Seventh grade English involves students in a comprehensive English and Language Arts learning program. Students will be further exposed to grammar, literature, reading, writing and vocabulary.  Students are able to analyze word meaning and enhance vocabulary skills while developing fluency through exposure to literature (emphasis on Classic Literature). Learning to be an active reader will improve critical reading and thinking skills. With acquisition of this skill a student will move toward more complete comprehension both in literature and in content area reading. Exposure to interesting and engaging authentic writing opportunities will prepare them both as writers in the content area and as excellent communicators of the written language. As researchers, students will learn how to question, investigate, and explore using tools of learning that will serve them as they advance educationally.

• Classic Literature, Writer’s Workshop, Greek/Latin Roots, Scope 100, No Excuse Spelling, Scope magazine, Research Paper, Grammar Study… * I cannot divulge everything.

• Scholastic Book Orders will be available.

 

Resources:

·         Texts will be used in the classroom as necessary. These are classroom sets and work in them must be completed in class.

·         The Internet will be used frequently. You may arrange to come in before or after school or at lunch for computer use.

·         Supplementary materials will be issued and recollected. Damage or loss will impose fines/replacement.

·         Portfolios will be utilized for a component of assessment, for conferences and as an organizational tool.

      *Students will occasionally have to bring the portfolio in for assessment.

Procedure for Entering Class

·         No gum, candy, food, or beverages are permitted in class.

·         No backpacks, coats, sunglasses, hats, or purses are allowed in class

·         Only students assigned to the classroom during the period may enter. Wait for the previous class to exit.

·        Sharpen your pencils prior to the tardy bell ringing. Have a spare and I suggest carrying your own personal sharpener with its own shavings

          collector.  

·         Make sure you have what you need, as you will not be allowed to return to your locker. Once in class you are not permitted to leave. Go to the 

          restroom, get a drink, stop at your locker on your way to class.

·          Be seated in your assigned seat before the tardy bell rings.

·          Have owed homework on your desk ready for collection/discussion.

·          Read the agenda on the board and fill in your assignment notebook.

·          Class begins immediately and you are to be working on the opening activity.

·          Sit quietly when you finish. You could review your responses to the opening activity, revisit your homework (make sure it has the proper

           heading) or revisit what you wrote in your assignment notebook. 

Procedure for Being Tardy

·         A tardy student will quietly enter and sign in utilizing tardy clipboard, quickly collect materials and sit down.

·         Begin the opening activity.

·         It is your sole responsibility to gain any information missed and to turn in owed assignments, etc.

·         Tardiness is reported to the office daily. Chronic tardiness will not be tolerated.

To gain the teacher’s attention:

• ONE FINGER = I need to sharpen my pencil. *Remember, pencils are to be sharpened prior class.
• TWO FINGERS = I need a tissue.
• THREE FINGERS = I need your help.

Dismissal - I dismiss you not the bell ringing. 

Students are to be working throughout the entire period of class each day. We will not pack up and get ready to leave five minutes before the bell rings. Instead, we will pause after the bell rings to make sure all the garbage is picked up off the floor. You will return materials to the proper location as you exit. Time is not in excess, your time is precious as is mine. I appreciate your cooperation. Remember, we are a team. 

If you choose to break a rule…

 1^st Time = Verbal warning

 2^nd Time = Parent called

 3^rd Time = Further action will be taken. Referral may occur.

 *You are in charge of your behavior. Please keep it in check.

Homework Policy:

• Homework is due at the beginning of class. No late work is accepted for a grade.

•  Homework must be legible and completed as directed (pen, pencil, typed, on loose leaf, use index cards).
• Spelling, grammar, and punctuation count.
• All homework must have a proper heading in the upper right hand corner.
• Each paper must have a title. For instance: Spelling Test # 2.
• Nameless papers will not be graded. Nameless papers will be placed in a designated basket entitled “The Black Hole”. Students may claim nameless papers, however, will not receive credit.
• Writing begins on the front side of the paper; the holes should be on your left.

              *Wrong side use will require the assignment to be redone.

•  No papers will be accepted with unnecessary tears, drawings, doodling, or stains.
• Not doing homework hurts you.

Grading Policy

•  The district grading scale will be utilized.
•  Homework counts as 20% of the grade. Tests, quizzes, projects, notes comprise 80% of a grade.
• Most homework will be graded and returned as soon as possible. All homework will be checked in.
• No late work will be accepted. * Exceptions: absence due to illness.  

Absences and Make-Up Work

•  It is your responsibility to obtain work missed during an absence. *You are entitled to one day per absent day to make up any work that was assigned while you were absent. **Work assigned before you were absent is to be turned in upon arrival back to school.
• Consult the Absent Bin. Attach the “Missed Assignments” form to make-up work. Contact your “Homework Buddy” to obtain lecture notes.

Office Hours: I am available during lunch for the first 15 minutes, generally. You may set an appointment for after school. You are responsible for arranging to be picked up promptly. 

• If you were absent on a known test/quiz day you will take it during class the day you return. *Be mindful that you are responsible for what the class is working on while you catch up. 
• I am not suggesting that illness does not occur; merely to miss a day is to miss a lot. Of course, your health is important.