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Ms.

Rineharts 8th Grade English-Language Arts Syllabus


2017-2018

Teacher: Ms. Rinehart


(515) 967-5509 ext. 3078
jenny.rinehart@southeastpolk.org
Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself. -- John Dewey

The English-Language Arts course is the forum for students to explore and understand
the past, present, and future through literature and writing. By reading various genres of
literature; students will broaden, relate to, and share each others perspectives. Their
voices will not only be heard through discussions about literature, but through their writing
as well.

Expectations
Be Prepared
Be Respectful
Try Your Hardest
Ask Questions

Daily Materials
You will need to have the following items every day in English:
Earbuds/Headphones
Paper/Notebook (preferably with folder to organize your class handouts)
Writing utensil
Freereading book

Grade Breakdown and Policy:


Grades are broken down into two categories:
Instructional Activities = 30% of grade and assignments are weighted by points
This consists of in-class activities, guided and independent practice
assignments, free-writes, grammar activities.
Assessments = 70% of grade and assignments are weighted by points
Quizzes/tests over literature, grammar, vocabulary
Paper topics will include responses to literature, essays, poetry, and creative
writing.
Projects are creative extensions from literature and writing assignments that
will include performances, art, and speeches.
Grades will be calculated per the district scale.

Attendance
During an excused absence (ex. illness, travel) the student is allowed the number of
days absent in order to make-up work per the Southeast Polk Junior High Student
Handbook.
o Handbook: Any late work will result in a point deduction such as that for late
assignments (per building policy). Students will have a deadline to turn in
work for the quarter. This deadline will be ve school days prior to the end
of the grading period. This is the LAST day work will be accepted with the
expectation that late work will be monitored throughout the quarter using
the progress reporting system as a guide. All work is expected to be turned
in as soon as completed or prior to assessments. The lowest percentage a
student can receive is 60% if turned in prior to deadline AS LONG AS work
meets the expectations of the assignment/teacher.

o Further points could be deducted for quality/accuracy of work (teacher
discretion). This means a student could still get a 0 if no e ort is put into the
project and it does not meet the expectations.

Reading Expectations
Students will be expected to bring free-reading material to class daily. This may include:
novels, non- ction texts, magazines, newspaper, etc; as long as its appropriate material
for school. Students will also be expected to read 20 minutes per day outside of class. Its
encouraged that discussions occur at home over the material your student is reading.
Various activities/assignments will occur throughout the year that will require your
student to maintain the reading expectations of eighth grade students.

Technology
Technology is a privilege in my classroom, not a right. We are fortunate enough to have a
class set of Chromebooks that we will use on a regular basis, if not daily. With each
Chromebook assignment/activity there will be clear instruction and expectations for the
students to follow. My motto for technology use: if you abuse it, you lose it. The use of
the Chromebook may be suspended if a student cannot follow instructions/expectations.
We will do all of our word processing and presentations on Google Drive. This can be
accessed from home just by students signing into Google at home using their username
WITH their SEP address.

Communication
Education is a partnership between home and school. Throughout the year, I will use
email, phone calls, In nite Campus messenger, Google Classroom, and my classroom
webpage (rinehartela8.weebly.com) to communicate with families. I will keep my
classroom page updated to include assignment information and due dates. I will update
my grade book on In nite Campus within 5 days of an assignment being collected. For
larger projects or papers, please allow for 2 weeks for grading to be complete. I will mark
those projects/papers as turned in on the day it's dueto help communicate assignment
completion. I encourage families to contact me directly with any questions. I can be
reached via email jenny.rinehart@southeastpolk.org or by phone 515-967-5509 ext. 3078.

I look forward to an exciting and rewarding school year at Southeast Polk Junior High!

Parent(s) and Guardian(s):


Please discuss this syllabus with your student, then sign and date below.

_______________________________________________________________
Students Name

________________________________________________________________
Student Signature

________________________________________________________________
Parent(s)/Guardian Signature Date

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