1. Parents, Please check-in on the clip board. Please share… Record any special thoughts on an “index card” --- Child’s name Thoughts If you have a concern, make a note on the card. Add your contact information: phone number or e-mail --- I will contact you.

2. For Blocks 5 through 8, please visit SAMS Spanish at the Middle School Located in the Auditorium (During your child’s second block of Language Arts)

3. “I hope you’ll forgive me for being a little nervous this evening. As a teacher, I’m not used to talking to so many people who are paying attention.”

4. WONDERFUL TEACHERS For Language Arts! Mrs. Bailey Ms. Lewis Block 2/6

5. PRIMARY COURSE OBJECTIVES To improve reading skills & literature study To develop writing skills through the writing process To continue development of grammar and spelling skills To encourage oral communication skills

6. SECONDARY OBJECTIVES Improve study skills Develop test-taking strategies Identify & use one’s own learning style to enhance learning Use strengths and interests to help build areas of weakness

7. ATTITUDE & PREPARATION Focus on learning Strive to do one’s best Responsible for oneself Ask for help, ex. “Parking Lot” Follow Student Responsibilities & Rights

8. STUDENT EXPECTATIONS Complete assignments in class, during resource or at home, if needed Request missed assignments after an absence Review for tests Do your very best on all assignments Read nightly for 20 min.

9. Daily Routine SSR ( Silent Sustained Reading ) Mini Lesson: Direct Instruction Guided Instruction Independent Practice Focus on reading strategies “If writing is so important, how come you never see people on television doing it?”

10. Common Activities Writing activities Language activities or word study Study of literary terms Novels read/shared Interactive Reader Plus + audio CD

11. Major Assignments Q UARTERLY Journal writings Major writings Reading skills Book presentation each quarter and/or study of a novel O VERVIEW OF THE Y EAR Sept.-Oct. – Narrative writing, “Slice of Life” Nov./Dec. and Jan./Feb. - One-page research report March – SOL writing practice (graded) April/May Expository or descriptive feature article May – Reading SOL test

12. Clarity Overview Summative Assessments Graded Grades form the quarter grade Grades based upon the LCPS grading scale Grades range from A-F Formative Assessments Checked assignments Scores show a range of 1-4 Score of 4 means “job well done” Score of 1 means “skill is not yet learned”

13. Grading For criteria, see class rubric or project rubrics Grading based on summative assessments  Reading  Writing Grades follow the LCPS guidelines

14. Language Arts-6 Grading Scale Formative Assessments 4- A+ - Expert (exceeds the standard) 3- B+ - Proficient (meets the standard) 2- C+ - Basic (progressing on standard) 1 - D+ - Novice/In Training (inconsistent knowledge of expectations) 0 - No Evidence of Learning

15. Agenda/Planner/Assignment Book To record daily assignments To provide approved hall passes To help students learn to become responsible, young adults To provide a quick “message” ser- vice between parent and teacher

16. Confused?

17. STUDENT SUPPORT SYSTEMS Raise hand for help Use planner/agenda book Use “Stone Hill” web site Email questions --- need min. of 24 hours response time Email assignments if home printer isn’t working --- but send a separate email to verify assignment arrived

18. PARENT SUPPORT SYSTEMS Write a note using your child’s planner/agenda book Email me: tracy.bailey@lcps.org Leave a phone message at 703.957.4436 Call Mrs. Alcorn, House C Counselor Let’s work together to help your child be successful.

19. Supplies Binder for daily activities + 5 dividers + some paper Composition book for writing activities Red pen and blue/black pen Pencils Highlighters Dry erase markers