Mrs. Gault’s Reading Class Welcome!

Welcome to Seventh Grade!  I will introduce you to the Reading course guidelines and expectations.  If you have any questions during my presentation, please raise your hand and wait to be called on.

All About Me  My background  I grew up in Brownsville.  I attended Egly Elementary, Oliveira Jr. High, and Hanna High School.  I attended UT-Austin and UTB.  My experience  I’ve been teaching for 7 years.  I have also taught high school, but middle school is my favorite.

My Family  My husband  Andrew  My children  Matthew – age 8  Joshua – age 4  Michael – age 1 The Gault Family MatthewJoshuaMichael AndrewMe

My Goals  To give you the academic and social skills you need to progress to eighth grade.  To provide a supportive and fun classroom environment.  To help you enjoy reading.

Class Supplies  You will need the following on a daily basis:  Five-Subject Spiral for Vocabulary & Notes  Plastic Folder with pockets  Loose-leaf paper  Black or Blue pens  Library Card

Reading  Checkout Textbook  AR reading & testing  Class Novels  Reading aloud

Writing  Reader’s Response  Library/AR projects  Alphabiography Project

Vocabulary  Bell Ringer- Vocabulary Journal (Do not Socialize!)  Literary Elements  Story/Novel vocabulary

Hall Passes UU nless there is an emergency or you have a medical excuse that has been filed with the school’s nurse, you will only receive 2 passes per six weeks to the restroom, nurse, counselor, office, or any other location. DD o not ask to go anywhere the first fifteen minutes of class or the last five minutes of class!

Absentees  If you know in advance that you will be absent, talk to me to get your assignment before you go.  According to your Student Handbook, you have (1) full day in order to make-up class assignments.  IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT TO CHECK THE ASSIGNMENT LIST AND GET WORK UPON RETURN TO CLASS.  It is the responsibility of the student to copy notes, vocabulary, and warm-ups from another classmate.

Homework  I will assign about 45 minutes of homework every night. This includes 20 minutes of AR reading.  Not doing your homework will negatively affect your grades.

Late Work WW ork is due at the beginning of class, otherwise it is late. LL ate work will be accepted for a penalized grade of a 70 only during the first two weeks of any six weeks grading period. WW ork turned-in after two week grace period will be given a starting grade of 50. WW ARNING: No late work is accepted after 5 th week of any grading period. AA R Testing, Major, or Projects will not be accepted after the due date!

Quizzes  Always pay attention to readings and study vocabulary.  Pop Quizzes may occur.  Study Quizzes for Tests!

Tests  Tests will be announced ahead of time.  Study!  YOU are responsible for coming in to Re-Test on specified days.

Academic Honesty  You must always do your own work!  Do NOT share answers, copy from internet or other sources, or attempt to cheat in any way.  Cheating = a zero. No re-tests or make-ups.

Refusal-to-Work Forms  Choosing not to work:  I always want you to work & will do my best to help you get through an assignment.  However, if you choose to not work, you will be asked to complete a Refusal-to-Work form for my records.  Remember, something is always better than a zero!

Classroom Community  Our classroom is a community. In our community, we have rules to help us get along with each other.  Our class rules are:  Be respectful and responsible.  Be organized and follow directions.  Be on time.  Be prepared.

Class Dismissal  The bell DOES NOT dismiss you, I do!  Before leaving, all materials must be placed in the appropriate location, trash picked up, desk put back, etc.…  Clean-Up!  My DESK & PROPERTY are off limits to you, unless I say otherwise.

Need Help?  Ask Questions during class.  See me during lunch.  Come by after school.  Don’t wait or hesitate, just ask for help!

Let’s Have a Great Year!