Eighth Grade READING Syllabus Deb Pritchard-Instructor (Room-HS 301) deb.pritchard@wintersisd.org 325.754.5516 EXT. 3115 (W) 325.754.5243 (H) 325.977.0540 (C) Conference: 8-8:45 AM & 3-3:45 PM, After School, OR by Appointment SUCCESS NOW! Failure is NOT an option! The purpose and goals for Seventh Grade READING are to further develop the five strands introduced to students in elementary & middle school: Primarily Reading, where students read and understand a wide variety of literary and informational texts; but also, Writing, where students compose a variety of written texts with a clear controlling idea, coherent organization, and sufficient detail; Research, where students are expected to know how to locate a range of relevant sources and evaluate, synthesize, and present ideas and information; Listening and Speaking, where students listen and respond to the ideas of others while contributing their own ideas in conversations and in groups; and Oral and Written Conventions, where students learn how to use the oral and written conventions of the English language in speaking and writing. Winters Junior High Consequences Verbal Warning Detention Parent Conference Office Referral Classroom Rules Be prompt Be prepared Be respectful Grading Policy 60% Daily Work (Homework, Classwork, Quizzes, Journaling) 40% Assessments (Exams, Projects, Essays, Speeches/Presentations) Minimum six weeks grades: 10 daily work; 3 exams If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you. Cell Phones Students are asked to keep cell phones turned off and out of sight. They are not allowed to be used or seen during the passing periods and only with teacher permission in the classroom. If students do not follow OR abuse the cellphone policy I will confiscate the phone and turn it into the office. Students may repossess phones at the WSS Office by paying $15 at the end of the school day. Make-Up Work & Retakes For any class missed, the teacher may assign the student make-up work based on the instructional objectives for the subject or course and the needs of the individual student in mastering the essential knowledge and skills or in meeting subject or course requirements. A student will be responsible for obtaining and completing the makeup work for absences. Please refer to the Student Handbook for complete guidelines. A student is encouraged to speak with his or her teacher if the student knows of an absence ahead of time, including absences for extra-curricular activities, so that the teacher and student may plan any work that can be completed before or shortly after the absence. Please remember the importance of student attendance at school and that, even though absences may be excused or unexcused, all absences account for the 90 percent threshold in regards to the state laws surrounding “attendance for credit or final grade.” Retake policy will be in accordance with that listed in the Student Handbook. Attendance & Tardies Attendance is mandatory-if you’re not in school you’re not learning! Please bring a doctor’s excuse or parents’ note to the attendance clerk when you are absent for an excused absence. The Winters Secondary Tardy Policy is as follows: Door closes when the last bell rings. If you are late, I will count you TARDY. Ask me to use the restroom before class starts. You MUST have a hall pass. Refer to the Student Handbook for the complete WSS Tardy Policy. I will be meeting students at the HS door nearest the JH, to bring to my class each day. You MUST be quiet in the hall. Horseplay will NOT be tolerated and result in consequences. Fidget Spinners are NOT allowed in school. They will be confiscated and returned at the end of the school year. EIGHTH GRADERS: will take the STAAR Reading test in the spring; therefore, we will focus our time on reading, but incorporate writing practice within some literature studies. This class experienced tremendous growth and progress on the 2017 state assessments. We look forward to a very promising school year filled with much SUCCESS. Academic Integrity I hold my students to the highest standards and have no tolerance for cheating or lying. The consequences for such behavior & actions will be in accordance with the Student Code Of Conduct. Student Code of Conduct: Students are responsible for knowing and abiding by ALL school rules. Please refer to the Student Handbook.