Language Arts 8 Schweinfurt Middle High School 2013-14 Ms. Kathy ONeill Room 220 kathleen.oneill2@eu.dodea.edu www.oneillenglish.

com Dear Students and Parents/Guardians, Welcome to Language Arts 8! I look forward to our year together as literary scholars. Over the course of the school year, the "who", "where" and "when" of reading and writing will transcend into thoughtful, meaningful discussions of "how" and "why". We will be exploring a wide variety of literature from different genres and time periods, challenging ourselves to respond to them as creative, insightful thinkers. DODEA Objectives: The Language Arts 8 course is designed to strengthen students skills in listening, speaking, writing, literature, and language. The content includes, but is not limited to, writing notes from information received aurally; developing an awareness of sexism, racism, and age bias in material heard, viewed, or read; differentiating between emotional and intellectual arguments in a spoken or written discussion; discriminating among fact, fiction, opinion, assumption, and inference in spoken and written language; writing paragraphs composed of an appropriate topic sentence and adequate supportive material; writing coherent answers on essay tests; writing in various modes for self-discovery, self-expression, and enjoyment; presenting narrative and descriptive writing; identifying basic literary terms as they are used in discussing literature, e.g., characterization, plot, setting, and mood; using parts of speech correctly in final written drafts and in speech in the classroom setting; and reading and reviewing self-selected books to help students learn to view reading as a useful and pleasurable activity.
(http://www.dodea.edu/Curriculum/Course-Details.cfm?courseid=0E4C9039-C416-DAB577808A0D3F08D1BE)

Essential Questions: We will always attempt to answer these questions throughout the year: How can we develop our skills as communicators in a 21st-century society? How can reading, writing and speaking help us become educated and aware global citizens? How can readers use literary elements to interpret an authors intended effect? Why is textual support and research crucial for supporting ones viewpoint? Major Texts (these will be provided for you): Holt Elements of Literature (Second Course) The Diary of Anne Frank The Contender, Robert Lipsyte The Giver, Lois Lowry Animal Farm, George Orwell Holes, Louis Sachar Whirligig, Paul Fleischmann Required Materials Two Folders (one for class materials, one for in-class cumulative writing portfolio) Notebook Two pencils Two pens (one black, one colored) Any books/additional materials needed for the day (please see outside Room 220/course website)

Your materials are due in class on Wednesday, August 28. Repeated failure to bring appropriate materials to class will result in a reduction of your participation grade. The materials needed for the day will always be listed outside Room 220.

Grading: Your work throughout the year will be graded in the following categories: Weekly Participation (10%): This category will include class participation (written and oral), preparedness for class, and homework assignments assessed for completion. You will be assigned a weekly grade based on the following point value: 10: Outstanding 9-8: Excellent 7-6: Satisfactory 5-4: Needs improvement 3-0: Missing participation

Projects/Assignments (20%): This could include group presentations, extended close reading/writing assignments, individual projects, etc. SWAG Writing (30%): On every other 50-minute C day we will be working through the writing process on formal, organized writing assignments, in line with our school wide SWAG initiative:

Study the problem Work out a solution Act on it Give it some thought
The alternate C days will be reserved for writing workshops/quizzes. Although some of these writing assignments will receive an additional grade from a peer, Ms. ONeill will be giving the final grades/feedback on all written work, using a holistic Common Core rubric (see attached). Writing workshops will help you hone specific skills before you write, and provide specific feedback on areas of concern after you write. Our writing workshops will include (but are not limited to) the following topics: Syntax/Sentence Structure Formulating Arguments o Generalization vs. Specificity Introductions/Conclusions Paragraph Order o Transitions Verb Tenses/Active Verbs Supporting Evidence o Application of Literary Terms Academic/Writing Vocabulary Pre-writing Strategies

o Graphic Organizers o Time Management Outlining vs. Writing Book Reports (30%): You will sign an Outside Reading Contract, in which you agree to read two outside reading books per quarter. While these books will be of your own choosing (reflective of grade-appropriateness), you must read at least one book from each of the following genres at some point over the course of the year (consult Ms. ONeill for suggestions): 1) A classic 2) An autobiography or biography 3) A historical fiction book Please be prepared to bring your outside reading book to every class for silent, sustained reading time. You will sign up for presentation dates (two per quarter). On your presentation date, you will be expected to present your project (selected from a variety of assignments given by Ms. ONeill) to the rest of the class. You will be assessed on your written summary of the book, your project, and your speaking skills. More details to come! Reading/Editing/Vocabulary Quizzes (10%): Ms. ONeill will be giving pop quizzes on assigned readings. Please make sure you come to class prepared and having done the reading no skimming or SparkNotes surfing! To practice your editing skills, you will also be taking quizzes that challenge you to edit papers based on your knowledge of grammar, syntax, and structure. We will also be reviewing grade-appropriate vocabulary words. Absences/Late Work: You are expected to be in class regularly and punctually. Book report projects MUST be turned in on the day they are due. If you are not in class, please email your written portion to Ms. ONeill (kathleen.oneill2@eu.dodea.edu ) or submit your work on the course website (http://www.oneillenglish.com) on the day the report is due. You will be expected to present the speaking portion of your book report when you return to class. You will be allowed to turn in all other assignments one class period late for half credit. After this deadline, you will receive a zero for the assignment. In case of an absence, you will have one class period per absence to make up any missed assignments.

Just Say No: Although I will encourage our classroom to be a place of positivity and yes, the following will be prohibited: *iPods/phones/other electronic devices *Gum *Food and non-water drink (unless previously approved by Ms. ONeill) *Tardiness *Cheating/Plagiarism (see statement) *Disrespect to Ms. ONeill or your classmates (see A-C-T-I-O-N statement) Repeated violation of these rules will result in school-sanctioned disciplinary procedures (detention, in-school suspension, etc.). Academic Honesty (Cheating and Plagarism) Cheating and plagiarism are considered very serious offenses. Per school policy, if a student is found participating in these offenses a zero (0) or partial credit will be given for the assignment and the parents will be notified. Academic dishonesty includes copying homework or answers from another students test, sharing tests or teacher material, and plagiarism from either electronic or print material. The student has the right of appeal. Respect Clause We will discuss many sensitive topics in our study of literature. While active debate is encouraged in our classroom, we will respectfully honor differences in opinion. Any person who issues disparaging and prejudicial remarks in our classroom will receive disciplinary consequences. I am looking forward to working with all of you over the course of our year together as partners in literary sleuthing! Happy Reading, Ms. ONeill

Ms. ONeills Community Guidelines (A-C-T-I-O-N)!

A - Accelerate every day
Build upon your knowledge and become a stronger leader every day. Examples: o Extending written responses o Participating verbally in class Non-examples: o Having late/missing assignments o Refusing to participate in class o Failing to build upon prior knowledge

C- Communicate with Ms. ONeill and your classmates

Check in with each other and with Ms. ONeill to reveal any struggles with class material (or school life in general). Examples: o Seeking out individual help from Ms. ONeill o Informing Ms. ONeill of outside factors that would prevent your best classroom effort o MAKING USE OF YOUR RESOURCES!!! (Information Center, Homework Club, Seminar, AVID, Counseling Department, etc.) Non-examples: o Staying quiet about problems you are aware of o Failing to engage with fellow group members on a project

T- Talk and listen with purpose and authority

There is a right time and a right place to talk. Remember that whenever you speak, you are speaking with the purpose of sharing information with others. In our classroom, this information should always be on-task and meaningful. When others are speaking, you need to show them the same courtesy and respect that you would want shown to yourself. Examples: o Raising hand/patiently waiting to be called on o Listening intently to a speaker by making eye contact and facing towards speaker o Staying quiet while others are speaking Non-examples: o Talking while another classmate or Ms. ONeill is speaking o Going off topic in discussions

I- Impress yourself and others

In order to achieve any type of success in life, you must first open your mind to new knowledge and experiences. Right now, make positive goals for yourself as a learner and work hard towards achieving them when you come from a place of yes, anything is possible! Examples: o Writing out three short-term and three long-term goals at the beginning of the school year, and creating checklists of steps that you can take in order to achieve those goals; three of Ms. ONeills school goals included making first chair in band, applying to the University of Illinois, and getting motivated to study math! o Participating in monthly reflective journals reflecting on your progression towards those goals Non-examples: o Failure to participate in reflective journal activities o Failure to actively pursue your goals avoid that sinking feeling in your stomach that says youve let yourself down!

O- Organize and prosper

Organization is a great tool that you can use to find success both in this classroom, and for the rest of your life. Examples: o Filling out agenda/planner regularly o Organizing papers/notes into binder o Using study aids (flash cards, Cornell notes, etc.) o Bringing appropriate materials to each class Non-examples: o Refusing to fill out agenda/planner o Losing homework/papers on a consistent basis o Failure to bring appropriate materials to class

N- Navigate with enthusiasm

You should bring excitement, effort and a proactive, positive attitude into class every day. Examples: o Greeting Ms. ONeill and fellow students as you enter the classroom o Congratulating fellow students on their achievements (I loved your speech!, Great job at the football game!) Non-examples: o Laying head down on desk during class time o Making negative comments to fellow students

I have read the course syllabus and understand my role and responsibilities as a member of Ms. ONeills Language Arts 8 class. Student Signature: _______________________________ Date: ________________________________ Parent Signature: ________________________________ Date: ________________________________ Please return this signed sheet to Ms. ONeill in class on Wednesday, August 28.