1. Open House
September 29, 2016

2. Welcome! Please sign have a seat and complete the “Million words or less” sheet.

3. Welcome to Open House!
I am your child’s ELA teacher this year. This is my 10th year teaching and my fourth year at Doerre. 
SHSU undergrad graduate- Eat ‘Em Up Kats!
UT-Arlington M.Ed graduate- Go Mav’s!

4. Classroom Procedures
Students should visit their lockers and be sure to bring their ELA binder, novel, and any other needed materials for class before the tardy bell.
As students arrive they are to get any required materials for the day from their class period crate, sit down quietly in their assigned seat and begin the warm-up. This includes sharpening pencils, etc.
All assignments are to be turned into the designated class period’s turn in tray on the counter.
Restroom/water needs are to be taken care of in between classes. If there is an emergency students have been asked to speak with me privately. We do so much in class and students need to be here for every minute!

5. Our Day
Everyday begins with a warm-up which is found on the screen and is to be started immediately. Warm- ups are collected every Friday for a daily grade and are graded mostly on completion.
After the warm up is complete, we have independent reading time, then proceed with our lesson and activities for the day.
If there has been homework assigned, it is due upon entering on the date given- not the end of class. 

6. Absence Information
Absences- if students are absent from class for any reason, it is their responsibility to find out what was missed.
***If students are absent they will be given as many days to turn in the assignment as they were gone. Example- someone who is out for two days will have two days to complete the assignment(s).
Late work- All assignments are due on time. I will accept major grade assignments up to three days late and 10 points will be deducted for each day after the original due date. I accept daily grade assignments up to three days late for 30 points off.

7. Grading Information Grading Scale Major- 60% Daily- 30% Homework- 10%
Major test days:
Monday
Wednesday
Late Work Policy
Major:
One day late- 10 points
Two days late-20 points
Three days late- 30 points
Homework and Daily:
Late up to three days points off

8. Grades Grades are put into our new program, Skyward on a regular basis
You can set up an account and access your student’s grades at any time
Check with the front office, because I don’t know how 

9. Pre-AP/GT Vocabulary Week one- Identify
Through independent reading, identify five challenging words.
Monday-Thursday read novel and identify five challenging vocabulary words.
On Friday students must have the vocabulary word written as it appears in their reading by providing textual evidence.
The vocabulary word must first be identified, then the textual evidence must be provided in quotations with the vocabulary word underlined, and the page number listed after.
Week two- Activities
Provide the denotation (definition) of each vocabulary word by writing the proper dictionary definition.
Use each vocabulary word correctly in a sentence.
Identify the part of speech as it is used in your sentence. List three different words that also function as that part of speech.
Identify at least two synonyms and antonyms per vocabulary word.
Create a colorful graphic to represent each vocabulary word.

10. Other Information Retake Policy:
Any major grade scoring lower than a 80 is eligible for a retake. The student may earn enough points to bring that failing grade up to an 80, but not higher than an 80.
An additional assignment or activity may be required for the student to complete before a retake may be given.

11. Library Day Every other Wednesday our next visit is October 5
You may write a note for your student to visit the library before school
Students may be allowed to visit the library during class as time permits

12. Contact Information
Additional information such as weekly vocabulary words, major assignments, homework, etc. may be found on my website: If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me. My conference time is fifth period, and the best way is through . My address is:

13. Book Orders
Every month or two, I will offer books orders and send home the forms with your students.
This year is different- all orders will need to be placed online. There is a tab on my webpage that explains how to do it. YAY online shopping!
Class code- NKXV6
Next book order will be in October or November

14. Reader’s Workshop

15. *Reader’s Workshop is a teaching model where children improve their reading by spending time actually reading.
*Strategy lessons are taught explicitly in class through whole or small group lessons.
*Students are then given the time to apply the lesson to text that is on their reading and interest level.
*Teachers spend time talking with students about what, and how they are reading.

16. What are the benefits of using Reader’s Workshop?
Students select their own reading material.
Students read at their own pace.
Students learn to talk to one another about what they’ve read.
Students not only learn how to read, but also learn the value of reading to learn.

17. How can parents help?
*Be a reading role model at home. Let your student see you reading so they will value the importance of reading.
*Ask your student about the book they are reading.
*Remind them to bring their book to school and to class.
*Read to your student…even sixth graders like to be read to! Some books offer great opportunities for family discussions.

18. Research shows that when children spend more time reading, they become better readers. With a little guidance and encouragement from a teacher who loves to read, students can learn to select appropriate books and discover the joy in reading and become life long learners.

19. Thank you for coming!!!