6th Grade English Syllabus – Mrs. Justice angela.justice@hsv-k12. org

Language Arts Mission Statement: Literacy involves the ability to analyze and respond orally and in writing to a variety of texts. Language arts classrooms will open the doors to literacy and prepare students for future learning. We will be adhering to the Alabama English Language Literacy for College and Career Readiness Standards to meet our objectives.

Objectives: 1. To demonstrate command of the conventions of Standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. 2. To build upon students’ knowledge of the parts of speech. 3. To develop writing and research skills, so that students will be able to construct a well built paragraph and paper. 4. To develop public speaking skills, so that students will be able to prepare and give an oral presentation.

Classroom Expectations: 1. Be in seat when tardy bell rings. 2. Be prepared and on task in class. 3. Be respectful and courteous to others. 4. Complete all assignments on time. 5. Organize and maintain a notebook. 6. Actively participate in class discussions. 7. Work cooperatively with classmates. 8. Perform without excuses. 9. Strive for excellence.

Instruction: We will be using a combination of our new online Pearson textbook Writing Coach, which will encourage students to express their own ideas through formal and creative writing, and Level 6 of the Shurley Method. The Shurley Method uses rhythm and a set of specific questions to classify sentences orally, identifying each sentence part as well as the overall sentence structure. Students will learn how all sentence parts fit together to make sense and express an idea. Students will be required to keep up with both an online folder and a physical notebook or folder.

Supplies: * a laptop and charger * loose leaf notebook paper * a composition notebook for the Daily Language sentences * pencils (assignments done in pen is not accepted) * a grading pen * a fully charged laptop and charger

Homework: All assignments and test dates are written on the classroom homework board daily. It is the student’s responsibility to record homework posted on the board in a planner. Homework and assignments will also be posted on the class EDMODO site. Homework is given on a regular basis. Some assignments will be submitted on EDMODO.

Grading: 60% of a student’s grade will come from Summative Assessments. These include performance based assessments, projects, and writing. 30% of a student’s grade will come from in-class assignments. These assignments will have been started in class, but may have to be finished at home. 10% of a student’s grade will come from homework.

Make-Up/ Late Work Policy: If a student is absent, they may check EDMODO for any assignments that were missed. Any handouts given in class will be in the makeup work tray by the classroom door. Work must be turned in within a reasonable time, not exceeding 10 days. Work that is turned in late due to any reason other than an excused absence will receive a grade deduction of 15 points per day. After the first day of an assignment being late, students will receive a silent lunch in addition to the 30 points deducted. After two days of an assignment not being turned in, the student will receive a 1 on that assignment in the gradebook. This will serve as the reminder to the student that they have an assignment missing. They will still be expected to turn the assignment in before the end of the 9 weeks. Once the assignment is turned in, the highest grade they will receive is a 50. If students are given permission to miss class for special activities such as pre-performance band and choir rehearsals, the same make up policy applies. It is the student’s responsibility to find out what they missed and make up the work.

Communication: Parents and students are welcome to call or e-mail me at any time. I will make every attempt to respond to phone messages or e-mail within 24 hours. Conferences may be scheduled any day during the student’s PE or music time. I am also available by appointment on Monday mornings before school at 7:15 a.m.