Ms. Walivaara 8th Grade Advanced Language Arts Curriculum Night Welcome! Ms. Walivaara 8th Grade Advanced Language Arts Curriculum Night

About Me B.A. in English from MSU Pursuing Master’s degree in Secondary Education at Oakland University Getting married in 3 weeks…soon to be Mrs. Facca!

Curriculum and Class Activities This class is based on the Common Core State Standards for 8th Grade English Language Arts. Literary Genres Featured: Historical Fiction Science Fiction Realistic Fiction Non-Fiction Writing Process Prewriting, Editing/Revising Strategies Replicate author’s styles Composition Writing leads, conclusions Elaborating Improving fluency and word choice MLA formatting, mechanics, and rhetorical skills

What Makes this Class Advanced? Higher level reading materials Higher expectations for writing assignments Higher level questions & in-depth answers Special emphasis on the reading/writing connection More independent work Projects, presentations

Grading and Homework Grades will be based on a total point system. Points for individual assignments will be based on time commitment and level of difficulty. Written tasks on which students have not shown mastery may be redone and returned. The original and new grade will be averaged. NHI= Present, but did not turn in work I= Incomplete (in progress) EX= Excused

Late Work Late work is not encouraged, but I will accept assignments up to one week after the due date. After the 1st Quarter, late work will be marked down 10% for each day after the due date. If there is a true emergency that prevents a student from completing an assignment on time, please contact me! We can work together to find a solution.

Policies and Rules Students should demonstrate Viking POWER at all times. Honesty and effort will always be rewarded! Cheating is not tolerated and will result in an automatic zero for the assignment and parent contact. Be prepared to participate and learn each day! Bring all materials and homework with to class (passes to lockers for materials may result in a tardy).

Communication Please contact me with any questions, comments, or concerns! Together we can ensure that each student is successful. Check the class site for a current class schedule and links to notes/assignments. www.mswalivaara.weebly.com Reach me through… Email @ awalivaara@rochester.k12.mi.us My classroom phone: (248)726-4900, ext. 4954 I am happy to meet before or after school at your convenience!