Welcome Parents. Open House 2017-2018 8th GRADE Language Arts Mrs Welcome Parents! Open House 2017-2018 8th GRADE Language Arts Mrs. STeele

GRADING POLICY Standards-based approach to grading Categories: Accelerated Reading and Homework – 10% Classwork (work completed in class or practice) – 30% Assessments (essays, tests, quizzes) – 60%

Curriculum 1st Quarter Unit: Who Am I? Identity. Classroom Centers PQP Poetry Literary Response writting Narrative writing (honors) Novel (honors): The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros Speaking/Listening We will explore the theme through a variety of short stories, poems, non-fiction, art, music, films, and discussions.

Literature Novels, short stories/selections, poems Whole group, small groups, individually Novels for general classes include: The Pearl by Steinbeck Nothing but the Truth by Avi Honors will include: The House on Mango Street by Cisneros Lord of the Flies by Golding Animal Farm by Orwell Taming of the Shrew by Shakespeare

Accelerated reader (AR) Students: take the STAR test to determine their GE (grade equivalency) and reading range set independent reading goal (point goal) based on GE check out books in their reading range take AR quizzes to earn points Home work assignments will accompany reading worth 10% of overall grade Students will be required to have an independent reading book (AR book at their level) at ALL times!!! They are expected to read at home EVERY night for a minimum of 15-20 minutes!

Missed and Late Work RETAKING TESTS/QUIZZES It is the responsibility of the student to see me if they were absent Late assignments will be accepted with a reduction of 20% After 10 days, late work will be accepted for no more than half credit Missing class assignments can be done before or after school if the student requires assistance. RETAKING TESTS/QUIZZES Our school-wide policy states that students who have failed a test/quiz are given the opportunity to retake the test one time. Students must demonstrate that they have studied and understand the material before retaking a test. If he/she scores better on the retake, they will receive the higher grade.

MATERIALS NEEDED EACH DAY, students must bring: Agenda AR book Pencil/highlighters/pen (blue and black ink) Folder or binder for ELA Notebook-Spiral or Composition for ELA *Scissors *Glue or glue stick

RTP – Responsible Thinking Process If a student is disrupting the class, they are asked a set of questions designed to help them think about their actions If a student chooses to continue disrupting the class, they are making the choice to leave They are given an RTC referral and sent to RTC to complete a behavior plan If a student continuously chooses to go to RTC, parents will be notified and there may be a meeting to address the problem

HOW TO REACH me Mrs. Amy Welch 480-883-5361 welch.amy@cusd80.com

OTHER TAX CREDIT - Please take a form and consider contributing to our school to help support extracurricular activities. APPLES FOR TEACHERS - If you would like to donate an item to the classroom, please take and apple from the door and return item with your child. THANKS! INFINITE CAMPUS – Students have passwords! PTA- Parent Teacher Association *Don’t forget to register on our website so that you can receive school news!

QUESTIONS???