Ms.

Joseph/ English 7
Dear Parents/Guardians & Students:

I wish you a very warm welcome to my class! Below you will find
general information on classroom policies and requirements.
Students are expected to follow the ELMS expectations and seventh
grade policies in regards to absenteeism, dress code, and behaviors.
Materials:
Use a system of organization that works best for you. Minimally,
you will need an ENGLISH section in your binder, notebook paper,
pen and pencil, and a flash drive. These needs may fluctuate when
you have your iPad. When you write, you will use blue or black
ink.
I use your writing folders from last year; if you are new to ELMS,
you will need a folder; we keep a writing folder in class. With the
use of iPads, some of our written work will be kept in googledocs.
I expect you to bring your materials to class. I do have some in the
room that you are welcome to use in emergencies. I do request
that you ask before using, and put them back when finished in
case others need them. I expect you to bring in good manners
and to leave your gum outside my classroom.

HOMEWORK POLICIES: Unless a student has an excused absence,
as defined in the students agenda book, homework must be
handed in on time to receive full credit. Generally, I do not accept
late homework.
As soon as you enter the classroom, copy the homework in your
agenda book. Additionally, your homework will be posted on my
class website: http:// josephenglish7@weebly.com/
Your grades will be based on the following category percentages:

Value (based on 100%)
35% Writing/Projects
30% Quizzes
25% Class work/Participation
10% Homework

Grading Scale: 90-100%=A 60-69%=D
80-89%=B 59%/ below=E
70-79%=C

Absentee Policy:

Please refer to the students agenda book for the ELMS policy on absences.
PULL-OUTS: It is YOUR responsibility to make up any missed work.
Parent/Guardian/Teacher Communication:

Email is the most convenient form of communication for me.
(Judy_Joseph@hcpss.org). You may also call me at 410-313-5040.

Curriculum: There is a definite shift in our curriculum that reflects
the states Common Core Standards. These include:
Building knowledge through content-rich nonfiction
Reading, writing, and speaking grounded in evidence from the
text, both literary and informational.
Regular practice with complex text and its academic language
(words that appear in a variety of content areas).
-From http://www.achievethecore.org/ela-literacy-common-
core/shifts-practice/

2014-2015 ENGLISH UNITS:

Q1: Facing Injustice: Literary Nonfiction
Q2: Thrills and Chills: Speculative Literature
Q3: Perseverance: Realistic Fiction

I look forward to meeting you 9.10 at Back-to-School Night!

Sincerely,



Judy Joseph
English Teacher Grade 7
English Team Leader

P.S. Know what we need? KLEENEX Im currently offering +5 points (once) for 1
family size box of Kleenex on my first quiz to ensure plenty of Kleenex when the
colds start coming! DEADLINE: 9.5.14