MacDonald Middle Schoot-

8th

grade English Language Arts Course Syllabus- Ms. Converse, Room 110

Greetings Parents and Students of Room 110! Welcome back! I look forward to meeting each of you in person in the near future. I am happy to know that we will be spending your 8ft grade year together. We have wonderful things in store to assist you in your success at high school and beyond. There are several materials that you will need to be successful this year. I will show you how to put them to good use. Many back-to-school specials are available this time of year- you may want to stock up replacements for later in the year.

three-ring binder (at least 1 in.)- devoted exclusively to English Language Arts. You will need dividers (no more than 5), and lined paper for each division in your binder. o Lots ofpencils- and an eraser(s). o Pens (black and blue) for correcting and polishing o At least four different colors of highlighters. o Art supplies- not required but suggested. o Pagelhole reinforcements- optional. o A box oftissues- not required but appreciated! o A library membership card to your local library- optional but strongly recommended. o A USB memory drive- again, optional but recommended. *There is no need to purchase a planner as one will be provided to help keep your assignments organized.
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Course Description English Language Arts offers students opporfunities to experience language in a spectrum of richness: reading, writing, listening, speaking, and viewing. All are choices of communication and essential keys to success. Throughout this course our class will actively use the reading process to critically understand and construct meaning from a variety of texts. Students will also use writing to accomplish a variety of purposes, including but not limited to demonstrating correct usage of English. By the end of the course, students will be able to demonstrate their growth by showcasing their work in narrative, informational writing, argumentative writing, novel sfudy ) grammar, and word study. In order to cover an English curriculum that meets the Common Core State Standards we will use formats such as lecture, discussion, assessment, individual practice, and collaboration among groups. Course Objectives: All students will...

o o o o o o o o o

Read and analyze an assortment of classic and contemporary texts to seek information, ideas, enjoyrnent, and
understanding. IJse readrng strategies to create meaning in these texts by previewing, making connections and inferences,
refl ecting, questioning, analyzing, and ry.nthesizing. Practice reading avariety of genres.

Practice habitual writing in multiple styles, including narrative, journal, informational, and argumentative. IJse pre-writing strategies, revision, and polishing skills.
Share their understanding with an audience.

Demonstrate and practice proper grarnmar in writing and speaking. Organize information in formats that arc meaningful to both writer and audience. Practice spelling strategies, and vocabulary development.

Required Texts The Langtage of Literafi,re, McDougal, Littel and Company- Level 8 Night, by Elie Wiesel Touching Spirit Bear, by Ben Mikaelson A variety of trade books, young adult novels, memoirs, myths/legends, poetry, mysteries, and other short stories. Evaluation
Students

will

be given opportunities to demonstrate their learning through writing, daily assignments, homework, quizzes,

and tests. Homework is not optional. Success in this class will be impossible without the completion and submission of homework by assigned due dates. For this reason, late work is subjected to a grade reduced automatically by 1l%. Students will have up to a week after the established due date to submit late work. After the week's "grace" has passed, students may no longer submit late work, and will need to seek alternative methods to demonstrate their learning. An assignment is considered on time if it is complete and ready for submission at the time of collection. Each marking period will be calculated as follows:

60% Classwork, Homework, and Participation. 40o/, Quizzes, Tests, and Projects.

Grading

A AB+ B BC+

%%-fi}% 90%-92% 87%-89% 83%-86% 80%-82% 77%-79Yo

scale: C CD+ D DE

Conduct Evaluation:

73%-76% 70%-72% 67%-69% 63%-66%

60%-62%
59Yo and below

Good:

no reminders about expectations

Satisfactory: Occasional reminders needed Unsatisfactory: Frequent reminders and redirection

needed.

Plagiarism, or cheating, will receive a zero and parents will be notified.

There is no excuse for not receiving the assistance needed to succeed. Students are invitedto ask for help. Anytime you feel losq or confused, please contact me- either before, during, or after school, via email, or by appointment. It is easier, for both teacher and studen! to find answers for questions than corrections for mistakes. Absences The student is responsible for obtaining any work missed during an absence. The course calendar will be reflected on the class website found via the MMS website, listing assignments and goals. Any handouts will be made available in the absent work file, or obtained from a teacher. Please locate a classroom peer with which to coordinate class notes or waffnups. It is the student's responsibility to alrange a time to complete missed tests or quizzes. Work, including tests/quizzes will need to be submitted within 2 days of your return (barring special circumstances).

Expectations I'm excited to partner with you as we begin a new phase in your education! I urge you to join me in crafting the society of our classroom, building with:
Respect- for each other, for school property, and for the belongings ofothers. Responsibility- using all the resources available to you such as knowledgeable adults, your planner, and notes. Responsible students also take care of personal business outside of class. Effirt- listening, taking good notes, asking good questions, preparing for the lesson at hand and for assessments, seeking help when needed. Honesty- doing your own work, and doing what is right regardless of who is watching. You are as honest as your actions. Caring- Care for your peerc, for your work ethic, and for yourself. Treat others the way you would want to be treated.

I can't wait to begin!

Sincerelv.

,{, funr'--Student Signature Parent Signature *Please retum, signed, no later than the Friday after school starts.

Ms. Converse converse ie@elps.kl2.mi.us

Student Name (printed) Parent Name (printed)