 Welcome Parents! Thank you for coming this evening! Language Arts – Chrissy Romano Open House

 Welcome Parents! Thank you for coming this evening! Language Arts – Chrissy Romano/Monique Andrews Open House

 Agenda for the day (on the board when students arrive)  Stop, Drop, and Copy- homework is given- they must write the assignments in their agenda daily!- Please check this at home (Blog is a back up)  Standards have changed this year-  Called Common Core  47 States have adopted them- very rigorous Language Arts Class

  Reading (35%) – first standard Emphasis on text complexity and analysis of reading/ using evidence to support answers Fifty-percent nonfiction My Thirteenth Winter - memoir October 13- Stargirl - By Jerry Spinelli (please look at supply list for rest of books needed for the year) Each marking period- Two Independent Reading books- one free choice, one assigned genre. Project will be done in class to avoid plagiarism. First book is a biography due, Monday, September 17 th. Students must be reading at home nightly. Language Arts

 Writing(35%) – second standard More writing, more often. Shorter assignments- but constant rotation of narrative, expository, and argumentative writing Quick Writes - Students are graded on effort. If I ask them to write for five minutes, or write a paragraph, they must produce. Language Arts

 Language(20%)- Third Standard This is primarily grammar and vocabulary and spelling. We are approaching grammar this year more through their writing and application. Our first lessons have been using participial phrases at the beginning of their sentences to vary the structure of their sentences. As we teach spelling and vocab, we expect them to use the words on their writing correctly. Language Arts

 Listening and Viewing (10%)- Fourth Standard This involves not only following directions, oral presentations, but learning how to come to class prepared to participate in discussions with prepared questions and responses. It may involve watching a video clip and responding, based on a concept that had been taught in class. It also involves checking the blog. Language Arts

 Importance  Progress in behaviors this year will help prepare for High School  Progress in classes will help the students’ placement in classes for High School (Completed in February)  Check your child’s behavior card The Key to Success  Teamwork- Parents can help us help the students Eighth Grade- the Year of Responsibility

 Parent Support  Encourage students to study nightly- Notes from that day’s class  Write Assignments in Agenda/ Check blogs  Study Time Recommendation in 8 th grades minutes a night Online Resources- Books/USA Test Prep (All classes- Approx min. a night for subjects that need strengthening)  Cornell Notes  Organize binders  Turn in work on time- NO Late homework accepted  Review Pinnacle (Parent access available in PDR Room)  Communication (Teachers, Guidance counselor- Kristin Bendig, Assistant Principal- Dr. Ansley Daniel) Eighth Grade- the Year of Responsibility

 Year of Responsibility USA Test Prep  School ID: mccluremsga  Username: student ID number  Password: student ID number Behavior Card/Expexctations Behavior card in agenda- Review frequently ACTS card- Expectations Maverick money- Positive reward Homeroom Absences  Notes- Student’s Responsibility  Attendance- Learner’s License (10 Unexcused=No learner’s permit)  Parents can review absence info on Pinnacle Bus notes  Busses crowded- Changes must be approved Prepare for day Turn in make-up work Use resources in Media Center Study

  Homework is given every night. Should be reading nightly minutes.  Doesn’t like reading? Try book tapes with book in front of them. Try reading the book with them and discuss. Read the newspaper or periodical and discuss articles- make it fun. Find out their opinion.  Check Pinnacle! Students should be checking pinnacle and ing me or talking to me. Students should begin to takeover grade management. It is their responsibility.  Z= on a grade means they need to turn it in.  0= means a zero Language Arts Class

 Notebook organized into 5 Sections Literature Mini- lessons Vocabulary/Spelling Grammar Poetry All papers I give them are hole-punched. Should be filed in correct sections. Notebooks do receive a grade- check to see if they are organized. You can help! Language Arts

 Language Arts Class  Thank you again for coming!