APRENDE 8th Grade Language Arts 2019-2020 Mrs. Coombs

My Education Graduated summa cum laude from Arizona State with a BA in English literature Received M.Ed in secondary education from ASU Certified for secondary education (grades 6-12) Endorsed in middle school language arts and high school English Hold provisional gifted endorsement with completion of full endorsement in May 2020

Teaching Experience This is my 6th year at Aprende Middle School and my 7th year in the Kyrene District I was an inaugural recipient of Kyrene’s “Top 25” teacher award Previously, I have taught: 6th grade language arts at KMS and Aprende 11th and 12th grade English at Desert Vista High School 7th and 8th grade humanities at Liberty Arts Academy

Buy extras now while they’re on sale! Supply List Notebook (no perforated pages) Highlighters: blue, pink, yellow, green (no substitutions) 1 pad of Post It notes 1 pack of index cards Any color grading pen (except black) Pencils and erasers (if mechanical, purchase extra lead; if traditional, purchase hand held pencil sharpener) Loose leaf paper (can donate to classroom supply instead of carrying around) 3-prong folder with pockets (for myPerspectives units)

Suggested Donations Post It Notes Paper (lined or printer paper) Pencils. Lots and lots of pencils! Highlighters Index Cards Kleenex

Reading Four thematic units that include various reading selections such as short stories, informational text, poetry, novels, and more: Human Intelligence The Holocaust Persuasion Rites of Passage

Unit 1: Human Intelligence Real World Connections: Neurology, Education Essential Questions: In what different ways can people be intelligent? How do we perceive the world differently? How do we learn, and what affects our learning? Anchor Text: Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes Applied Writing: RACE responses

Unit 2: The Holocaust Real World Connections: Law, Problem-Based Learning (Medical School Model) Essential Questions: What are the consequences of war, and how do these vary based on an individual and cultural perspective? Anchor Text: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak Applied writing: Closing argument for mock trial

Unit 3: Persuasion Real World Connections: Marketing Essential Questions: How can language empower and/or manipulate us? In what ways are language and power inseparable? Anchor Text: Animal Farm by George Orwell Applied Writing: Marketing campaign proposals, ads, and analysis

Unit 4: Rites of Passage Real World Connections: Sociology, Psychology Essential Questions: Who am I? What makes up my identity? Anchor Text: House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros Applied Writing: Personal narrative in the form of vignettes

Writing Narrative, argumentative, and explanatory pieces Strong focus on refining all the essay skills students have learned in middle school thus far: Incorporating and explaining textual information Analyzing arguments and crafting counter- arguments Organizing information Proper MLA format

Language Vocabulary: Determine the meaning of an unknown word using context clues and Greek and Latin roots. Grammar: Dissecting sentences in writing in order to analyze verbals, verb mood, as well as active and passive voice.

Speaking and Listening One-on-one, group, and teacher-led discussions in the form of Philosophical Chairs, Socratic Seminars, and other AVID strategies Presentations of work, including visual displays and/or multimedia components Interpretation of speeches and multimedia presentations Adaptation of speech appropriate to context

GATE: What to Expect Courses are taught by a content specialist (GATE teacher) Updated curriculum guides for all GATE courses Address challenge, complexity, choice and control Provide extension and enrichment Consistency across schools and teachers Syllabus for each course (will go home next week) Learning compacts are in place for participation in GATE courses to ensure courses are rigorous

GATE: Criteria for Placement Initial placement of students includes consideration of: Identification in one or more areas of giftedness Multiple measures of high ability (e.g., AzMERIT proficiency, classroom grades, teacher recommendation) Full criteria available at https://www.kyrene.org/AdvPlacement

Text Reminders Sign up for language arts text reminders! If your child is in... 1st Period GATE ELA: text @8coombs1 to 81010 2nd Period GATE ELA: text @8coombs2 to 81010 3rd Period GATE ELA: text @8coombs3 to 81010 4th Period GATE ELA: text @8coombs4 to 81010 5th Period GATE ELA: text @8coombs5 to 81010

Potential Expenses for 8th Grade Yearbook The cost of a standard yearbook is about $30 Baby Ad is available for $25 8th Grade Promotion Dance The fee for this dance ranges from $5 to $10 Big Surf Field trip the last week of school Fee is $20 (includes lunch)

Potential Expenses for 8th Grade Disneyland Trip For performing arts students in early February Explo teachers will provide more information Sports Fees range from $100 to $150 depending on the sport, and they are due when your student makes the team.

Potential Expenses for 8th Grade Mini Town Leadership training camp held in Prescott in February Application to attend typically opens in November Fee of $200 (due in January) Living History Trip Mr. Furman will provide more information Takes place second quarter Fee of $300 and will be due two weeks prior to the trip

Meet and Greet Breakfast The Aprende PTSO will be sponsoring a meet- and-greet breakfast for all 8th grade parents on: Wednesday, August 21st 7:45 am to 8:25 am Please join us for a continental breakfast and a chance to socialize with other eighth grade parents!

Questions? Please email me at scoombs@kyrene.org with any questions you may have that we didn’t get a chance to answer tonight! Please include: Your name AND your student’s name Your question(s)