Welcome To 7th Grade Language Arts Springton Lake Middle School Mrs. Tracey Fritch

Who Am I? Currently in my 24th year of teaching, including 19 in the RTM elementary buildings and 3 at Springton Lake Mom of two middle schoolers

My Education Undergraduate: The Catholic University of America – English Graduate: Teachers College, Columbia U., MA & Certification West Chester University, M.Ed – Reading Specialist Certifications: Middle Level English (6-9); Reading Specialist (K-12); Elementary (K-6); and Wilson Reading System

Scope of Language Arts Curriculum LITERATURE: This course develops the seventh grade student’s literacy skills through a reading workshop model. The workshop model incorporates mini lessons and conferring as a means of instruction to improve student learning. Students read a variety of novels, short stories, and poetry that align with their study of the elements of literature (plot, character, conflict, theme, and setting).

Scope Continued WRITING: Writing instruction in this course uses the writing workshop model – with a focus on writing narratives and fan fiction/ companion books Students also write poetry and text-dependent analysis essays throughout the year.

Grammar, Speaking, and Listening Practice Throughout Units of Study September / October Launch Reading Workshop Author Study/Analytical Reading Text Dependent Analysis Essays November / December Writing Narratives – Contemporary Realistic Fiction January / February Dystopian Book Clubs March Reading and Writing Poetry April All Class Novel Study – Historical Fiction Week of April 9: LA PSSA Testing Week of April 16: Math PSSA Testing   May / June Writing Fan Fiction & Companion Books Grammar, Speaking, and Listening Practice Throughout

Required MATERIALs Library card Charged Chromebook Pens and pencils, colored pencils Post-its Marble notebook Assignment book – hall pass Independent reading novel at all times 2 two-pocket folders (one for classroom, one for binder) Donate: disinfecting wipes and tissues (please!)

POLICIES Home Expectations: Students must read a minimum of 30 minutes per weeknight and 60 minutes over the weekend. This can be flexibly moved across days of the week as needed, as log as students are reading regularly Finished Book Logs in Biblionasium (similar to Goodreads –allows for recommendations, too) Additional work and practice outside of the school day may be required as part of the teaching and learning process.

From Sally Shaywitz’s Overcoming Dyslexia * 07/16/96 Keeping Our Kids Reading Words they’re exposed to per year From Sally Shaywitz’s Overcoming Dyslexia *

Policies Continued Make-up work: Students are responsible for making up all work missed due to absence. Students have two days for each day of absence to make up assignments. If a student is absent on a quiz or test day, he/she should plan to take the assessment upon his/her return to school.

Policies Continued Assessment: Grades are based on total points (#points earned/total possible points). Students will be assessed using a variety of methods, including classwork, quizzes, tests, and written assignments.

Policies Continued Home Access Center (HAC): Grades will typically be posted no later than two weeks after the assignment is collected. If a student has a “Z,” this assignment is missing, and has been calculated into the average as a zero. Retests are available for quizzes, and re-dos of assignments are available under certain conditions.

HAC Continued Please contact Mrs. Trish Kelly at tkelly@rtmsd.org if you do not know your HAC login information.

Communication Email: tfritch@rtmsd.org Phone/Voicemail: (610) 627-6704 Website: Access through SLMS site on the RTMSD website; assignments will typically be communicated through the Schoology website

Thank you to all families who have sent in their supplies Thank you to all families who have sent in their supplies. SPIRIT WEAR TOMORROW!

Items Due Tomorrow: Agreement Signature Page Handbook Signature Page School Supplies Summer Reading Graphic Organizer