Please read through this sheet carefully with your parents/guardians so that you know what will be expected of you in Language Arts.  Then, place it in your folder so that you can refer to it throughout the year.

 

What Will We Study in L.A.?

            Throughout the year, we will sharpen our reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.  In particular, we will explore strategies in reading, writing, and language that will enable us to understand, interpret, and think about what we read, write, say, and hear in a more effective manner.

            To accomplish those goals, we will read literature (fiction and nonfiction of different genres, such as short stories, essays, poems, novels, and dramas), write in a variety of modes, investigate grammar, acquire skills for unlocking words’ meanings, and practice our presentation skills.  Whenever possible, we will use technology to support our learning.

 

Format of Class

·        Class will usually begin with a warm-up exercise designed to introduce a new concept or skill, reinforce knowledge, and/or practice a skill.  I call this an “LGR,” which stands for “Let’s Get Rolling.”

·        Students are expected to enter class, read the front board, and to begin the LGR, which will have specific instructions.  LGRs should be recorded in students’ Language Arts/LGR notebook.  (Be sure to record the date and the LGR number; LGR numbers will begin anew every quarter.)

·        The date will be written on the left side of the chalkboard, and below that students will be able to find the day’s agenda or list of activities.

·        Homework will be recorded with specific instructions on the right side of the chalkboard.  In addition, it will be listed on my web page’s Calendar and Homework Log.

·        The activities for each day will be varied or mixed so that students have the opportunity to learn and to practice a variety of skills.

·        If time permits, the remaining portion of class will be dedicated to beginning homework assignments in L.A.

 

Classroom Expectations

            Knowing what is expected from you will ensure that you can perform your “jobs” as students successfully.  Follow these general guidelines, and ask me if you have additional questions.

1.  Unless told otherwise, only L.A. work is to be completed in this class.

2.  Come to class with all of your supplies, including pen, pencil, paper, notebooks, paper, folder, homework, textbooks, etc.

3.  Unless instructed otherwise, bring your textbook and grammar book to class each day.  If we are reading a novel, you may be told to bring the novel instead of your textbook.

4.  Raise your hand if you have a question or before speaking out in class.

5.  Pay attention to directions—both oral and written—and do your best to follow them.

6.  Be respectful of the learning environment.  I take learning seriously, and I expect you to do the same.

7.  Use good manners when interacting with your peers and your teachers.

8.  Record the homework before you leave class.

9.  Accept the responsibility for and the consequences of your choices.

 

 

Supplies

            The following list includes the supplies that you will need for L.A. class:

Black/blue pen

Red pen

Loose-leaf paper

One pocket folder

Markers or crayons

Pencil with eraser

Highlighter

Two spiral notebooks

Giles agenda

Glue or glue stick

 

Grading

·        Students receive three grades on their report cards for Language Arts:  Reading, English, and Spelling (Vocabulary).  Because all three aspects or parts are interwoven or closely related, each assignment, test, project, etc. will count as a grade in each category.  Therefore, students’ overall grade will be the same for each of the three categories.  This will enable students to keep track of their grades in an easier manner; furthermore, it will more accurately reflect students’ overall performance in the language arts.

·        Each assignment, test, project will be scored by points designated on students’ papers by a fraction.  The numerator reflects the “earned points,” and the denominator reflects the “possible points.”  A letter-grade equivalent will usually be noted as well.

·        District 80’s grading scale will be used to determine letter grades (see District website).  To determine a letter grade from the point system, students and/or parents/guardians will need to divide the numerator by the denominator and multiply by 100.  Then, the resulting percentage can be plugged into District 80’s grading scale.

·        Extra-credit assignments may be offered occasionally throughout each semester; however, they are not meant to substitute for missing/late work, nor are they designed as simple “busy-work” assignments. 

·        If and when such assignments are available, they will challenge students to think in an extended manner in order to relate their studies in L.A. to current or historic events or thoughts.  Such assignments will be posted on my web site, and ordinarily, extra credit will not be accepted during the last two weeks of any quarter.

·        .

 

Homework Policy:

·        Homework is designed to give students the opportunity to acquire, practice, and hone their skills.  It will be explained and modeled to ensure students’ success.

·        Homework is due in a complete manner at the beginning of class.  That means the assignment should have a complete heading (name, date, period, assignment title on the right side) on it; moreover, it should be complete—from beginning to end of the assignment.

·        Not having one’s homework ready to submit promptly at the beginning of class will constitute a “late assignment” (see below).  Because of questions that have emerged in the past, I am required to inform students and parents/guardians that forgetting an assignment in the homeroom or at home or being unable to locate an assignment when it is being collected constitutes a “late assignment.”

·        Late assignments will receive “0” points credit; this will be recorded in my grading program as “0.”  Students are expected to complete late/missing work because of the educational benefits associated with the assignments; however, in order to prepare students for high school and in order to build responsibility, students will only receive credit for assignments that are completed on time.  This does not apply to absences or emergency situations approved by students’ parents/guardians and me.

·        As your teacher, I am interested in your academic success, and I will do everything in my control to help you attain it.  If you have difficulty understanding any assignment or concept I am teaching, feel free to see me for help.  If necessary, I will work with students during recess and before and after school whenever possible.

 

Policy for Absences:

            A student who has been absent is responsible for obtaining his or her assignments for the day(s) missed.  That includes any classroom handouts and notes that were given.

            Ordinarily, homework for an absent student will be due the day after he or she returns.  If, however, a student has been absent for a prolonged period of time, I am very willing to sit down with that individual to devise a manageable schedule that will enable the student to complete the missing work.

            I will make every effort to have a fellow classmate record assignments and collect handouts for an absent student; however, I emphasize that obtaining the work and submitting it rest with the absent student when he or she returns.  Accessing my web page during an absence will help students know what occurred in class during their absences.

 

Notification of Progress for Parents and Guardians

            I completely understand and deeply appreciate the fact that parents/guardians are eager to know the progress of their children in school.  Therefore, I will take the following measures to keep you abreast of your student’s performance:

·        All tests—regardless of the grade—must be signed by at least one parent/guardian.

·        Each student—regardless of the grade—will receive a mid-quarter progress report with a list of all assignments, tests, projects, etc.

·        Each student will have the responsibility of maintaining an in-class portfolio that houses all the work for the entire year.  (Parents/guardians can request their students to bring this home so that it can be inspected; however, it must be returned to the class file cabinet once parents/guardians have had the opportunity to examine it.)  Please note that students are individually responsible for maintaining their own portfolios.

·        Students will be required to have parents sign a “homework slip” if an assignment is missing or completed late.  This responsibility belongs to the students.  Failure to have the slip signed will need to be explained by the students to their parents/guardians.

 

Web Site

            To further assist students and to keep parents informed, I will work diligently to keep my web page updated in regard to homework, handouts, and learning links.

            My web page is designed to help my students; however, I am aware that many of my students’ parents/guardians will benefit from knowing such information.  Therefore, I welcome you to visit my page.  To do so, simply access the District 80 website at www.norridge80.org.  Then, access the link “Pages Created by Teachers and Students.”  You will then find my name under “English”; the link will take you directly to my page.

 

One Final Word

 

I am always willing to help my students, so please ask me if you need help.