Eighth Grade Language Arts Syllabus and Classroom Policies 1

Eighth Grade Language Arts Syllabus and Classroom Policies 1 Waynesville R-VI Middle School Mission/Vision: Preparing students for success. Learning today, succeeding tomorrow

Eighth Language Arts 2015- 2016 Syllabus Course Title: Eighth Language Arts Location: WMDS, Rm 101

Teacher Information Instructor: Mrs. Erin C. Morrow E-mail: [email protected] (Please reference your students’ name and class hour in e- mails even when replying to e-mail sent to you by the teacher; e-mail sent by the teacher through PowerSchool does not display this information when responded to.) Phone: (573) 842-2550 Conference Hours: Monday and Friday 7:30-8:17 am Additional hours are available with a scheduled appointment.

Please contact the Guidance Office for Powerschool login information so that grades, weekly assignments, and updates can be easily accessed by both parents and students.

See the Teacher Homepage for further assignment information: Webpage: www.waynesville.k12.mo.us Select Waynesville Middle School Click Teachers

Textbooks and Course Materials Textbooks used for course: Pearson Common Core Literature No textbook will be issued; various sources within the classroom will be utilized.

Other materials:  Pencils/ Pens  Loose-leaf notebook paper or spiral paper with perforated edges  A composition notebook that will NOT be used for other classes  Tissues

Course Description The emphasis of Eighth Grade Language Arts is based upon the Common Core Standards and the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) recommended by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Language Arts topics include reading skills, vocabulary, spelling, sentence structure, paragraph development, expository and creative writing, literary forms and practical life skill formats of writing and reading. Eighth Grade Language Arts approaches communications through its four aspects: writing, reading, speaking, and listening with an emphasis on reading and writing. Language Arts is believed to have critical value to the students in all areas of life and learning.

Methods of presentation include lecture, classroom assignments, classroom discussion, cooperative work, videos, technology, library and internet research, homework assignments and projects. Students will participate in a cross curricular Civil War unit with our Social Studies department during the second semester. The novel utilitized will be Guerrilla Season.

The instructor reserves the right to amend any policies set forth in this document. Eighth Grade Language Arts Syllabus and Classroom Policies 2 Reading Requirements and Book Tests One of the programs that WMDS uses to support reading and reading improvement is Scholastic Reading Counts (SRC).  Students will be required to complete six SRC tests each semester.  If a test has not been taken by the end of the school day of the due date, the score for that test will be recorded as a zero. That score will remain zero UNTIL the next test due date.  All six tests must be taken by the last due date of the semester. Any missing tests at that time will result in a “permanent” zero in the grade book.  No “extra” books will be moved to the next semester. Instead, students will always be given their best RC scores. For example, if a student has one 70% score for the first Reading Counts due date and by the second Reading Counts due date, the student has taken a few more tests and now has the following scores: 70, 80 and 90%, I will change their Reading Counts grade for the first due date and add the second grade for the second due date so that the scores reflect the two highest grades (80 and 90%).  Anyone talking or cheating during testing will receive a zero on that test. The parents of the student will be notified per the WMDS Handbook.

Reading Counts Test Dates First Semester Second Semester September 11 October 30 January 22 March 11 September 25 November 20 February 11 April 15 October 9 December 11 February 26 April 29

Assignments All assignments should be ready to turn in at the beginning of class on the due date specified. Late work may result in loss of credit. By completing the daily assignments, students will have an opportunity to re-test on the content assessment.

Failure to turn in long term assignments will result in loss of credit.

Attempt to answer ALL QUESTIONS COMPLETELY even if you feel you are wrong. Points vary from question to question; leaving an answer blank could be detrimental to your grade. Please attempt to see three of your classmates before you see me, but make sure I know that is what you are doing, so you don’t get in trouble for talking during class.

Assignments are always due the day after it is assigned, unless otherwise specified. I follow all WMDS Handbook homework policies. Checklist for Submitting Assignments

 Name (first and last), class hour and date in upper left corner.  An appropriate assignment title is across the top line of the paper.  The assignment is completed by the specified due date.  The assignment follows specified directions.

The instructor reserves the right to amend any policies set forth in this document. Eighth Grade Language Arts Syllabus and Classroom Policies 3 Grading Scale 90-100 A 80-89 B 70-79 C 60-69 D 59 and below F

Grades are determined by averaging the grades achieved on tests, written projects, other projects and book tests. Projects and summative assessments will equal 60% of the students’ grade. Formative assessments, classwork and practice will equal 40% of the students’ grade.

Mrs. Morrow’s Standards of Student Conduct My classroom exectations are: Be Respectful Be Responsible Be a Learner

Respect: Respect your teacher, the other students in the room and most of all respect yourself by following the rules listed in the WMDS Handbook.

Responsibility/ Learning: It is to be understood by all students that they have a number of responsibilities that must be met in order to reach an acceptable level of success in the classroom. Those basic responsibilities are outlined below:

1) Arrive on time to class. Students who arrive on time are able to take advantage of all classroom instruction. 2) Come to class prepared to work. This means having all necessary supplies to include, but not limited to, binder/folder, paper and pen/pencil. A student who comes to class prepared indicates he/she is responsible and ready to learn. 3) Turn in all assignments by due date. A student turning in work on time indicates he/she values education and cares greatly about his/her grade. Any student with missing or late assignments may be assigned Focus Room/Academic Assistance until assignments are completed.

My classroom is a safe learning environment. Every student retains the right to freely express and defend his or her ideas and positions on topics in both the verbal and written forums without fear; however, derogatory language/actions toward other students’ will not be tolerated. Please be courteous in allowing others to also share their thoughts and opinions. Also, do not be afraid to be “wrong”~ that’s when the greatest learning often takes place! Do not be afraid to ask questions; others probably need some of the same assistance and haven’t asked!

Students are encouraged to review the WMDS Student Handbook for further explanations of standards of student conduct. All WMDS student expectations/rules/ policies are followed in the classroom.

Procedures  Entering/leaving the room As you enter the room, you are expected to quietly find your seat and begin working by the tardy bell. I will take attendance during this time and complete other necessary tasks; therefore, it is very important that you work quietly.

When the bell rings, you must be seated and quiet. I will check to make sure your area is clean and in order. I will not release you until I see that the entire room is back in order. The instructor reserves the right to amend any policies set forth in this document. Eighth Grade Language Arts Syllabus and Classroom Policies 4

 Discussion Discussion is a big part of communication arts, especially literature. Become involved in classroom discussions. I expect you to be courteous to others. Please do not put down other students’ comments or verbally attack others.

 Group activities Please wait for me to give ALL directions before you begin collecting your belongings and moving into groups. If you are trying to move or pick someone to be in a group with, you may miss vital information.

 Borrowing materials Any items borrowed from my room should be checked out with me before you take them. I do have many supplies available for you to use. Be courteous about using supplies. Remember to return items borrowed to their proper place.

 Classroom disruption Major classroom disruptions/incidents will result in an office referral and parent contact. Minor classroom referrals will be handled: 1. Student sent to Think Seat; student will complete a Think Sheet 2. Student sent to Safe Room (Mr. Lambert’s room) 3. Office referral 4. Five Think Sheets in a quarter will result in an automatic Safe Room/Behavior Review

Academic Assistance Academic Assistance for Mrs. Morrow will be Tuesday afternoon from 2:45 – 4:00. Other afternoons can be scheduled by appointment. Mrs. Morrow is also available before school by appointment. Schedule with Mrs. Morrow by emailing [email protected] or by calling 1-573-842- 2550. Students may also sign up for Academic Assistance appointments in the classroom. This is going to be the best year yet!

The instructor reserves the right to amend any policies set forth in this document.