English Language Arts 7

English Language Arts 7 Mrs. Costello Ms. Dziakonas Ms. Paquin

Classroom Expectations 1. Rules a. Come to class on time with a writing utensil, class binder, composition notebook, agenda, and independent reading. b. Treat others how you would want to be treated. c. Do not interrupt others who are talking . . . you will get your chance. d. Complete assigned work on-time. e. Look, listen, and participate

2. Grading Policy a. Assessments: 80% o This includes essays, tests, classwork assessments, projects and quizzes o Papers and projects are major assignments in this class. The due dates will be given far in advance and reminders will be given, as well as time to work on these in class. Major assignments will be accepted up to one week late, losing points each day. After being a week late, the best the assignment can get is 50%. We will be spending a great deal of time on these assignments and unless there is a special circumstance that I am made aware of, there is no excuse to hand them in late.

b. Homework: 20% o Reading is an important part of this class and some of it will have to occur outside of class, so please do it. Homework will be made known at the beginning of every class and is to be turned in at the beginning of the next class. o If homework is not turned in at the beginning of class, I will take the assignment for the following day, but it will be marked late. o If the homework is giving you problems, please see me BEFORE homeroom the next day. We can make an appointment for help without late penalty. o Beginning in October, a specific genre will be assigned to each class section, and students will be responsible for reading one text from that genre and completing a written assignment, by November 1st. Students can read at their chosen pace, but it is their responsibility to be finished with both the book and the assignment by the first of each month. More specific details will follow as we approach October.

What to do if you’re absent:  E-mail the teacher to see what you missed  Check in with a friend to see what you missed and what is due  You have the same amount of days as you were out to make up your work  Be sure to get notes from a friend and ask me for any handouts you missed  If you know you’re going to be out, let me know as far in advance as possible

Year Outline This year we will cover 3 major units and read three CORE texts. We will also be reading in literature circle groups during each unit. 1. Development of Self (Rules, by Cynthia Lord) 2. Family and Community (We Beat the Street, by Sharon Draper) 3. Identity in Society (The Outsiders, by S.E. Hinton)

Contacting the teachers:  [email protected]  [email protected]  [email protected]  339-1400 ext. 6203

** We will often be available after school, but encourage students to schedule times to meet for extra help or questions that they may have.**

I look forward a terrific year with all of you!

Mrs. Costello

Please detach and return to me by the end of the week. Thank you.

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I ______have read and fully understand the above information and agree to follow all classroom rules and complete all work to the best of my ability.

Student Signature______

Parent Signature______