Ms. Malina 7th Grade Welcome Parents! English Language Arts While you wait, try to solve these puzzles.  1. 2. 3. Answers 1. All for one & one for all 3. A walk around the block 3. Look before you leap 4. Paradise 5. Broken promise 6. A friend in need 7. Travel overseas 8. Up for grabs 9. Jack in the box 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Ms. Malina 7th Grade Welcome Parents! English Language Arts

About the Teacher Went to The University of Arizona Graduated with a Bachelor’s in Secondary Education and a minor in Psychology Love staying active. Played softball at U of A and then played semi-professionally in Sweden Earned a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University Have been teaching for ten years

Attitude and Effort

Curriculum Pearson textbook (consumable) Four major units 1st Quarter: Unit 5 “Facing Adversity” 2nd Quarter: Unit 2 “Space” 3rd Quarter: Unit 3 “Turning Points” 4th Quarter: Unit 4 “People and the Planet”

Curriculum There will be four novel studies throughout the year. 1st Quarter: A Long Walk to Water 2nd Quarter: Robot Dreams 3rd Quarter: The Outsiders 4th Quarter: Hatchet

Curriculum Each unit will include one essay 1st Quarter: Expository Essay 2nd Quarter: Argumentative Essay 3rd Quarter: Explanatory Essay 4th Quarter: Argumentative Essay *Each quarter will end with an essay worth 100 points*

We use computers to draft, revise, peer revise, and publish! Technology in the classroom Notice the students busy using 1:1 technology. Notice the self-directed learning. Notice the great lighting and silent work environment.

*Reading is so important!* Curriculum *Reading is so important!* Students will go to the library every other Wednesday for 10 minutes to get an outside reading book. This book must be brought to class every day. Every day students will quietly walk in and begin reading their outside reading book. Students will read for ten minutes and then be asked to complete bell work pertaining to their book and the 7th grade standards. If students do not have an outside reading book, they cannot complete bell work, and therefore it will affect their grade. Books will need to be returned to the library a month later, so please encourage your student to read at least ten minutes every night so they can finish the book before having to return it.

Grading Scale 100% - 90% = A 89% - 80% = B 79% - 70% = C 69% - 60% = D 59% - 50% = F Tests/Quizzes/Essays comprise 80% of the grade; Classwork/Homework comprise 20% of the grade.

Grading Zeros are not given. The lowest grade that can be received is a 50%. If you see a 50% for a grade, the student failed the assignment. If you see a 50% and “missing” next to the assignment, the student failed the assignment because the student did not turn it in.

Attendance & Assignments If a student is absent, it is his/her responsibility to make up missing work. Please check my website (under agenda) to see what we are doing in class each week. Anytime there is confusion about an assignment, please email me. Please do not request homework ahead of time. I update my website agenda a week in advance, so please check it if you know you will be missing class. Anything more than a week out, you will have to wait because my lessons are geared towards the needs of students and I would not be doing my job if I was not constantly adapting my plans.

Homework Philosophy Homework is never assigned as busy work. If students use their time wisely, they should not have a lot of homework in this class. If there is homework, I always have the students at least start it in class so I can make sure they understand the directions and the expectation. Not taking advantage of class time = more homework Homework will be assigned Monday-Thursday (never Friday). If students are done with the assigned homework, they can always read their outside reading book.

Extra Credit Some assignments can be redone for a better grade. Tests cannot be redone, so please study! If there aren’t any assignments that can be redone, more credit can be awarded through additional reading/writing assignments.

Tutoring Tutoring is for students with a C or lower. This will be scheduled by me via email. Please check grades on a regular basis. *It is possible that I ask a student to come to tutoring if I feel they are really struggling with a specific concept, even though they do not have a C or lower in the class. Please continue to check your email.*

Every Student is Unique

Expectations What you can expect from the ME: Updated website agenda will be updated every week The commitment to reply to parent contact via email within one business day Grades posted online through ParentVue in a timely manner To have your child’s best interest in mind

Expectations What I expect from your student: A positive attitude and willingness to participate in all lessons/assignments 100% effort all the time To always show respect for the teacher, students, classroom, and supplies Communication regarding anything and everything

Expectations What your student and I expect from YOU: The commitment to check your student’s grade on ParentVue on a regular basis The commitment to check the teacher’s website on a regular basis The understanding that I will do the best I can to make your child feel comfortable, safe, respected, and valued, while learning and having fun.

AVID Binder Supply List Talking Points: Being Organized is a WICOR strategies and one of the biggest keys to student success. Students MUST have an organized binder with the appropriate supplies, every day for every class.

AVID Binder Supply List BINDER ORGANIZATION Zipper Pouch with proper supplies at all times School Agenda Loose Leaf Paper Spiral notebook(s) if they are required for whatever classes. Dividers: Each section labeled according to the student’s schedule, i.e. 1st pd, 2nd pd… with the labels for each class: ELA, Math, Science, Soc. St., and both Electives Each Section Organized A. Labeled Divider B. Notes/Handouts C. Assessments Students must have their APR AVID agenda at ALL times. If it is lost or severely damaged it will cost $5 to replace. Talking Points: Being Organized is a WICOR strategies and one of the biggest keys to student success. Students MUST have an organized binder with the appropriate supplies, every day for every class.

Donations Post-its Pencils Young adult books Paper Tissues 3” binders Highlighters Folders with prongs

Questions?

Thanks so much for attending! jmalina@kyrene.org 480-541-6320