English 7

Disclosure

Teacher: Ms. Janiece Barton

Evergreen Junior High

2009-2010

Objectives

Students will be learning new skills while reinforcing skills previously learned.  Students in this class will explore different literary genres, expand their vocabulary and writing skills, including essay and creative writing, improve their reading skills, and improve their skills in public speaking. 

• Students will enjoy Reading, Writing, and exploring new ideas in literature.
• Students will improve their reading and writing skills
• Students will strengthen their higher order thinking skills.
• Students will improve their reading comprehension and develop a lifelong love of reading.
• Students will learn essential and foundational vocabulary necessary for reading and writing in English. 
• Students will improve their recreational, functional and academic writing skills..

• Students will pass their English Language Assessments with increased proficiency.
• Students will be able to transfer what they learn in English to their other content areas such as Science, Math, and Social Studies.

Required Materials (must be brought to class each day)

• Lined paper (Must have a clean edge – no paper torn from notebooks unless it is perforated)
• Pen (blue or black only) or pencil
• School planner

Optional Materials

• Colored pencils or crayons

Classroom Expectations

1. Respect for all people, including themselves, possessions and the classroom.
2. Be ready to learn when the tardy bell rings.  This means the student must be in their seat with their supplies.
3. Participate and allow those around you to learn.
4. Be prepared with homework and supplies.  Failure to bring supplies will also affect citizenship grade.  A student cannot fully participate in class if they do not have their supplies.
5. All personal electronic devices (cell phones, iPods, etc.) are not to be in class.  If I see them, they will be confiscated and turned in to the office.
6. Stay positive and have fun.

Hall Passes

I do not like the use of the hall pass except in emergency situations.  It is disruptive to the class.  If there is a medical necessity for the use of the hall pass, please provide me with written notification.

Citizenship

Student citizenship grades will depend on behavior in class, participation in discussion and class activities, and adherence to the rules and expectations in class.  More serious disruptive behavior (profanity, violence, cheating, etc.) will be dealt with according to school policy.  Tardies will also affect the citizenship grade according to school policy.

DEAR policy

I require students to fill out a daily log of what they read during DEAR time.  This will be counted as an assignment twice each term (midterm and final).

Grading

Student academic grades will be based on:

• Active participation in class
• Bell ringers (questions given at the beginning of class)
• Homework and in-class assignments
• Tests and Quizzes

Grading scale

93-100 = A                          80-82 = B-                                 67-69 = D+

90-92 = A-                          77-79 = C+                                63-66 = D

87-89 = B+                          73-76 = C                                  55-62 = D-

83-86 = B                            70-72 = C-                                0-54 = F

Make-up Work

It is the student’s responsibility to find out what was covered in class the day of an absence.  Students will be given 5 school days from the date they return to school to make up any work they may have missed.  For example, if the student returns on a Monday after being absent, they will have until the following Monday to hand in the missed work.  If the absence has been lengthy, an extension may be given on a case-by-case basis.  If the student knows they will be gone, it is good practice to ask me for any work that will be covered while they are gone.  If there are individual circumstances that need to be taken in to consideration, that will be handled on an individual basis.

Late Work

All assignments must be completed and turned in on time for full credit.  An assignment that is handed in one day late will receive 75% credit.  An assignment handed in two days late will receive 50% credit.  An assignment handed in three days late will receive 25% credit.  Assignments will not be accepted after the third day.  Any assignment handed in at this point will receive a “zero.”  If a student is absent the day an assignment is due, but was present when the assignment was given, he/she will be expected to hand in the assignment the first day he/she is back in school for full credit.

Extra Credit

I do not allow extra credit.  I expect students to complete work assigned to them at the time it is assigned.  Students should not ask me what they you can do for extra credit.  The answer will be “nothing.”  I do provide opportunities for students to earn extra credit throughout the year.

Movies in Class

IF I show any films, they will typically be “G” rated.  Any other films will be given prior notice to parents for permission.  Students will complete a worksheet or activity in relationship to the film.   There will also be discussion before, during, and after the movie.  I do not show films very often.

Web Page

I maintain a web page.  It is accessible through the school’s home page under “Faculty.”  Through my web page, I will keep parents and students up-to-date on assignments, projects, test dates, and any other information pertaining to that class that is necessary.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.  My consultation times are 1st period on A-Day and 8^th period on B-days. If you need to see me before school, please contact me.  Thank you.  I look forward to a fun and exciting year.  My email address is jbarton@graniteschools.org.