1. APRENDE 8th Grade Language Arts 2019-2020
Mrs. Coombs

2. My Education
Graduated summa cum laude from Arizona State with a BA in English literature
Received M.Ed in secondary education from ASU
Certified for secondary education (grades 6-12)
Endorsed in middle school language arts and high school English
Hold provisional gifted endorsement with completion of full endorsement in May 2020

3. Teaching Experience
This is my 6th year at Aprende Middle School and my 7th year in the Kyrene District
I was an inaugural recipient of Kyrene’s “Top 25” teacher award
Previously, I have taught:
6th grade language arts at KMS and Aprende
11th and 12th grade English at Desert Vista High School
7th and 8th grade humanities at Liberty Arts Academy

4. Buy extras now while they’re on sale!
Supply List
Notebook (no perforated pages)
Highlighters: blue, pink, yellow, green (no substitutions)
1 pad of Post It notes
1 pack of index cards
Any color grading pen (except black)
Pencils and erasers (if mechanical, purchase extra lead; if traditional, purchase hand held pencil sharpener)
Loose leaf paper (can donate to classroom supply instead of carrying around)
3-prong folder with pockets (for myPerspectives units)

5. Suggested Donations Post It Notes Paper (lined or printer paper)
Pencils. Lots and lots of pencils!
Highlighters
Index Cards
Kleenex

6. Reading
Four thematic units that include various reading selections such as short stories, informational text, poetry, novels, and more:
Human Intelligence
The Holocaust
Persuasion
Rites of Passage

7. Unit 1: Human Intelligence
Real World Connections: Neurology, Education
Essential Questions:
In what different ways can people be intelligent?
How do we perceive the world differently?
How do we learn, and what affects our learning?
Anchor Text: Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
Applied Writing: RACE responses

8. Unit 2: The Holocaust
Real World Connections: Law, Problem-Based Learning (Medical School Model)
Essential Questions:
What are the consequences of war, and how do these vary based on an individual and cultural perspective?
Anchor Text: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Applied writing: Closing argument for mock trial

9. Unit 3: Persuasion Real World Connections: Marketing
Essential Questions:
How can language empower and/or manipulate us?
In what ways are language and power inseparable?
Anchor Text: Animal Farm by George Orwell
Applied Writing: Marketing campaign proposals, ads, and analysis

10. Unit 4: Rites of Passage Real World Connections: Sociology, Psychology
Essential Questions:
Who am I?
What makes up my identity?
Anchor Text: House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
Applied Writing: Personal narrative in the form of vignettes

11. Writing Narrative, argumentative, and explanatory pieces
Strong focus on refining all the essay skills students have learned in middle school thus far:
Incorporating and explaining textual information
Analyzing arguments and crafting counter- arguments
Organizing information
Proper MLA format

12. Language
Vocabulary: Determine the meaning of an unknown word using context clues and Greek and Latin roots.
Grammar: Dissecting sentences in writing in order to analyze verbals, verb mood, as well as active and passive voice.

13. Speaking and Listening
One-on-one, group, and teacher-led discussions in the form of Philosophical Chairs, Socratic Seminars, and other AVID strategies
Presentations of work, including visual displays and/or multimedia components
Interpretation of speeches and multimedia presentations
Adaptation of speech appropriate to context

14. GATE: What to Expect
Courses are taught by a content specialist (GATE teacher)
Updated curriculum guides for all GATE courses
Address challenge, complexity, choice and control
Provide extension and enrichment
Consistency across schools and teachers
Syllabus for each course (will go home next week)
Learning compacts are in place for participation in GATE courses to ensure courses are rigorous

15. GATE: Criteria for Placement
Initial placement of students includes consideration of:
Identification in one or more areas of giftedness
Multiple measures of high ability (e.g., AzMERIT proficiency, classroom grades, teacher recommendation)
Full criteria available at

16. Text Reminders Sign up for language arts text reminders!
If your child is in...
1st Period GATE ELA: to 81010
2nd Period GATE ELA: to 81010
3rd Period GATE ELA: to 81010
4th Period GATE ELA: to 81010
5th Period GATE ELA: to 81010

17. Potential Expenses for 8th Grade
Yearbook
The cost of a standard yearbook is about $30
Baby Ad is available for $25
8th Grade Promotion Dance
The fee for this dance ranges from $5 to $10
Big Surf
Field trip the last week of school
Fee is $20 (includes lunch)

18. Potential Expenses for 8th Grade
Disneyland Trip
For performing arts students in early February
Explo teachers will provide more information
Sports
Fees range from $100 to $150 depending on the sport, and they are due when your student makes the team.

19. Potential Expenses for 8th Grade
Mini Town
Leadership training camp held in Prescott in February
Application to attend typically opens in November
Fee of $200 (due in January)
Living History Trip
Mr. Furman will provide more information
Takes place second quarter
Fee of $300 and will be due two weeks prior to the trip

20. Meet and Greet Breakfast
The Aprende PTSO will be sponsoring a meet- and-greet breakfast for all 8th grade parents on:
Wednesday, August 21st
7:45 am to 8:25 am
Please join us for a continental breakfast and a chance to socialize with other eighth grade parents!

21. Questions?
Please me at with any questions you may have that we didn’t get a chance to answer tonight! Please include:
Your name AND your student’s name
Your question(s)