A Course Syllabus for 8th Grade English http://carlisleclass.edublogs.

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Read books. Care about things. Get excited. Try not to be too down on yourself. Enjoy the ever present game of knowing. Hank Green
INSTRUCTOR:
Ms. Carlisle, Room J201 Classroom phone: 808-984-5610 Ext. 240 Email: kristin_carlisle@notes.k12.hi.us Website: http://carlisleclass.edublogs.org WHAT IS THIS COURSE ALL ABOUT? This school year in my English class, students will be reading, writing, creating, performing, discussing, and collaborating with others in order to: Expand vocabulary Master literary devices (plot, figurative language, authors purpose, etc.) Learn about history and culture Write with power, persuasion, and detail Use correct grammar in writing and speaking

Activities planned for this year include: Class poetry slam judged by local authors, professors and former student winners Writing an argument on a social issue (to be submitted to student & local newspapers) Extensive reading (fiction and non-fiction) & reading logs Maintaining a journal for responding to readings, writing creatively and taking notes

My instruction is aligned with the Hawaii State Content and Performance Standards (HSCPS III) for Language Arts. You may access these standards at: http://doe.k12.hi.us. HOW WILL STUDENTS BE EXPECTED TO BEHAVE IN THIS CLASS?

The teacher and students are expected to be: FRIENDLY, RESPECTFUL, and ATTENTIVE.
Like the Declaration of Independence, this class provides you with unalienable rights. (Unalienable adj. - Not to be separated, given away, or taken away.)

STUDENTS HAVE THE RIGHT TO: 1. A safe and undisruptive learning environment 2. Openly exploring their thoughts and ideas 3. Fair treatment from both their teacher and peers STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR: 1. Maintaining a safe and undisruptive learning environment 2. Respecting others 3. Taking responsibility for their own actions Students will be collaboratively developing and signing the official classroom rules during the first week of school. (Collaborate verb to work together.) CORE RULES 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Do not bring food, drink or gum into the classroom. Cell phones off at all times. Be prepared with necessary materials. Meet all classroom behavior expectations (friendly, respectful, attentive). Put forth a strong effort with all your work. Be inquisitive! Do not be afraid to ask questions or request help. Solve conflicts peacefully and respectfully.

I strictly follow the Iao school-wide policy regarding violations of classroom rules (below). School-Wide Policy: Class D Offenses (Iao School Violations)
Ex: Chewing gum, tardy to class, cheating, disrupting learning process Consequences include: 1. Teacher warning 2. Parent notification 3. Counseling 4. School directed service 5. Forfeiture of school activity 6. In school and out of school suspension. Repeated offenses shall be treated as insubordination.

SUPPLY LIST 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. A composition notebook A 1 3-ring binder OR a divided section for English in a larger binder Writing tools: pencils, black or blue pens, 2 highlighters 1 package lined paper 1 package 3 x 5 index cards

Teacher wish-list items (NOT required): Hand sanitizer, more index cards (all sizes), sticky notes, paper towels, construction paper, boxes of markers and pencils 2

DAILY SCHEDULE 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Calmly enter the room and smile Begin warm-up (check the agenda) *There is a warm-up every day! Instruction (lecture, reading, notes, demonstrations) Activity (group/class work, mini-project, other assignments) Review/ journal entry Clean up workspace and return any materials you may have used Orderly dismissal

HOW WILL YOUR GRADES FOR THE COURSE BE DETERMINED? Minor Assessments (homework, daily work, informal writing).................20% Major Assessments (tests, formal writing, journal, projects)..40% Class Participation...10% Quizzes....30% *Extra credit: There will be all kinds of fun and creative ways to earn extra credit. HOMEWORK POLICY Students will regularly be assigned homework. This will include projects, journal writing and/or reading logs. ****Parents: Please make an effort to review your childs planner daily. I frequently check student planners to make sure they have made note of assignments and due dates. LATE ASSIGNMENTS POLICY Late assignments and tests will only be accepted up to three school days after the due date! Each day late will result in a 10% grade reduction up to the third day. After the third day, work will not be accepted. ABSENT POLICY If you have been absent: 1) Check the absent binder for any missed warm-ups, activities, assignments, and/or journal entries and 2) See me. Students have five days to make up work after an excused absence. Work not made up in the allotted time receives a grade of zero. (See page 14 of the student/parent handbook for more details.) COMMUNICATION POLICY I want to hear from you! You may reach me by email at kristin_carlisle@notes.k12.hi.us or by phone at 808-984-5610 ext. 240. You may also communicate with me via my class blog at: http://carlisleclass.edublogs.org ***I keep a suggestion box on my desk for students to express ideas, complaints, or thoughts of any kind. Suggestions may be anonymous.***

This school year is going to be a thrilling adventure! Im so honored and excited to be your teacher.
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