1. Welcome to Ms. Pizzi’s ELA Classroom

2. Course Description
Seventh-grade English Language Arts is the study of skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students will develop comprehension and communication skills. Students will develop reading strategies that they will be required to apply during independent and classroom reading. Students will use the writing process to communicate effectively and efficiently.

3. Common Core Standards RL.7: Reading Literature
RI.7: Reading Informational Text
W.7: Writing
SI.7: Speaking and Listening
L.7: Language

4. Assessments
Normally one assignment is given each day and any portion of this assignment not completed by the end of class should be considered homework
Vocabulary quizzes are given on a weekly basis
Grammar tests will be given after each unit
Writing assignments are recorded after final drafts have been submitted
Students may redo a piece of writing for a better grade at any time during the nine weeks it was assigned
Tests/quizzes will be given on the material covered in our mini-lessons and reading selections.

5. Grading Scale A
B 85-92
C 77-84
D 70-76
F below 70

6. Textbooks: The Language of Literature Language Network
Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics workbook (GUMS)

7. 5 Subject Notebook
Reading
Writing
Grammar
Vocabulary
Research

8. STRIVE FOR 25

9. Reading Requirements
District policy states that students are to read 25 books per year. This is a high standard but an attainable goal.
Students are to read 5 book per quarter on grade level.

10. Novels The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson
Night by Elie Wiesel
Pigman by Paul Zindel
Short Story Unit

11. Short Story Unit
This semester, we will be focusing on elements of fiction and the short story. Stories we will be reading consist of…
The Scarlet Ibis by James Hurst
The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin
A Rose for Emily by William Faulkner
A Jury of Her Peers by Susan Glaspell
The Lottery by Shirley Jackson
The Landlady by Roald Dahl
An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge by Ambrose Bierce
The Gift of the Magi by O.Henry
Edgar Allan Poe Unit

12. Attaining this Goal
Students are to read each night for a minimum of 20 minutes.
RAPP reading. Students are to bring an independent reading book to class each day. When students finish classwork early, they are to read for the remainder of the period. I will dedicate class time for independent reading on Wednesdays and/or Fridays.
Students go to the media center every other Wednesday during ELA to check out books.

13. Homework Policy
Homework is given on a daily basis. In order to make their reading requirement for the year, students will also be required to read a minimum of 20 minutes nightly. Assignments not completed in class are also to be completed for homework. Homework is graded for completion/effort, not necessarily accuracy. Homework turned in on time receives credit.
Late work is not accepted!

14. Writing Assignments
Students will be given class time and ample time at home to complete lengthier writing assignments. It is important that writing deadlines are met. Projects are assigned well in advance and can only receive full credit if turned in on the assigned date. 10 points per day are deducted for late assignments.

15. Make-Up Work
Students with lawful absences have five days to make up work after an excused absence. Work not made up in the allotted time receives a grade of zero. Students are responsible for getting missed assignments by asking the teacher upon their return to school. In case of an extended absence, work may be requested through the guidance department.

16. Procedures Used to Record Student Progress
Students’ grades and attendance will be recorded in PowerSchool. Progress reports are given to all students every interim period. Parent/teacher conferences also provide information concerning students’ grades.

17. Grading Procedures/ELA
Classwork/homework 15%
Quizzes, reading logs, journals 35%
Tests, formal writing, projects 50%

18. Class Rules and Expectations
Be in class on time
Complete all assigned work
Bring assignments and materials to class
Be respectful of all staff and students
Obey school rules (see student handbook)

19. When any of these expectations are not met and there is an interruption of the learning or teaching process, the following steps will be taken:
1st Minor: Refocus/BIR
2nd Minor: Refocus/BIR
3rd Minor: Refocus/BIR and parent contacted
Repeated Offense: Parent contact and after school detention
Repeated Offense: Office referral

20. Communication
Parents will be contacted throughout the year and are encouraged to call the school, , or send a note should a concern arise. Each family will either receive and/or can request:
Copy of team rules, consequences, rewards, and procedures
Interim Reports
Nine week report cards
Telephone calls or correspondence concerning student behavior or work that is outstanding or in need of improvement
Standardized testing results
Class syllabus
Parents have access to class information and most assignments via Sharp School
Parents have access to grades via PowerSchool

22. IT TAKES A WORLD OF DIFFERENCES TO MAKE A DIFFERENT WORLD
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IT TAKES A WORLD OF DIFFERENCES TO MAKE A DIFFERENT WORLD