7A Homeroom/Junior High Language Arts Mr. Alex Gallant Curriculum night 2017 7A Homeroom/Junior High Language Arts Mr. Alex Gallant

About the teacher – Mr. Alex gallant Born and raised in the Puget Sound area Attended Eastside Catholic High School Undergraduate: Arizona State University Graduate: Northwest University Extracurricular interests: Baseball, Coaching, Journalism/Broadcasting, Speech Team Second year at St. Louise (yes, they are having me back for more)

7th grade texts Elements of Literature/First Course, Holt, Rinehart and Winston Beowulf by Robert Nye The Giver by Lois Lowry The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain Various texts/handouts in class Short Stories, Poems, Speeches, etc. See syllabus for full information (handed to students this Thursday and to be returned by next Monday with signature)

8th grade texts Elements of Literature/Second Course, Holt, Rinehart and Winston The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Various texts/handouts in class Short Stories, Speeches, News Articles, Academic Articles, etc. See syllabus for full information (handed to students either this Friday or next Monday and then to be returned with signature)

Additional Reading in Language Arts Short Stories Poetry Speeches Multimedia/Digital Elements Real-World Relatability

Writing Activities 7th Grade 8th Grade Journal Entries Journal Entries Free Writes In-Class Assignments Worksheets Short Answer Essays Exams 8th Grade Journal Entries Free Writes In-Class Assignments Worksheets Short Answer Essays Exams MLA Formatted Research Paper

Microsoft Teams New to the Junior High this year Cloud-based platform where students can work on certain assignments and projects in an individual or collaborative environment via their class “team” “7th Grade Language Arts Period 1” or “8th Grade Language Arts Period 4” are two examples of “teams” this year Can submit certain assignments digitally through Microsoft Teams straight to my inbox for grading Saves paper, eliminates some potential “printer issues”, can be submitted anywhere/anytime Implemented immediately in 8th grade (next week) and soon thereafter in 7th grade (sometime late September or early October)

Speaking Activities Presentations (often with a partner or in groups) Poetry Recitations (7th Grade) Shakespeare Soliloquy or Monologue (8th Grade) Daily Participation In-Class Discussions Socratic Seminars Group Participation

Vocabulary/Grammar/Greek & Latin Roots Periodic Quizzes covering an assigned vocabulary, grammar, and/or roots list Will take place at least every other week Practice earlier in the week in-class Not meant to trick students, but rather, build language base Lists will be available on Skyward and Microsoft Teams

Grading Essays/Formal Writing Assignments 30% Classwork/Homework 20% Tests/Projects 20% Quizzes 15% Participation/Writing Journals 15% See syllabus for full information Students and parents check Skyward often. Students also check Microsoft Teams often when up and running.

Communication Email: alexg@stlouiseschool.org Phone: (425) 746-4220 ext. 5428 Email is the preferred option Phone not set up to receive calls during school hours For emergencies/urgent information contact the main office and a message will be relayed Contact information on website as well as syllabus

Advocates for Own learning Always encourage students to be advocates for their own learning Two-Way Communication Communicate with me regarding any questions/comments Willing to be flexible if communication element is present

Late Work/Absent Policy Half-credit if turned in no later than 2 school days after original, scheduled due date Extenuating circumstances can always be discussed If absent, please check-in the morning upon returning to school Prearrange absences if possible. Yes, sick days will inevitably happen at last moment. Email all junior high teachers when your child will be absent. Planned Absence Form Used for prearranged absences. Students go to each class to receive homework to be completed and turned in on the day they return from absence. Parent signature required

HOMEROOM INFO 10 minutes every morning Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences in November Field Trip Driver Forms Allergy Information Graduation Breakfast (planned by 7th Grade) Rice Bowl (planned by 7th Grade) Ash Wednesday Soup Lunch (planned by 7th Grade)

Cell Phone and Electronic Devices Policy In-effect for Grades 6-8 this year Stored in classroom pockets for duration of school day Piloted last year in both 7th grade homerooms Students will receive forms for family review and signatures tomorrow during Junior High Meetings

QUESTIONS?????????