Quiet Room. Student will be assigned a Lunch Detention or After School Detention. Notify parents/guardian.
Severe and recurring disruptions and/or problems: Student will be sent to the Quiet Room and a referral will be sent to the principal or vice-principal. Notify Parents/guardian.
RECOMMENDED CLASSROOM SUPPLIES
1 (one) pack of 150 sheets (8 ½ x 11) College Ruled papers* (NOT to be shared with other classes)
1 (one) College Ruled Composition Book (NOT to be shared with other classes) for daily writing that will remain in the classroom. No Spiral Notebook!
1 (one) pack of 5 dividers with tabs (NOT to be shared with other classes)
1 (one) 3 prong pocket folder (NOT to be shared with other classes)
1 (one) Pack of highlighters – different colors (CAN be shared with other classes)
Blue or black pens* (CAN be shared with other classes)
Red pens* for correcting (CAN be shared with other classes)
Pencils - wood or mechanical* (CAN be shared with other classes)
Erasers* (CAN be shared with other classes)
*Papers, red pens, blue or black pens, pencils, erasers will have to be replenished throughout the year.
DAILY EXPECTATIONS and REQUIREMENTS
Binder Agenda Book
Homework School Supplies
Positive Attitude Willingness to Learn
BINDER
Student binder must be brought to class daily. Students have a section for Language Arts using a tab divider with pockets and five dividers as sub sections. Label the following sub sections as Homework, Classwork, Cornell Notes, Resources, and Graded Assignments. Students must keep all graded assignments to include tests, quizzes, etc. I will be checking and shaking student’s binders for neatness and organization at least twice a month.
AGENDA BOOK
Each student will be given an Agenda Book that he/she will be expected to bring to class daily. The Agenda Book serves as an information resource, an assignment tracking device, a means of communication, and a student hall pass. Students are ultimately responsible for writing daily homework assignments in their Agenda Book. The Agenda Book also helps parents/guardian monitor their child’s homework assignments.
CORNELL NOTES
Students are encouraged to take notes during class lectures, daily lessons, and oral discussions. Note-taking is a great way to remember information that will help students prepare and study for tests and quizzes.
RESOURCES
Write Source 2000, Writer’s Choice Grammar and Composition, and other resources deemed necessary.
GRADING SCALE
Assignments are graded on a total point scale. The student’s grade for each quarter will be the total amount of points they earn divided by the total points possible. Quarterly grades are based on classwork, homework, projects, participation, quizzes, and tests.
Grammar Assignments - 5 points (each)
Vocabulary Quiz (contextual clues) - 14 points (each Thursday)
Mountain Language (participation) – 4 points (each Thursday)
Pop Quiz - Vocabulary – 8 points (each Wednesday)
Mountain Language Test - 20 points (randomly given – one per quarter)
Grammar Mastery Tests -100 points (end of units)
Cornell Notes - 10 points (each Thursday)
Composition Notebook - points TBA
Writing (essay, letter, and research) - points TBA
Interactive Folder/Book - points TBA
Projects - Points TBA
HONOR CODE
The HONOR CODE covers all class assignments, tests, and quizzes. Copying someone else’s assignment, test, or quiz is cheating and all students involved will be assigned a grade of zero (0%).
ASSIGNMENT and LATE WORK POLICY
Assignments are given on a daily basis throughout the year. If you would like to redo a lesson for repeated practice please see me. However, a grade will not be recorded for the 2nd attempt. I do not assign or reassign any given lesson or exam for extra credit. Assignments must be turned in on the day they are due. Due dates are strictly enforced. Assignments not turned in will be graded as zero percent (0%) in the grade book. Points will be deducted on any assignment that is turned in late. I do not accept late work one week past the due date.
MAKE UP WORK POLICY
If a student is absent, it is his/her responsibility to get make up work from me. I have daily binders in my room specifically for make up work. The student receives two consecutive days for each day an excused absence to make up missed work. If the student does not turn in his/her make up work on time, the assignment will be marked as zero percent (0%) in the grade book. Make up time will not exceed 5 consecutive school days from the time a student returns to school following an absence.
CELL PHONES and ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Cell phones and other electronic devices such as iPad, iPod, etc. are not to be used during class time, unless it’s for educational purposes, or I have given the student permission. Educational purposes do not include playing games, texting, social media (Snap Chat, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, FaceTime, Instagram, etc.), or calling and receiving phone calls. If you bring a cell phone to class, it is to be powered OFF (this does not mean silent/vibrate mode).
First offense – Confiscate cell phone. Student will pick up cell phone at the office after school.
Second offense - Confiscate cell phone. Parents/Guardian will pick up cell phone at the office.
HOMEWORK EXPECTATIONS
Homework has a definite place in the educational process. It is an extension of the learning expectations students have during the instructional day. Homework is designed to aid the students in achieving classroom and school goals. Homework will be assigned on a regular basis throughout the year. Due to individual differences in learning styles and work habits, time spent on homework each night will vary from student to student. It is the student’s ultimate responsibility to write down all homework assignments in his/her agenda book daily. My goal is to create a sense of responsibility in each student so that he/she performs to the best of his/her ability. The homework I give falls into these four categories:
Remedial Drill: This is an extension of work that has been introduced in class. This homework is an individualized drill activity designed to help strengthen the student’s weak areas.
Research: This is work which involves the use of reference materials. It is often given on an extended-time basis.
Unfinished Work: This is work that is not completed in class and is within the student’s capability to finish at home.
Review: This is time spent at home studying and preparing for quizzes and tests.
HALL PASS
The Agenda Book is used as a hall pass. Any student who leaves the classroom for any reason (such as a visit to the office, library, bathroom, or water fountain) must use his/her Agenda Book to sign out before he/she leaves the classroom and sign in when he/she returns. Leaving the classroom without my permission is prohibited and disciplinary action will be taken.
SCHOOL SPORTS and ACTIVITY
If a student participates in a sport or activity and will be absent from class, it is his/her ultimate responsibility to bring the completed homework assignment that is due to the classroom before leaving campus. It is also the student’s ultimate responsibility to get the assignment that he/she will missed before leaving campus for sports or activity.
STUDENT HANDBOOK
Adhere to Mountain Home Junior High School Rules and Expectations, “The Tiger Way,” and all other policies and regulations in the Student Handbook.
WEBSITE
Students and parents/guardian are encouraged to visit my website for weekly assignments and due dates, test and quiz dates, and announcements. My website is jacksonlc.mtnhomesd.org
POWERSCHOOL
It is important that students and parents/guardian check grades daily on PowerSchool. The address is http://powerschool.mtnhomesd.org/public/
I am pleased to take this opportunity to welcome you to 7th grade Language Arts. My expectations for conduct and academic standards are high. I am very passionate about student success in education and hope to share this passion with you. I want to make each student’s classroom environment a pleasant one, filled with rich experiences, challenging and fun lessons/projects, and loads of achievements. In order to accomplish these tasks, I feel that it is particularly important to develop and maintain a year of classroom involvement with you. A good learning environment is built on a cooperative effort among parents/guardian, student, and teacher. With your positive participation and by collectively working together, I am confident that the school year will be enjoyable, memorable, productive, and successful.
TEACHING CERTIFICATION
Idaho Education Credential in Standard Secondary – English (grades 6-12) and Literacy (grades K-12)
COURSE DESCRIPTION
During the upcoming year, the emphasis in Language Arts will focus on understanding and improving writing and language skills through the completion of multiple compositions related to a variety of genres and for a multitude of purposes (with an emphasis on expository, persuasive, descriptive, and narrative) while addressing the writing process. Each week students will independently engage in literary reflection and analysis with a short writing activity to respond to reading. Grammar, usage, mechanics, organization, note-taking utilizing Cornell Notes, collaboration with peers, spelling, building vocabulary, poetry, research, identifying figurative language, speaking and listening skills will also be taught throughout the course. The main goal is to make sure that students feel confident in what they are producing each day.
RULES and EXPECTATIONS
The 5 P’s –
Be PROMPT – Be on time. Enter the classroom quietly. Turn in homework and be in your assigned seat working before the tardy bell rings.
Be PREPARED – Be ready to learn. Bring all school supplies and necessary work to class.
Be PRODUCTIVE – MAXIMIZE your learning time by staying on task. Be positive and follow directions.
Be POLITE – Respect yourself, your classmates, your teacher, and your classroom. Be nice and neutral to everyone. Bullying will NOT be tolerated.
Be PATIENT– Wait respectfully and calmly for your turn and listen when someone is talking.
CONSEQUENCES
First Offense: Verbal warning. Student will be reminded of the rule and/or expectation(s). I may move the student to another seating position or remove from student whatever is causing distraction.
Second Offense: Student will be removed from the classroom and fill out “Wait in the Hallway” form. Communication between student and me. Notify parents/guardian. Disciplinary action such as Quiet Room and/or Lunch Detention.
Third Offense: Student will be sent to the Quiet Room. Student will be assigned a Lunch Detention or After School Detention. Notify parents/guardian.
Severe and recurring disruptions and/or problems: Student will be sent to the Quiet Room and a referral will be sent to the principal or vice-principal. Notify Parents/guardian.
RECOMMENDED CLASSROOM SUPPLIES
1 (one) pack of 150 sheets (8 ½ x 11) College Ruled papers* (NOT to be shared with other classes)
1 (one) College Ruled Composition Book (NOT to be shared with other classes) for daily writing that will remain in the classroom. No Spiral Notebook!
1 (one) pack of 5 dividers with tabs (NOT to be shared with other classes)
1 (one) 3 prong pocket folder (NOT to be shared with other classes)
1 (one) Pack of highlighters – different colors (CAN be shared with other classes)
Blue or black pens* (CAN be shared with other classes)
Red pens* for correcting (CAN be shared with other classes)
Pencils - wood or mechanical* (CAN be shared with other classes)
Erasers* (CAN be shared with other classes)
*Papers, red pens, blue or black pens, pencils, erasers will have to be replenished throughout the year.
DAILY EXPECTATIONS and REQUIREMENTS
Binder Agenda Book
Homework School Supplies
Positive Attitude Willingness to Learn
BINDER
Student binder must be brought to class daily. Students have a section for Language Arts using a tab divider with pockets and five dividers as sub sections. Label the following sub sections as Homework, Classwork, Cornell Notes, Resources, and Graded Assignments. Students must keep all graded assignments to include tests, quizzes, etc. I will be checking and shaking student’s binders for neatness and organization at least twice a month.
AGENDA BOOK
Each student will be given an Agenda Book that he/she will be expected to bring to class daily. The Agenda Book serves as an information resource, an assignment tracking device, a means of communication, and a student hall pass. Students are ultimately responsible for writing daily homework assignments in their Agenda Book. The Agenda Book also helps parents/guardian monitor their child’s homework assignments.
CORNELL NOTES
Students are encouraged to take notes during class lectures, daily lessons, and oral discussions. Note-taking is a great way to remember information that will help students prepare and study for tests and quizzes.
RESOURCES
Write Source 2000, Writer’s Choice Grammar and Composition, and other resources deemed necessary.
GRADING SCALE
Assignments are graded on a total point scale. The student’s grade for each quarter will be the total amount of points they earn divided by the total points possible. Quarterly grades are based on classwork, homework, projects, participation, quizzes, and tests.
Grammar Assignments - 5 points (each)
Vocabulary Quiz (contextual clues) - 14 points (each Thursday)
Mountain Language (participation) – 4 points (each Thursday)
Pop Quiz - Vocabulary – 8 points (each Wednesday)
Mountain Language Test - 20 points (randomly given – one per quarter)
Grammar Mastery Tests -100 points (end of units)
Cornell Notes - 10 points (each Thursday)
Composition Notebook - points TBA
Writing (essay, letter, and research) - points TBA
Interactive Folder/Book - points TBA
Projects - Points TBA
HONOR CODE
The HONOR CODE covers all class assignments, tests, and quizzes. Copying someone else’s assignment, test, or quiz is cheating and all students involved will be assigned a grade of zero (0%).
ASSIGNMENT and LATE WORK POLICY
Assignments are given on a daily basis throughout the year. If you would like to redo a lesson for repeated practice please see me. However, a grade will not be recorded for the 2nd attempt. I do not assign or reassign any given lesson or exam for extra credit. Assignments must be turned in on the day they are due. Due dates are strictly enforced. Assignments not turned in will be graded as zero percent (0%) in the grade book. Points will be deducted on any assignment that is turned in late. I do not accept late work one week past the due date.
MAKE UP WORK POLICY
If a student is absent, it is his/her responsibility to get make up work from me. I have daily binders in my room specifically for make up work. The student receives two consecutive days for each day an excused absence to make up missed work. If the student does not turn in his/her make up work on time, the assignment will be marked as zero percent (0%) in the grade book. Make up time will not exceed 5 consecutive school days from the time a student returns to school following an absence.
CELL PHONES and ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Cell phones and other electronic devices such as iPad, iPod, etc. are not to be used during class time, unless it’s for educational purposes, or I have given the student permission. Educational purposes do not include playing games, texting, social media (Snap Chat, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, FaceTime, Instagram, etc.), or calling and receiving phone calls. If you bring a cell phone to class, it is to be powered OFF (this does not mean silent/vibrate mode).
First offense – Confiscate cell phone. Student will pick up cell phone at the office after school.
Second offense - Confiscate cell phone. Parents/Guardian will pick up cell phone at the office.
HOMEWORK EXPECTATIONS
Homework has a definite place in the educational process. It is an extension of the learning expectations students have during the instructional day. Homework is designed to aid the students in achieving classroom and school goals. Homework will be assigned on a regular basis throughout the year. Due to individual differences in learning styles and work habits, time spent on homework each night will vary from student to student. It is the student’s ultimate responsibility to write down all homework assignments in his/her agenda book daily. My goal is to create a sense of responsibility in each student so that he/she performs to the best of his/her ability. The homework I give falls into these four categories:
Remedial Drill: This is an extension of work that has been introduced in class. This homework is an individualized drill activity designed to help strengthen the student’s weak areas.
Research: This is work which involves the use of reference materials. It is often given on an extended-time basis.
Unfinished Work: This is work that is not completed in class and is within the student’s capability to finish at home.
Review: This is time spent at home studying and preparing for quizzes and tests.
HALL PASS
The Agenda Book is used as a hall pass. Any student who leaves the classroom for any reason (such as a visit to the office, library, bathroom, or water fountain) must use his/her Agenda Book to sign out before he/she leaves the classroom and sign in when he/she returns. Leaving the classroom without my permission is prohibited and disciplinary action will be taken.
SCHOOL SPORTS and ACTIVITY
If a student participates in a sport or activity and will be absent from class, it is his/her ultimate responsibility to bring the completed homework assignment that is due to the classroom before leaving campus. It is also the student’s ultimate responsibility to get the assignment that he/she will missed before leaving campus for sports or activity.
STUDENT HANDBOOK
Adhere to Mountain Home Junior High School Rules and Expectations, “The Tiger Way,” and all other policies and regulations in the Student Handbook.
WEBSITE
Students and parents/guardian are encouraged to visit my website for weekly assignments and due dates, test and quiz dates, and announcements. My website is jacksonlc.mtnhomesd.org
POWERSCHOOL
It is important that students and parents/guardian check grades daily on PowerSchool. The address is http://powerschool.mtnhomesd.org/public/