FAQ-Frequently Asked QuestionsFrequently Asked Questions: This page contains
answers to common questions of students and parents.
- How can I contact you?
- What if I forgot my homework or I turn it in late?
- What if I'm absent?
- What is AR?
- Where can I find a copy of your syllabus?
- Where can I find a copy of your discipline plan?
- What is a Book Chat?
- How do I know my grade?
- What can I do to get extra credit?
- When do I have a book chat?
How can I contact you?
Call the school at 530-666-2191 ext. 140 or email me at
laura.bocanegra@wjusd.org
What if I forgot my homework or I turn it in late?
Late work is given half-credit (50%) of the grade you would have earned.
Turn it in as soon as possible. No late work is accepted on the last day of
the semester or after grades have been reported.
Notify me immediately of any major assignment problems or grade errors.
What if I'm absent?
1) Check the homework crate for any missing assignments or class worksheets.
All homework and classwork is sorted by the day it was handed out.
2) Ask a fellow classmate (your learning partner or the greeter) what we did
the day(s) you were absent.
3) Come before or after school to get more information. See contact information.
What is AR?
AR is a independent reading program called "Accelerated Reader."
Each student must complete 6-10 points each grading period by reading one or
more books and passing a computer-generated, multiple choice test.
Students in my Strategic class must read 6 points or higher (unless we read a
class novel), students in
my Benchmark must read 8 points or higher, and the Advanced class must read a
total of 10 points or higher.
To give you an idea of point levels, HOLES is 7 points.
Harry Potter books are usually around 20-40 points.
Students will write down their AR book(s) at the beginning of the grading
period. They may change their book(s) before they take the AR test(s). They
must pass each test they take for AR credit. The points they earn on each AR
quiz and possible project represents 10% of their total grade. One retake is
allowed for
strategic students only.
A list of AR books is on the right-hand side of the Douglass web page. DO NOT
attempt to print it as it is 50 + pages. You can find AR books in the school
library (they will have a book sticker), you can use your local public
library(they have an AR list), you can borrow from my library, or you can purchase
your own. Please make sure you are aware of the point level. If the book you
want to read is not on the AR list, ask the librarian to purchase it.
Some students may want to read additional books and take AR tests to earn AR
prizes, which are given by English teachers (if they fail these tests they
will not receive academic consequences). Prize lists are in my classroom and
posted in the library. If you have enough points and would like an AR prize,
please print out a copy of your points, write down the prize or prizes
desired, and give the paper to your English teacher. Although students may NOT
take tests on books that they read during the summer for their AR grade, they
make take tests on them for AR prizes.
If you have any questions, please ask me. As a general guideline, every
student should be reading at least 30 minutes per school day.
Where can I find a copy of your syllabus?
In your student's folder (Handout section) Or print the following:
2009-2010
Instructor: Ms. Bocanegra Room number: B7
Course Length: One year Contact Information: (530) 666-
2191 ext 140
Texts: Holt Literature and Language Arts Email Address:
laura.bocanegra@wjusd.org
and Holt Handbook (Grammar) Conferences scheduled by
request.
Course Description and Goals:
This course will provide students with standards-based instruction in
Language
Arts and reading. Students will master grade level writing, reading,
speaking
and listening skills. At the end of this course, students will be well
prepared for a successful experience in eighth grade and will be
confident, critical thinkers.
Student Objectives:
�� Improve as readers, writers, speakers, and listeners of English.
�� Write a minimum of four essays.
�� Participate in class discussions of literature.
�� Develop organizational, time management, and study skills.
Class Expectations and Requirements:
Students are expected to:
�� Come to class daily, on time, and prepared. This means that you are in
your
seat when the bell rings, ready to begin bell work!
�� Bring your notebook, lined paper, a pen or pencil and your English folder
to
class every day.
�� Turn in assignments completed and on time.
�� Participate in class.
�� Treat other people with respect.
�� Follow the posted classroom rules and accept the consequences.
Student Responsibilities: You are responsible for your own work. You must
collect all homework and handouts missed during absences either before or
after class.
Ask for help if needed!
Required Materials:
�� 10x8.5 Notebook (Or similar size, college or wide ruled)
�� Pens and pencils (anything but red)
�� A folder with two inside pockets
�� College-ruled or wide-ruled binder paper
�� Student planner
Grading Policy:
Grades are given every six weeks. The grade is cumulative and will be
reflected as a semester grade. Students will
receive graded papers once a week and record their grades on an orange grade
sheet.
Check this sheet for progress between progress reports.
Essential Assessments: This grade reflects to what extent the student has
mastered writing (40%) and reading (35%) standards. Please see the Douglass
Website for more details and the English department course outline at
www.dms.wjusd.org.
Homework Grade: This grade reflects the effort of the student, including
homework, journal entries, class participation, and quizzes. This grade will
be calculated using a point system and is worth 25% of the overall grade.
Parent Involvement:
�� Set aside a regular time and quiet place for homework.
�� Provide necessary materials and supplies.
�� Ask your child if he/she has homework and ask to see the completed
product.
�� Make sure your child is reading AT LEAST 30 minutes a day from his/her
independent reading book.
�� Check your child's planner for notes and assignments. Use it to
communicate
with teachers.
�� Contact me with any questions or concerns immediately!
Students may watch relevant G or PG rated videos. If you do not wish your
child to watch videos, please note "No Videos" below. Permission forms
will
be sent home if needed.
Please complete the information on this page and turn it in, signed by a
parent or guardian, by _______________.
We have read the information and we understand and agree with the policies
for
this class. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to
call me at my school number (530) 666-2191 ext. 140 or email me at
laura.bocanegra@wjusd.org.
Where can I find a copy of your discipline plan?
In your student's folder (Handout section) As
of right now, detentions are held before, during or after school. There are
also detentions held on Saturdays, from 8:25am-12:25pm.
Special accomodations can be made at least 24 hours in advance. No-show for
detention automatically doubles the time and Sat. Detention will be given on
the second failure to serve.
Or print the following:
Discipline Plan for B-7
Miss Bocanegra's Classroom Rules
1. Be Respectful 3. Be Focused
2. Be Ready 4. Be Accountable
If You Choose to Break a Rule
First Time: Warning. Yellow Card
Second time: Name on Board. Detention or inappropriate
language/behavior form.
Third time: Detention and parent
contacted.
Fourth Time: Detention, notification to counselor,
and student sent to the office or A.L.C.
Severe disruptions: Student sent immediately to office or A.L.C.
Substitute disruptions are an automatic 4
hours
of Sat. School.
For more information about school-wide
consequences, please refer to the Douglass student planner.
If You Earn Rewards
Praise (daily)
Positive Referrals
A+ student board
Accelerated Reader prizes (each grading period)
The joy of learning (each day of the school year)
The best reward is the satisfaction of a job well done!
Remember, there are four rules in the classroom. The rules were discussed,
agreed upon, and signed. So when you CHOOSE to break one of the rules, you
must
accept the consequence!
What is a Book Chat?
AR Book Chats
Students can get AR points for a book that does not have an AR quiz by
taking a Book Chat. Instead of taking a quiz on the computer, a student can
bring me the book and a completed plot chart. I will ask them 10
questions and we will determine the number of points earned together.
How do I know my grade?
Every student has a bright orange grade sheet where they record their
homework, essay, chapter test and AR grade. By simply adding up the points
you have for homework and dividing them by the total homework points, you
can
find out your homework grade. Remember that homework is worth 25% of your
grade, the essay worth 25% of your grade, the chapter test worth 25% of your
grade, the grammar test worth 15% of your grade, and one AR test (the one
you
signed up for) is worth 10% of your grade.
Grades will be posted outside of my classroom and on the web every three
weeks. You can also stop by after school or email me to find out more
specific information.
Note: Any Advanced student not passing the class will be on a probationary 6
week period. If he/she fails to pass again, he/she will be removed from the
class. Any Advanced student who receives a D or F in English during 7th grade
may not be able to continue on to Advanced English 8.
For the grading scale, please see the syllabus.
What can I do to get extra credit?
Extra credit opportunities are offered throughout the year. Every student
can
write an 11 sentence paragraph/ 3 point paragraph using all 10
vocabulary words. Students must turn in any extra credit on Friday with
their
vocabulary packets. Worth 10 points.
In addition, students can make book covers for their AR books. Please see me
for directions. Students can only do one of these each grading period. Worth
10 points.
Each semester, students can earn up to 50 points extra credit. All
extra credit is applied to the process (or "homework") grade.
When do I have a book chat?
N/A