1. Michael Abadia Christian Azalde Brian Bell Trevor Broulette Paul Carty Karli Co Thomas Corkery Tera Detels Sydney Frederick Brennan Gibbons Christopher Gonzales- Willis Andrew Harp Jack Hayden Rachel Kinoshita Sean Mack McKenna Malasavage Kellie McCauley Meghan McClure Charles Nies Joseph Philippi Grant Pratt Julianna Reisinger Claire Robidoux Dina Saccacio Gabriela Sergi Kellie Turcios Sarah Turner

2. Welcome to 8A Mr. Gregory Lay glay@serraschool.org 949-888-1990 Ext. 156 glay@serraschool.org

3. At your child’s homeroom desk you will find the following… 8th Grade syllabus. Please read, sign, and have your child return to me tomorrow. Parent Handbook – Middle School Appendix. Please read, sign, and have your child return to me tomorrow. Gradelink Login Information Please fill out the “Getting to Know Your Child” form. Thank you very much for attending Back-to- School Night. I look forward to an exciting and rewarding year!!

4. 6:55 – 7:10 Session 1 A – G Will begin in Homeroom A with Language Arts Team (6 th – 8 th ) H – O Will begin in Homeroom C with Math/Science Team (6 th – 8 th ) P – Z Will begin in Homeroom E with Social Studies/Religion Team (6 th – 8 th ) 7:10 Reader will ask parents to move to the next room 7:15 – 7:30 Session 2 A – G Will move to Homeroom C H – O Will move to Homeroom E P – Z Will move to Homeroom A 7:30 Reader will ask parents to move to the next room 7:35 - 7:50 Session 3 A – G Will move to Homeroom E H – O Will move to Homeroom A P – Z Will move to Homeroom C 7:50 Reader will announce the end of the evening and will close the night with a prayer.

5. Mrs. Matsukane & Mr. Lay Welcome you to 8 th grade Language Arts! Tolerance, Respect, Unity, Service, Thankfulness…T.R.U.S.T

6. Curriculum Highlights Literature Grammar Vocabulary Writing

7. Literature

8. Literature Evaluating the Structural Elements of the Plot Evaluating the Structural Elements of the Plot Compare and Contrast Literary Characters from Different Historical Ears Compare and Contrast Literary Characters from Different Historical Ears Analyze the Relevance of the Setting to the Meaning of the Text Analyze the Relevance of the Setting to the Meaning of the Text Identify and Analyze Recurring Themes Identify and Analyze Recurring Themes

9. Grammar

10. Grammar Parts of a Sentence Parts of a Sentence Parts of Speech Parts of Speech Capital Letters Capital Letters Punctuation Punctuation Phrases & Clauses Phrases & Clauses Agreement Agreement Diagramming Sentences Diagramming Sentences

11. Vocabulary Definition Definition Using in a Sentence Using in a Sentence Synonym/Antonym Synonym/Antonym Parts of Speech Parts of Speech Spelling Spelling

12. Writing Program – Jane Schaffer Jane Schaffer Four Paragraph Model Paragraph #1Introduction 40+ words 3+ sentences Thesis belongs at the end of the paragraph 40+ words 3+ sentences Thesis belongs at the end of the paragraph Paragraph #21st body paragraph 8 sentences 100+ words Format: #1Topic sentence #2cd, starts with For example, #3commentary #4 commentary #5cd, starts with In addition, #6commentary #7commentary #8conclusion, all commentary Format: #1Topic sentence #2cd, starts with For example, #3commentary #4 commentary #5cd, starts with In addition, #6commentary #7commentary #8conclusion, all commentary

13. Back to School Night 2011 HSPT - Santa Margarita test January 26 th. HSPT - Santa Margarita test January 26 th. HSPT - JSerra test January 26 th and February 2 nd HSPT - JSerra test January 26 th and February 2 nd Keep distractions to a minimum between now and January 26 th : This includes overbooking, TV, computer and video game use. Keep distractions to a minimum between now and January 26 th : This includes overbooking, TV, computer and video game use. Check Gradelink…e mailing teacher if you notice struggling in the subject. Remember to also check Responsible Behavior and Work Habits. Check Gradelink…e mailing teacher if you notice struggling in the subject. Remember to also check Responsible Behavior and Work Habits.

14. Back to School Night There is a faster pace in 8 th grade…avoid absences. There is a faster pace in 8 th grade…avoid absences. Finals are at the end of each trimester. Finals are at the end of each trimester. Four paragraph Jane Schaffer standard. Four paragraph Jane Schaffer standard. Independent Reading !!!!! Independent Reading !!!!! A child who reads independently for 20 minutes to 30 minutes a day will jump up to three levels on reading comprehension tests. A child who reads independently for 20 minutes to 30 minutes a day will jump up to three levels on reading comprehension tests. ***Look at your child’s schedule and set up reading time at home***

15. Advantages of Reading Builds vocabulary Builds vocabulary Improves spelling and writing skills Improves spelling and writing skills Fosters creative thinking and builds imagination Fosters creative thinking and builds imagination Promotes life skills: helps with stress, gives tools to making good choices, explains the human heart and human motivation. Promotes life skills: helps with stress, gives tools to making good choices, explains the human heart and human motivation.

16. Advantages of Reading Enhances cognitive competence in both the individual and societal level which allows a free democracy Enhances cognitive competence in both the individual and societal level which allows a free democracy Builds background knowledge in human nature, global cultures, and events of historical significance Builds background knowledge in human nature, global cultures, and events of historical significance A literate mind can spot solutions during a crisis that would be missed by an uneducated mind A literate mind can spot solutions during a crisis that would be missed by an uneducated mind

17. Student Learning Expectations  A Catholic Faith-Filled Life and Missionary Spirit  A Life-long Love of Learning  A Reverence for One’s Own Physical Being  A Positive and Realistic Self-image  A Willingness to Share One’s God- given Gifts

18. 8 th Grade Expectations Respect for Self Respect for Others Respect for School

19. Classroom Rules for 8 th Grade 1. Be in the classroom on time. Please avoid absences. 2. Come to class prepared with your supplies. 3. Follow directions of all your teachers. 4. Accept group role and responsibility. 5. Complete work on time.

20. Classroom Rules for 8 th Grade 6. Raise your hand and wait to be called on. 7. Speak without using any negative comments. 8. Be polite, courteous, and respectful at all times. 9. Keep hands, feet and objects to ourselves. 10. Obey all school rules.

21. Working in Groups 1. You must complete each group activity and individual work. 2. Play your role in the group. 3. You have the right to ask anyone else in your group for help. 4. You have the duty to assist anyone who asks for help. 5. Help other group members without doing their work for them. 6. Everybody helps.

22. Classroom Consequences 1. Verbal Warning 2. Merit Infraction – teacher puts on desk 3. Fill Out Merit Infraction 4. Give to teacher at the end of class

23. Homework Policy 1 ½ - 2 hours a night 1 ½ - 2 hours a night daily homework daily homework study/preparation for quizzes & tests study/preparation for quizzes & tests projects projects scholastic reading  book talks, book reports, etc. scholastic reading  book talks, book reports, etc. Projects – usually includes rubric & due dates Projects – usually includes rubric & due dates Jane Schaffer writing Jane Schaffer writing accomplished in school accomplished in school

24. Tips for Success in your Classroom Being prepared Being prepared starts at home starts at home Being on time to school & class Being on time to school & class Being organization Being organization having the necessary materials having the necessary materials for class for class at home at home

25. Tips for Success in your Classroom Assignments (class work & homework) Assignments (class work & homework) complete on time complete on time Respectful of other’s similarities and differences Respectful of other’s similarities and differences Take the time to study and/or prepare for tests and quizzes Take the time to study and/or prepare for tests and quizzes

26. Tips for Success in your Classroom Take time for Prayer Take time for Prayer

27. Mrs. Matsukane & Mr. Lay Extend our thanks to all who attended Back 2 School night! Any questions?