F O N T I R D D E O O L R O N T I E R I D D L E C H O O L FR R O N T IE E RM MI I D DL L ES SC CH H O O L2 20 01 13 3-2 20 01 14 4

EN NG GL LI IS SH H 7 RE ED D

Contact Information
Classroom Phone: (716) 926-1730 ext. 3244 Room Number: 244 Cell Phone: (716) 392-1284 Email: hwidmer@frontier.wnyric.org OR hkwidmer@aol.com Website: http://www.adayintheclassofmswidmer.weebly.com/ Tutoring: Homework Haven hours Textbook/s: Elements of Literature: First Course by Holt, Rinehard, & Winston Parent Portal: (As written in Mrs. Militellos syllabus) The Parent Portal allows teachers to keep their grade book online while giving students and parents access to assignments and grades. Due to the fluidity of a 10week marking period, grades (%) are often changing weekly. Formal updates to the Portal will be posted for viewing every 5 and 10 weeks. Parent/Teacher Communication: I like to keep a very open line of communication between my students parents/guardians and me. I try to keep all parents updated on their childs involvement in my class, whether it is progression or digression. So in the chance that you have not heard from me in a while, please do feel free to contact me to catch up on your childs contribution in English 7 class. Course Philosophy: (As written in Mrs. Militellos syllabus) English 7 is a transitional year building upon a wide range of skills and fundamentals. Students will be immersed in reading and writing in an attempt to continue to redefine and shape how effectively they communicate with the world around them. As a foundational year, the importance of a positive and engaging experience becomes vital as we build strong educational connections to prepare students for both future academics and real world success. Learning Objectives: As per the state, we have refocused much of our curriculum to reflect the NYS Common Core State Standards.

Expectations: While I'm sure you, as students, have expectations for me as I guide you throughout your ELA course, know that I also have a few for you. My main expectations entail respect and participation. As obvious as it may be, students cannot learn if they do not respect their teacher as the mentor and educator in the room. For that reason, I feel it is imperative to establish a mutual respect between the students and the teacher. In addition, students cannot approach a learning situation without having the ability and courage to participate in an active classroom. So through this sort of contribution, I feel that students will be able to learn at their full capacity. As for the expectations you hold for me, please make sure they exist. I want to be challenged in your classroom, and to develop a sense of comfort in the teaching environment. I want you to expect that I will be prepared for every class, and that I will uphold high standards of academic excellence. After all, expectations set goals, and goals yield in accomplishments. Attendance Policy: (As written in Mrs. Militellos syllabus) The school attendance policy is clearly defined in the district handbook. Students should always meet with their teacher the day after an absence or in anticipation of a long absence (vacation or illness). All assignments due on date of absence should be submitted upon the students return to school for full credit. Seat time is immeasurable value and many of our discussions, models, and daily interactions are impossible to recreate. Please make every effort to have your child in attendance daily. Materials Needed for Class: (As written in Mrs. Militellos syllabus) 1 2 Binder (Bring to every class, unless notified otherwise) Loose-leaf paper Blue or black ink pens (Preferably no pencils) Set of 5 dividers Flash Drive NOTE: Students organization and preparation is KEY to success. They must be sure to bring all supplies every class, and stay on top of organizing where each assignment/handout belongs in their binders. Work Submission: (As written in Mrs. Militellos syllabus) It is the students responsibility to ensure that all work is accounted for on the due date set by the teacher. Assignments are accepted via the following: -Classroom Teacher: best and 1st option -Email: hwidmer@frontier.wnyric.org as a last option NOTE: Late work will not receive full credit, but will be graded with penalty is handed in up to one week after the assigned due date. This ensures that students are responsible for turning in best quality work and that they receive credit for their efforts.

Grading Policies: Major Assignments: 60% of overall quarterly grade and possibly include: -Essays, Creative and other modes of writing -Formal Presentations -Research Projects -Independent Reading Projects
NOTE: Many of these assignments should be typed in the following style and format: -12-Point Font -Times or Times New Roman Font -Double-Spaced -1 Margins -Black Ink

Minor Assignments: 20% of overall quarterly grade and possibly include: -Quizzes (Vocabulary, Grammar, and Literature based) -Independent Reading on Fridays (Completion of Reading and Journals) -Worksheets or Handouts -Group Work and Presentations Classwork/Participation and Homework: 20% of overall quarterly grade and is based, in part, on the students willingness to cooperatively and positively contribute to our learning environment. This may include: -Homework Assignments -Outlines and Writing Drafts -Journals -Worksheets or Handouts -Group Work and Presentations -Conferences and Contribution to Class Discussions Organization of ELA Binder Use the dividers for these FOUR (4) sections, clearly labeled: 1) Reading In this section, students will keep all notes, PowerPoint presentations, and handouts relating to any READING done in class. 2) Writing In this section, students will keep all notes, PowerPoint presentations, and handouts relating to any WRITING done in class. 3) IR Writing In this section, students will keep all Independent Reading handouts/journals and works-in-progress. 4) ____________ In this section, students will keep every returned and graded assignment, by and large. This section is basically a housekeeping section in which students can put miscellaneous work. Having their ELA binders sufficiently completed at all times is necessary for my students participation grade. There will be frequent checks to see the progress of their organization skills.

Parents/Guardians, Thank you in advance for your help in preparing your child for English 7 and for your understanding in this transition from Mrs. Militello to myself as your childs new, but temporary, English 7 teacher. I look forward to getting to know each and every student during my time here at Frontier Middle School. Again, if you have any questions or concerns at any time during the year, please do not hesitate to contact me.

-Ms. Heidi Widmer

Note: Ms. Widmer will monitor and adjust classroom procedures and schedules as needed. For more specific course objectives and standards, please visit the New York State Education Department at www.nysed.gov.