1. Mrs. Worsham 6 th Grade Pre-AP Reading & Language Arts 2015-16

2. About Mrs. Worsham Native Kingwood resident Attended Humble ISD schools K-12 Graduated from KHS Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of ‘98—WHOOP! 12 years of experience teaching 6 th & 7 th grade Married for 14 years & have two sweet boys Six-year old, first grade Four-year old, preschool Excited to begin my second year at Riverwood! Their first day of school…bless their teachers.

3. Grading Information Formative Assessments: 40% Daily work, homework, and quizzes Summative Assessments: 60% Tests, some projects, and A.R. Testing days Tuesday and Thursday

4. RMS Grading Policy All assignments will be accepted up to four (4) days late. 1st day late - 80% of the earned grade 2nd day – 60% of the earned grade 3rd day - 40% of the earned grade 4th day - 20% of the earned grade After the fourth day late, no credit will be offered (“0” in grade book). Make-up Work: District policy is one (1) extra day per excused day absent. Online Gradebook Codes: A – student absent; needs to complete for makeup work X – student exempt from assignment Z – student has not turned in assignment; it is late O - final grade; teacher has requested missing work & student has not complied after the four days

5. Make Up Work When your child is absent: Students should check the “Make Up Work” folder in the classroom (red bucket on front table). Attending tutoring may be necessary for clarification or making up a test or quiz. District policy is one (1) extra day per excused day absent to turn in work. If student is absent on the due date of previously assigned work, it is due on the day the student returns to class.

6. Course Syllabus: First Nine Weeks Literature : Literary Elements, Short Stories, Autobiographies & Memoirs, Poetry Nonfiction: expository readings related to literature selections Writing : Poetry, Literary Analysis, Paragraph Writing, Multiple Paragraph Essay Grammar : Parts of Speech, Subject & Predicate, Types of Sentences, Sentence Structures Vocabulary : Knowsys

7. Class Novels Walk Two Moons – Sharon Creech The Pearl – John Steinbeck Gifted Hands - Ben Carson and Cecil Murphey It is a good idea for students to have their own copies of novels to practice annotating, but it is not required. *On sale in library tonight!

8. Supplies for Class Three-ring binder Set of dividers (5) Paper folder with pockets and brads Spiral Pencils Pens Wide-ruled notebook paper – this will need to be replenished throughout the year

9. Summer Reading All Pre-AP students are expected to read a summer reading book and complete a project. All book and project choices are available on my website; click the Summer Reading page. Students may take an AR test over summer reading books. Project Due Date: Tuesday, September 15

10. Accelerated Reader Basic InformationDue Dates for 2015-16 Novels are on a point value system. Students need to earn 20 A.R. points each nine week grading period. AR is an ongoing homework assignment. AR is a summative (test) grade. All tests will be taken on the computer in my room. All tests must be taken by the end of the class period on the due date. 1st 9 weeks October 15 2nd 9 weeks December 10 3rd 9 weeks February 23 4th 9 weeks May 24

11. Knowsys Vocabulary Vocabulary program used throughout Humble ISD in grades 6-8 New word list assigned each Friday (10-12 words) Quiz each Friday (one formative grade) TEST (summative) after each five groups of words Quizzes and Tests are cumulative  Word Group Lists & Knowsys Dictionary are available in my classroom & on students’ Google Drives  Pre-made vocabulary cards are available for purchase at myknowsys.com  iPhone and Android apps also available at myknowsys.com

12. Tutoring Students may use tutoring to: finish incomplete work make up tests or quizzes ask for help with certain assignments/skills catch up on reading take AR tests Tuesdays & Wednesdays 7:45-8:25am Testing days are Tuesdays and Thursdays

13. How Parents Can Help Check planners. Monitor grades online. Ask students about their reading. Make sure students are reviewing vocabulary words. Proofread essays, but do not write or re-write. Read the weekly email. Check the website to see if information is posted that will answer a question. Email your questions if you can’t find the answer. Encourage independence.

14. Contact Info Web Site http://www.humbleisd.net/rms/kworsham Email kristin.worsham@humble.k12.tx.us Phone 281-641-4849