WELCOME PARENTS!

OPEN HOUSE 2015-2016

8TH GRADE LANGUAGE ARTS DEPARTMENTMRS. HEREDIAMRS. STEELEMRS. WELCH

Curriculum – College and Career Readiness Standards

Standards:

• Literary Text

• Writing

• Speaking & Listening

• Language

• Informational Text

WEBSITES:www.ade.az.govhttp://www.corestandards.org/

GRADING POLICY• Standards-based approach to grading

• Grade book will consist of fewer grades that help us determine whether or not students have mastered the language arts standards.

• Categories:

Accelerated Reading – 10%

Formative assessments (classwork/formative assessments) – 30%

Summative assessments – 60%

CURRICULUM1st Quarter Unit: Who Am I? Identity. “This I Believe” essay 6-Word Memoir narrative writing Novel: The Pearl by John Steinbeck Novel: House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

Speaking/Listening We will explore the theme through a variety of short stories, poems, non-fiction, art, music, films, and discussions.

LITERATURE STUDY GROUPS

• Novels, short stories/selections, poems

• Whole group, small groups, individually

• Novels:The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

The Pearl by John SteinbeckHonors will also include:- Taming of the Shrew by Shakespeare- Animal Farm by Orwell- Lord of the Flies by Golding

ACCELERATED READER (AR)

Students will be required to have an independent reading book (AR book at their level) at ALL times!!!

They are expected to read at home EVERY night for a minimum of 15-20 minutes! (HONORS should read for 20-30 minutes) Students should log their reading pages in their agendas each night!

Students:•take the STAR test to determine their GE (grade equivalency) and reading range•set independent reading goal (point goal) based on GE•check out books in their reading range•take AR quizzes to earn points •worth 10% of overall grade

MISSED AND LATE WORK• It is the responsibility of the student to see me if they were absent

• Late assignments will be accepted with a reduction of 20%

• After 10 days, late work will be accepted for no more than half credit

• Missing assignments will be made up during Academic Lab (Thursday – end of the day)

What is Academic Lab?• Every Thursday, students who have completed their work will have a choice of

fun activities • Students who have not completed assignments, need to make up/retake quizzes,

or need extra help will be kept in for Academic Lab

RETAKING TESTS/QUIZZES

Our school-wide policy states that students who have failed a test/quiz are given the opportunity to retake the test one time. Students must demonstrate that they have studied and understand the material before retaking a test. If he/she scores better on the retake, they will receive the higher grade.

MATERIALS NEEDED

EACH DAY, students must bring:Agenda AR bookPencil/highlighters/pen (blue or black ink)

Folder or binder for ELANotebook-Spiral or Composition *Scissors *Glue or glue stick

RTP – RESPONSIBLE THINKING PROCESS

• If a student is disrupting the class, they are asked a set of questions designed to help them think about their actions

• If a student chooses to continue disrupting the class, they are making the choice to leave

• They are given an RTC referral and sent to RTC to complete a behavior plan

• If a student continuously chooses to go to RTC, parents will be notified and there may be a meeting to address the problem

What is MYP (Middle Years Program) and how is it being implemented in my class?

• All students on our campus participate in the MYP program in grades 6-8 

•encourages international-mindedness in students

•Focuses on IB Learner Profile Traits and Community Service

•encourages a positive attitude to learning by challenging students to solve problems, show creativity and resourcefulness and participate actively in their communities

•reflects real life by allowing students to see the connections between subjects and how each is applicable to their lives now and in the future

•supports the development of communication skills to encourage inquiry, understanding, language acquisition, and to allow student reflection and expression

IB LEARNER PROFILE TRAITS

What ALL students and teachers strive to be:

Inquirer

Knowledgeable

Thinker

Communicator

Principled

Open-Minded

Caring

Risk-taker

Balanced

Reflective

HOW TO REACH USMrs. Heredia Mrs. Steele

480-883-5366 480-883-5360

heredia.rachel@cusd80.comsteele.amy@cusd80.com

Mrs. Welch

480-883-5361

welch.amy@cusd80.com

OTHER

• TAX CREDIT - Please take a form and consider contributing to our school to help support extracurricular activities.

• APPLES FOR TEACHERS - If you would like to donate an item to the classroom, please take and apple from the door and return item with your child. THANKS!

• INFINITE CAMPUS – Student Portal Grades (Lab 49)

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QUESTIONS???