1. Welcome Parents. Open House 2014-2015 Language Arts Department Mrs
Welcome Parents! Open House Language Arts Department Mrs. Heredia Mrs. Patterson Mrs. Steele

2. Curriculum - Common Core Standards
Literary Text
Writing
Speaking & Listening
Language
Informational Text
WEBSITES:

3. GRADING POLICY Standards-based approach to grading
Grade book will consist of fewer grades that help us determine whether or not students have mastered the language arts standards.
Categories:
AR – 15%
Formative assessments (classwork/homework) – 35%
Summative assessments – 50%

4. 1st quarter Unit: Who Am I?
Curriculum
1st quarter Unit: Who Am I?
Literary response
Personal Mission Statement
Poetry
Narrative writing
Research Assignment
Novel: The Pearl by John Steinbeck
Speaking/Listening
We will explore the theme through a variety of short stories, poems, non-fiction, art, music, movies, discussions, picture books

5. Literature Study Groups
Novels, short stories/selections, poems
Whole group, small groups, individually
Novels:
The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
The Pearl by John Steinbeck
The Diary of Anne Frank
Taming of the Shrew by Shakespeare
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Lord of the Flies by Golding

6. Accelerated reader (AR)
Students:
take the STAR test to determine their GE (grade equivalency) and reading range
set independent reading goal (point goal) based on GE
check out books in their reading range
take AR quizzes to earn points
worth 15% of overall grade
Students will be required to have an independent reading book (AR book at their level) at ALL times!!! They are expected to read at home EVERY night for a minimum of minutes! (HONORS should read for minutes)

7. Missed and Late Work What is Academic Enrichment?
It is the responsibility of the student to check in with his or her teacher if he or she was absent
Late assignments will be accepted with a reduction of 20%
What is Academic Enrichment?
Requirement for students who are not passing one or more classes.
During AE, students will complete missing work, retake tests, and will be retaught to help them be successful.
AE is on Mondays through Thursdays from 3:40-4:20. A late bus will be provided for students who take the bus home.
AE begins the 3rd week of each quarter and runs until the end of the 8th week.
Math and Science teachers will meet with students during AE on Mondays and Wednesdays, Language Arts and Social Studies teachers will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Elective teachers on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
RETAKING TESTS/QUIZZES
Our school-wide policy states that students who have failed a test/quiz are given the opportunity to retake the test one time. Students must demonstrate that they have studied and understand the material before retaking a test. If he/she scores better on the retake, they will receive the higher grade.

8. MATERIALS NEEDED EACH DAY, students must bring: Agenda AR book
Pencil/highlighters/pen (blue or black ink)
Folder or a section in a 3-ring binder
Notebook (Reading Writing Notebook)
POSITIVE ATTITUDE!!!!!!

9. RTP – Responsible Thinking Process
If a student is disrupting the class, they are asked a set of questions designed to help them think about their actions
If a student chooses to continue disrupting the class, they are making the choice to leave
They are given an RTC referral and sent to RTC to complete a behavior plan
If a student continuously chooses to go to RTC, parents will be notified and there may be a meeting to address the problem

10. What is MYP (Middle Years Program) and how is it being implemented in my class?
All students on our campus participate in the MYP program in grades 6-8 
Encourages international-mindedness in students
Focuses on the IB Learner Profile Traits and Community Service
Encourages a positive attitude toward learning by challenging students to solve problems, show creativity and resourcefulness and participate actively in their communities
Reflects real life by allowing students to see the connections between subjects and how each is applicable to their lives now and in the future
Supports the development of communication skills to encourage inquiry, understanding, language acquisition, and to allow student reflection and expression

11. All teachers on campus us the four
Areas of Interaction with their units/curriculum
Community and Service – How do we live in relation to each other? How can I contribute to the community? How can I help others?
Human Ingenuity – Why and how do we make new things? What are the positive and negative effects of inventions and creations?
Environments – What are our environments? What resources do we have or need? How do we affect our environments and how does it affect us? What are my responsibilities?
Health and Social Education – How do we think and act? How do people change? How can I look after myself and others?
Approaches to Learning – (This AOI is present in ALL lessons/concepts/units) What strategies do I use to help me learn? How do I show that I understand? How do I learn best? How do I know if I understand

12. IB Learner Profile Traits
What ALL students and teachers strive to be: Inquirer Knowledgeable Thinker Communicator Principled Open-Minded Caring Risk-taker Balanced Reflective

13. HOW TO REACH us
Mrs. Heredia Mrs. Steele Mrs. Patterson Andersen Junior High Website:

14. OTHER
TAX CREDIT - Please take a form and consider contributing to our school to help support extracurricular activities.
APPLES FOR TEACHERS - If you would like to donate an item to the classroom, please take and apple from the library counter and return item with your child. THANKS!
INFINITE CAMPUS – Student Portal Grades
Don’t forget to register on our website so that you can receive school news!

15. QUESTIONS???