Welcome Parents. Open House 2014-2015 Language Arts Department Mrs Welcome Parents! Open House 2014-2015 Language Arts Department Mrs. Heredia Mrs. Patterson Mrs. Steele

Curriculum - Common Core Standards Literary Text Writing Speaking & Listening Language Informational Text WEBSITES: www.ade.az.gov http://www.corestandards.org/

GRADING POLICY Standards-based approach to grading Grade book will consist of fewer grades that help us determine whether or not students have mastered the language arts standards. Categories: AR – 15% Formative assessments (classwork/homework) – 35% Summative assessments – 50%

1st quarter Unit: Who Am I? Curriculum 1st quarter Unit: Who Am I? Literary response Personal Mission Statement Poetry Narrative writing Research Assignment Novel: The Pearl by John Steinbeck Speaking/Listening We will explore the theme through a variety of short stories, poems, non-fiction, art, music, movies, discussions, picture books

Literature Study Groups Novels, short stories/selections, poems Whole group, small groups, individually Novels: The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros The Pearl by John Steinbeck The Diary of Anne Frank Taming of the Shrew by Shakespeare Animal Farm by George Orwell Lord of the Flies by Golding

Accelerated reader (AR) Students: take the STAR test to determine their GE (grade equivalency) and reading range set independent reading goal (point goal) based on GE check out books in their reading range take AR quizzes to earn points worth 15% of overall grade Students will be required to have an independent reading book (AR book at their level) at ALL times!!! They are expected to read at home EVERY night for a minimum of 15-20 minutes! (HONORS should read for 20-30 minutes)

Missed and Late Work What is Academic Enrichment? It is the responsibility of the student to check in with his or her teacher if he or she was absent Late assignments will be accepted with a reduction of 20% What is Academic Enrichment? Requirement for students who are not passing one or more classes. During AE, students will complete missing work, retake tests, and will be retaught to help them be successful. AE is on Mondays through Thursdays from 3:40-4:20. A late bus will be provided for students who take the bus home. AE begins the 3rd week of each quarter and runs until the end of the 8th week. Math and Science teachers will meet with students during AE on Mondays and Wednesdays, Language Arts and Social Studies teachers will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Elective teachers on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. RETAKING TESTS/QUIZZES Our school-wide policy states that students who have failed a test/quiz are given the opportunity to retake the test one time. Students must demonstrate that they have studied and understand the material before retaking a test. If he/she scores better on the retake, they will receive the higher grade.

MATERIALS NEEDED EACH DAY, students must bring: Agenda AR book Pencil/highlighters/pen (blue or black ink) Folder or a section in a 3-ring binder Notebook (Reading Writing Notebook) POSITIVE ATTITUDE!!!!!!

RTP – Responsible Thinking Process If a student is disrupting the class, they are asked a set of questions designed to help them think about their actions If a student chooses to continue disrupting the class, they are making the choice to leave They are given an RTC referral and sent to RTC to complete a behavior plan If a student continuously chooses to go to RTC, parents will be notified and there may be a meeting to address the problem

What is MYP (Middle Years Program) and how is it being implemented in my class? All students on our campus participate in the MYP program in grades 6-8  Encourages international-mindedness in students Focuses on the IB Learner Profile Traits and Community Service Encourages a positive attitude toward learning by challenging students to solve problems, show creativity and resourcefulness and participate actively in their communities Reflects real life by allowing students to see the connections between subjects and how each is applicable to their lives now and in the future Supports the development of communication skills to encourage inquiry, understanding, language acquisition, and to allow student reflection and expression

All teachers on campus us the four Areas of Interaction with their units/curriculum   Community and Service – How do we live in relation to each other? How can I contribute to the community? How can I help others? Human Ingenuity – Why and how do we make new things? What are the positive and negative effects of inventions and creations? Environments – What are our environments? What resources do we have or need? How do we affect our environments and how does it affect us? What are my responsibilities? Health and Social Education – How do we think and act? How do people change? How can I look after myself and others? Approaches to Learning – (This AOI is present in ALL lessons/concepts/units) What strategies do I use to help me learn? How do I show that I understand? How do I learn best? How do I know if I understand

IB Learner Profile Traits What ALL students and teachers strive to be: Inquirer Knowledgeable Thinker Communicator Principled Open-Minded Caring Risk-taker Balanced Reflective

HOW TO REACH us Mrs. Heredia Mrs. Steele 480-883-5366 480-883-5358 heredia.rachel@cusd80.com steele.amy@cusd80.com Mrs. Patterson 480-883-5367 patterson.kristin@cusd80.com Andersen Junior High Website: http://www.cusd80.com/Domain/248

OTHER TAX CREDIT - Please take a form and consider contributing to our school to help support extracurricular activities. APPLES FOR TEACHERS - If you would like to donate an item to the classroom, please take and apple from the library counter and return item with your child. THANKS! INFINITE CAMPUS – Student Portal Grades Don’t forget to register on our website so that you can receive school news!

QUESTIONS???