Mrs. McCatherine 8th Grade ENGLISH

Hello! I am Mrs. McCatherine English – Room 507 I am here because I love being a teacher, I love to read, and write. There are many types of books to read and many ways to write and we will explore these books and styles of writing this year…together!

Welcome back to school About Me I am a graduate of Tarleton State University I am married to John and have three grown children-Andy, Amanda, and Alex Andy is married and has a wife, Meghan I love to read, to scrapbook and cook… I especially love to try new recipes! I believe that reading and writing is the most important thing you will learn and I hope that you will read and write daily I have a big, fat cat named Ralphie FOR CLASS YOU WILL NEED: A pencil or pen and eraser Glue Scissors Highlighter Red pen (or another color will work) A composition notebook A great book to read A positive, “I can do it” attitude Your beautiful smile

Bell Schedule *Reading and writing are combined for a two period block. 1st Period: 8:00-8:50 2nd Period: 8:54-9:44 *2nd and 3rd Block 8A 3rd Period: 9:48-10:38 4th Period: 10:42-11:18 Prime Time 5th Period: 11:22-12:12 *5th and 6th Block 8B 6th Period: 12:16-1:06 Lunch: 1:10-1:40 7th Period: 1:45-2:35 *7th and 8th Block 8C 8th Period: 2:40-3:30 At times the schedule will change for special events and Early Release

Course Overview and Syllabus 8th Grade English Room 507

Course Description Welcome to 8th grade English. Our goal for the year is to learn to read and think as writers, to look at texts through a writer’s eye. We will be reading and writing poetry, narratives, informational, and argumentative texts. You will have the opportunity to read engaging, thought-provoking texts and novels you won’t want to put down. By examining these exemplary texts, you will build your skills as a writer and be able to communicate your ideas effectively. We will also spend time building your vocabulary and technology skills. Discussion, both speaking and listening, as well as working in collaboration with others will play a large role in class and help to prepare you for the college and career world. I look forward to spending the year learning with you!

homework Homework assignments may include, but are not limited to: Independent reading Drafting, revising, and writing polished pieces of writing Vocabulary activities Responding to reading or writing prompts

You can also split your content White Is the color of milk and fresh snow, the color produced by the combination of all the colors of the visible spectrum. Black Is the color of coal, ebony, and of outer space. It is the darkest color, the result of the absence of or complete absorption of light.

GRADING READING At least nine reading grades per nine weeks WRITING At least nine writing grades per nine weeks TESTS/MAJOR GRADES At least two test grades and one essay grade per nine weeks.

Classroom Expectations Be kind & be respectful.

Be on time and be prepared.

Ask permission to leave your seat NO SLEEPING IN CLASS! Ask permission to leave your seat

Raise your hand to enter discussion

Follow directions the first time they are given.

No food or drinks consumed in the classroom

Cellphones must be OFF AND IN YOUR BACKPACK AT ALL TIMES (SEE SCHOOL POLICY)

All school rules and policies also apply

Communication School Website: www.lisdtx.org Look at teacher websites for classroom news Email: mccatherinem@lisdtx.org Lampasas MS Phone: 512-556-3101

Any questions? You can find me at mccatherinem@lisdtx.org Thanks! Any questions? You can find me at mccatherinem@lisdtx.org

This will be a fantastic year!

SlidesCarnival icons are editable shapes. This means that you can: Resize them without losing quality. Change fill color and opacity. Change line color, width and style. Isn’t that nice? :) Examples: