Periods 6, 7, and 8 WBMS-8th Grade Reading 2012-2013

Dear Students and Parents/Guardians, Hello, my name is Ms. Cheryl Brown and it is with pleasure that I welcome each of you to 8th grade Reading and Literature Study. I look forward to getting to know everyone as we focus on close reading skills and the analysis of various forms of nonfiction and fiction literature. We will also focus on the skills necessary to become even better readers as we prepare to take the STAAR exam. Open House Parents, I hope that you are able to attend open house, Wednesday, September 19, 2012 so that I may share my expectations and answer any questions that you may have about the class. First Six Weeks Lesson Plans After working to establish academic and classroom routines and procedures, we will focus on analyzing and evaluating shorts stories and poetry. Lesson plans are posted weekly on the school website. www.westbriar.org (click on academics) Silent Reading A critical component of continued reading growth is the independent reading of self selected novels. Therefore, it is imperative that each student has a book to read daily at home and school beginning Friday, September 7, 2012. We will to go to the school library for book check-out Wednesday, September 5, 2012. In addition, I have a classroom library that students may use to check out books. Homework/Tests/Projects Weekly reading homework begins September 10, 2012. The students must read for 60 minutes per week. The first homework reading log is due Tuesday, September 18, 2012. Vocabulary quizzes are twice a month. Testing occurs at the end of each unit

Periods 6, 7, and 8

Tutorials/Absence Make-up work Tutorials are available Wednesday, 4:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. or any day except Friday by appointment.

Supplies
Students are expected to bring the following supplies to class every day: A binder filled with notebook paper and 2 pocket dividers A novel (fiction or nonfiction) Blue and black ink pens *One composition book (to remain in class) *Parents are welcome to review the composition book at any time by having the student to check it out of class.

Classroom Discipline In order to keep the learning environment safe and productive while we focus on academic success, I expect the following: Be Prompt. Be in class, seated, and ready to work when the tardy bell rings. Be Prepared. Bring all necessary supplies and materials to class each day. Be Polite. Treat everyone and everything with respect.
Consequences for failure to follow classroom/school rules are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. verbal warning student/teacher conference and name written on discipline log parent notification detention/parent conference referral to deans office

Rewards 1. verbal praise 2. note/phone call home 3. class rewards to be determined by the class

I look forward to a wonderful year. If you any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Periods 6, 7, and 8 cbrown4@houstonisd.org 281-368-2140 ext. 407 (3rd period planning) See school website for online lesson plans @ www.westbriar.org (click on academics)

Parent/Guardian Contact Information

Please fill out and return

1.Student Name: ______________________________________________ Period________________ 2. Parent(s)/Guardian Name(s) and Telephone Numbers: __________________________________________________________________ ______________________ __________________________________________________________________ ________________________ 3. Preferred contact method email ______ telephone_______ 4. Parent/Guardian E-Mail Addresses: If available, please provide an email address so that I can create a class distribution list. My goal is to provide general up-to-date information. However, this form of communication is secondary and does not replace the lesson plans on the website or information sent home via letters. __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ 5. Please help me by telling me anything that might need to know in order to help your child have a successful year.
_______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________

Periods 6, 7, and 8 _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________

Thank you for your support! Ms. Cheryl Brown