1. 7 th G rade L anguage A rts and S ocial S tudies S yllabus Mrs. Brett 2014-2015 Arrrgh! Welcome to the 2014-2015 school year at Pioneer Middle School—home of the Pirates! I’m thrilled to begin my 5 th year teaching at Pioneer. Prior to teaching, I earned my bachelors in English Education and Masters in Teaching from Washington State University. Throughout the school year, I strive for positive parent and teacher correspondence. Please use this syllabus as a reference and guide to class policies. For ongoing communication, I can be reached by phone at (253) 583-7200 or by email at cbrett@steilacoom.k12.wa.us. cbrett@steilacoom.k12.wa.us Together we can achieve success this year! Class Content Class content is provided by the Steilacoom Historical School District as directed by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). All Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are taught through class assignments, activities, and projects. Language Arts:  In Language Arts, students will read fiction and non- fiction titles. Class novels include The Outsiders by SE Hinton and The Watsons go to Birmingham—1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis. Students will also participate in literature circles and complete outside reading projects.  Students will focus on organized writing. We will write several five-paragraph essays. Within our writing we will cover how to write a thesis, include elaboration, and write for multiple purposes (argumentative and expository). Social Studies:  Washington State mandates Pacific Northwest History taught in 7 th grade. Our 7 th grade Classroom Based Assessment (CBA) will focus on historical conflicts in Washington State.  At semester or gears shift to World History during the Middle Ages. During 2 nd semester we study world cultures from China, Japan, Africa, Mesoamerica, and Europe. 7 th Grade Seven Let’s work together to create a positive classroom environment. 1.Positive Attitude—Participate daily with a positive attitude. 2.Prepared—Come to class daily with required supplies. 3.10/10—Remain seated in the first and last ten minutes for planner instruction and class reminders. 4.Dismissal—The teacher dismisses you, not the bell. 5.Communication—Ask for help or correspond through email, Schoolwires, or by phone. 6.Late Work—Late work is only accepted for one week after the due date. Late work receives a maximum of 70%. 7.Absent—Check Schoolwires and communicate planned and unplanned absences.

2. 7 th G rade L anguage A rts and S ocial S tudies S yllabus Mrs. Brett 2014-2015 Rewards! WANTED: Each week a student is chosen for the WANTED award. Students can become the Wanted winner of the week by following the “7 th Grade Seven” guidelines. Pirate’s Treasure: Writing gems will be posted on the Pirate’s Treasure wall. These writing samples will include an excellent example of one of the recently taught writing skills (ex. thesis, elaboration, or hooks). Students will receive a prize for their writing gems. Gradebook Both classes will include the following grade categories: Daily Work Participation Projects Assessments Projects: Projects in Language Arts and Social Studies cannot be turned in late. If you are absent the day a project is due, the project must be turned in the day you return. Homework: Homework will not be assigned nightly. However, unfinished class work will need to be completed at home. Reading Log: Language Arts students will be required to keep a reading log five days a week with thirty minutes of reading each day. Parents/Guardians will sign the reading log once a week. Grading Scale: 100-93 A 92-90 A- 89-87 B+ 86-83 B 82-80 B- 79-77 C+ 76-73 C 72-70 C- 69-67 D+ 66-63 D 62-60 D- 59-0 F Novel News: Each quarter students will be required to complete an assigned book report based on a novel they are currently reading. We will take a trip to the Pioneer Library every other week to support student reading.