1. Welcome to Mr. McKay’s Classroom

2. Major Goals for 7th Grade English
Students will be able to craft a multi-paragraph essay with a well-developed thesis statement using supporting evidence from the text and documenting using the APA style of writing.
Students will grow their writing skills using criteria established in the 6 Writing Traits Rubric; with emphasis on drafting, editing, and revising their written work.
Read, discuss, and gain an appreciation for a variety of literary works including short stories, novels, poetry, drama, memoir, and non-fiction.
Students will participate in formal and informal presentations and discussions of ideas and issues.
Develop vocabulary through extensive reading of a variety of texts across subjects and genres.

3. 7th Grade English – The Projects
Bell work, daily grammar exercises, silent reading and annotating various texts
Weekly vocabulary builder quizzes and assessments
Short stories – elements of literature
Elements of literature flip book
Vision boards – theme and main ideas
Student Memoirs

4. 7th Grade English – The Projects
Grimm’s Fairy Tales – read, annotate, students write their own versions and share with the class
Letter Writing – proper formatting
APA Works Cited
Greek Mythology – read, research, and student-written myths
Novel writing assignments
Poetry Unit – Elements of Literature
Persuasive Research Project and Presentation

5. Policies and Procedures
No outside food or drink other than bottled water
Electronic devices are permitted in class but should be silent and put away for the entire class period
1st Offense = Teacher confiscates phone
2nd Offense = phone turned in to the front office, Parent must claim the phone
3rd Offense = Phone is turned in to the school district office

6. Tutoring Hours & Availability
Monday – Friday 7:45am – 8:15am
Monday – Friday after school 3:00pm – 4:00pm
2nd Hour planning period by appointment

7. Grading Policy 90-100 % of points possible A 80 – 89% B 70 – 79% C
Students will also have opportunities to revise and edit their writing drafts for improved grades (See Essay Writing Expectations Handout)

8. Classroom Guidelines to success
Parent-Student-Teacher consistent communication
Students line-up outside of classroom quietly each day, ready to explore and learn in Mr. McKay’s English class!
Students will bring all necessary English materials to class for the day including books, supplies, homework, etc…
We will work from the time we arrive to class until the time the teacher dismisses the class.
We will give 100% of our best effort all the time.
We will arrive on time, ready to work and without excuses.
The Golden Rule – One should treat others as one would like to be treated.

9. Let’s learn a little bit about Mr. McKay

10. Childhood Years Grew up in Cleveland, Ohio
Home to sports and music personalities: Lebron James, Johnny Football, and Marilyn Manson
Home to the host of the Price is Right Drew Carey
Home of famous landmark The Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Fame and Museum

11. Education and Background
Got his B.A. in Communications from John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio
Received Teacher Certification from Pima Community College in Tucson, Arizona
Taught 7th – 12th grade English courses in Tucson, Arizona for 5 school years before relocating to the Valley.

12. Education and Background
Taught Health & Life Skills, Marketing, and Fitness courses last year at LFPA-Gilbert
Spent 7 years working as Marketing Events Coordinator for 92.3 Xtreme Radio in Cleveland, Ohio

13. Personal Favorites
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my pug Micah at the park.
I am a die hard University of Arizona Wildcat basketball fan. Beardown!

14. Personal Favorites
Mr. McKay lives in Gilbert, Arizona with his girlfriend Sara, and his dogs Micah and Zoe, and cat Princess.
I also enjoy going hiking, going to sporting events in the Valley, listening to music, reading, or traveling.