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Language Arts - Ms. Panagakos (that’s Pan-ah-gay-cuss)
or Miss P.
Language Arts overview and Expectations 2007-2008
Welcome!
I am really looking forward to a great year of learning, growing, sharing and fun, but,
as we all know, no classroom can function without some rules and codes of behavior. Keep in
mind that this is your class as well as mine, and you can help set the tone by being
enthusiastic, positive and willing to challenge yourself by taking risks. It is important to me
that everyone in this classroom feels respected, challenged, safe and able to be his or her
self. Just think, if we all thought the same way, the world would be a very boring place.
Language Arts consists of reading, writing, class participation, presentations, vocabulary and
grammar – your grade will be an average of all of these areas.
READING EXPECTATIONS –
• To read one to two novels per thematic unit – 15 to 20 pages 5 nights per week
• To pick novels that interest and challenge you
• To challenge your reading ability
o Book projects and evaluations will generally be due at the conclusion of the unit.
Dates will usually be assigned at the onset of the unit.
WRITING EXPECTATIONS
• To write formal and informal pieces of various genres
• To follow the writing process from rough to final draft form (when required)
• To make a sincere effort to improve your writing through revision
• To edit final drafts carefully for grammar and spelling errors
• To meet writing deadlines
o Students will receive rubrics and assessment list with specific assignment expectations
and time lines
GRAMMAR
• We will use Glencoe’s Writer’s Choice as our resource to gain mastery of basic skills
• We will have regular lessons in grammar usage and I will assign homework at least three
nights per week
• Quizzes will be given after every third or forth lesson and a unit test will be given at
the end of each unit
VOCABULARY
• Each student will receive a workbook called Vocabulary from Classical Roots.
• You will be given weekly or bi-weekly assignments in this vocabulary program.
• After two lessons you will be given a test.
GENERAL CLASSROOM RULES AND EXPECTATIONS
• Respect! Respect! Respect!
• Be positive- your attitude will affect your grade as well as the tone of the classroom.
• Foul language and putdowns will result in an immediate detention.
• Other infractions- one warning, then a detention
INCIDENTALS
• Bathroom request must be made at the beginning or end of class or during independent
work time or breaks. (Do not interrupt class to ask to go to the bathroom!)
• Reading and silent writing times must be absolutely silent.
• Come prepared for class- that means have a pen, pencil, assignment book, highlighter, LA
binder, novel, homework, and textbooks. (You may not be permitted to leave class to retrieve
these items and may have to make up work missed as a result).
DISCUSSION POLICY
• Raise your hand.
• Don’t interrupt.
• Listen and respect other’s opinions (you might just change your mind about yours).
• Most importantly take risks (you might be surprised at how many people feel the same way
you do).
- Because it is impossible to accomplish everything we need to do in the classroom, homework is
a necessary evil. Not only is homework crucial to your growth in language arts, it is also
crucial to your grade. Just one or two homework zeros can really effect your grade. Take heed.
HOMEWORK POLICY – 7TH GRADE STANDARDS APPLY
• Homework is due at the beginning of class on the date assigned.
• Late homework will count as ˝ credit if turned in within 24 hours. If it is not turned
in you will receive a zero.
• Missed homework may result in a “Missing Homework” form sent home to be signed by parents
• Long term projects (book reports, teacher edits and final drafts, projects etc.) will
lose a letter grade for every day it is late beyond the due date.
• Put your name on all your work and be as neat as possible.
• If you are absent the day an assignment is due, it is due upon your return to school.
Students must check with teacher for missed work and workable deadlines.
• (Under extenuating circumstances, extensions may be granted. This will necessitate a
signed note from your parents.)
EXTRA HELP
I am available for extra help after school and/or during study halls. Please see me to if you
need extra help so we can arrange a time that works for both of us. Please make arrangements at
least a day in advance if you plan on staying after school with me for extra help. Also, you
may email me at school if you have a question regarding homework over the weekend, during
vacation or if you are home sick. Please email assignments you cannot print out at home. I
will not accept notes from home stating – the printer ran out of ink.
(apanagakos@msad71.net)
*You can also find my teacher web page for assignments and due dates on teacherweb.com
Finally, I am looking forward to getting to know each of you better as the school year
progresses. Please know that I am here for you and welcome after school visits for extra help
or just to chat.
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