September 12, 2013

Self-Advocacy and Communication  Self-advocacy is an invaluable life skill! “Life tends to be much more satisfying for individuals who have a sense of themselves as independent and autonomous. A lack of self-advocacy skills may lead to feelings of dependence and insufficiency” -Henry Reiff PhD. Please communicate with us and encourage your child to do so as well.  As we are getting to know the kids we need as much input as possible! We are learning a lot of new names, faces, personalities and learning styles so please let us know if there is anything we can do help make school a positive learning environment.

Teacher Contact Information We believe that communication between school and home is the key to a successful school year. The following are the best ways to contact us throughout the school year. Teacher Mrs. Mrs. Ms. Mr. Mrs.

HOMEWORK WEBSITES  An additional place we “communicate” with students and parents on a daily basis is our homework websites. We post daily homework as well as test and quiz reminders on our websites.  This year you will have access to our website through the district webpage by doing the following: 1. visit 2. click on District scroll to Staff Directory 4. find teacher name 5. click on Teacher Name

7 th Grade Homework Policy We strive to have all students turn in 100% of their work 100% of the time. When work is turned in late or not completed at all, students fall behind in learning the concept. THE 7 TH GRADE LATE WORK POLICY One day late: 20% off of earned grade Two days late: 40% off of earned grade Three days late: 50% off of earned grade More than three days late: Teacher discretion

Home access Use these two tabs to check scores. Classwork is a view of the gradebook Interim Progress are progress reports.

 Progress Reports Twice per quarter Reports focus on grades & missing work  Behavior Students expected to be:  Safe – Responsible - Respectful  Lunch Detention  Assignments Quality work is expected Late Assignments  Late Slips  Lunch or After School Detention  20% off per day

7 th Grade Language Arts Writing Units Six Traits & Writing Process Narrative, Persuasive & Expository Writer’s Workshop Mini-Lessons & Conferences on topics such as:  Answering questions in complete sentences  Formulating good paragraphs  Using dialogue  Adding detail to writing  Organizing writing  Strong introductions and conclusions  Transitioning between ideas/topics/paragraphs

7 th Grade Literature  Reading Comprehension Strategies Daily lessons on understanding and interpreting aspects of literature. These lessons will then be applied to independent reading books.  Quarterly Reading Goals A goal of “pages per quarter” Goals will adjust each quarter based on ability During Reader’s Workshop conferences students will be asked to answer questions and analyze their chosen books  Reader’s Workshop Individual student/teacher conferences will occur several times per quarter where we will talk about BOOKS !!

7 th Grade Mathematics We will be implementing the Common Core Standards: Unit 1 - Rational Numbers Operations Unit 2 - Expressions, Equations and Linear Relationships Unit 3 - Ratios & Probability Unit 4 - Data & Statistics Unit 5 - Geometric Measurement

Math Homework: How Is It Graded? Homework in Math class will not be graded based on the number of problems correct. Instead, it will be graded in the following way: Appropriate heading, including name, date, period and assignment title 1 point Using pencil1 point Using colored pen to grade homework1 point Each problem written out1 point Work shown for each problem3 points Corrections made on incorrect problems3 points TOTAL10 points per assignment

7 th Grade Science In 7 th Grade Science, we believe hands-on activities and exploration lead to a discovery and love of Science. We will study the following topics: Scientific Method Science Process Skills Lab Safety Matter Cells and Genetics Earth Science Bacteria and Viruses Environmental Science

7 th Grade Science Students will be graded on the following: Daily Homework Assignments Lab Safety Lab Reports and Write-ups Individual Student Notebook Tests and Quizzes Individual and Group Projects

7 th Grade Social Studies 7 th Grade Social Studies is a study of government and geography as well as both ancient and modern World Cultures, including the following: U.S. Constitution Constitution TEST !! Africa Europe Latin America

SPRINGFIELD TRIP OCTOBER 3 RD & 4 TH Some of the sites we will be visiting include: Lincoln's Home Lincoln’s Law Office Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library/Museum New Salem Village Old State Capital New State Capital War Monuments Unfortunately, this year we will not be visiting Lincoln’s Tomb because it is closed for construction 