8Th Grade Social Studies s2

8th Grade Language Arts Huffman Middle School 2015-2016

Class Description Our goal this year is to become more proficient readers and writers. We will work on improving and building grammar, vocabulary, spelling, reading, and writing skills. All of the mandated TEKS for reading and English will be included in our studies. The English Language Arts curriculum is divided into three major areas of study: Word Study, Reading, and Writing.

Classroom Materials  School Binder with dividers  Pencil bag (colored highlighters, color pencils/markers, red pen, blue/black pens, pencils  Library or Independent Reading book

**Please be aware, additional supplies are needed for this core class: one pack of filler paper one additional spiral notebook (On Level, Skills, Pre AP)

**If you have more than one ELA class, you will need the additional supplies for EACH of those classes.

Additional supplies may be needed throughout the school year.

Grading Procedures Pre-AP classes: 60% Tests 40% Daily work On-level classes: 50% Tests 50% Daily work Dev (skills) classes: 100% all work

Late Assignments and Makeup Work One day will be allowed for making up assignments for each day absent. One day will be allowed for making up exams/assessments for each day absent students are responsible for scheduling a make-up date and time with the teacher.

15 points will be deducted from the grade earned for every day it is late. Work not completed by the 3rd day will receive a 50. Major assignments (projects, essays, notebooks, etc) that are assigned over a period of 10 school days will be accepted only one day late and a penalty of 30 points will be subtracted from the grade before scoring.

Retest Policy Students who earn a test grade lower than 70% may retest if they attend tutoring. The student will receive the higher of the two grades, not to exceed a grade of 70%. 8th Grade Language Arts Huffman Middle School 2015-2016

Restroom Policy Students are expected to use the restroom BEFORE coming to class.

Tardy Policy All classroom doors will close when the tardy bell rings. Any student who enters after this time will be marked tardy.

Expectations for Student Behavior Of course, students are required to follow all school policies, as listed in the Student Handbook. I also expect students to:  Be Prompt  Be Prepared  Be Productive  Be Positive  Be Polite

If the student does not meet expected classroom behavior, I will:  Give the student a warning  Contact the student’s parents  Assign the student after school detention  Hold a parent conference  Send the student to the assistant principal with a discipline referral

Conference Periods Ms. Cowart and Mrs. Parker are both off 2nd period. To meet with one of us during our conference, please either set up an appointment through email or contact the office.

Tutoring Schedule Ms. Cowart Thursday 3-3:30 Mrs. Parker Tuesday 3-3:30

It is our pleasure to work with you this year. If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a message with the school by calling the main office (281) 324-2598. You may also email your child’s teacher using the emails below. We look forward to a fun and rewarding year with your child.

School Messenger is the district chosen message system for contacting parents. Please make sure your information is submitted and correct to receive class updates. It is 8th Grade Language Arts Huffman Middle School 2015-2016 also imperative you have an ACTIVE parent portal account. This enables you to stay up to date on grades, due dates, averages, etc.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Parker [email protected] Ms. Cowart [email protected]

** Please complete the attached form and return it by Wednesday, September 2nd.**

Student Name: ______Class period:______

Parental Acknowledgment I have reviewed these guidelines with my son/daughter and will help him/her meet the expectations and abide by the responsibilities in any way I can.

______Parent/Guardian signature

Student Acknowledgment I have read these guidelines and understand my responsibilities as a student in my 8th grade Language Arts class.

______Student signature

Parent Communication and Support Form

By signing below, we agree to work together (teacher, parent, and student) to do everything possible to achieve success in the classroom.

______Teacher Parent Student