1. Welcome to 8th grade Language Arts!

2. About Me Ms. Claire Kelly Ramapo College of NJ (B.A. Literature, Philosophy minor) Work experience Continuing education

3. Useful Information SchoolWires Genesis Parent Access Email: claire.kelly@woodbridge.k12.nj.usclaire.kelly@woodbridge.k12.nj.us *Extra help before school (7:45-8:10 am), after school (3:05-3:45 pm), and during lunch with prior notice. (There are no after school activities on Fridays).

4. Supplies 1 binder 1 pack of loose-leaf paper dividers (at least 3) 1 pack of index cards (any size) something to write with

5. Rules Respect Be prepared Participate Be on time Ask permission before leaving room Food Electronics Borrowing materials

6. Grading Major Assessments (about 4-5 per MP): tests, essays, projects Minor Assessments (about 20-25 per MP): homework, classwork, quizzes, participation A: 92-100 Performance significantly above curriculum standard B: 83-91 Performance above curriculum standard C: 74-82 Performance at curriculum standard D: 65-73 Performance below curriculum standard F: 64 or below Performance significantly below curriculum standard (failure) Bell curve/high expectations

7. Syllabus Short Story/Narrative (Sep-Oct) PARCC practice, original scary stories Argument (Nov-Dec/Jan) PARCC practice, original argument paper Information/Research (Jan-Feb) PARCC practice, original research presentation Literary Analysis (Jan-Mar) PARCC practice, original literary analysis paper Drama (Apr) Write/perform short plays in groups Poetry/Memoir (May-Jun) Write original creative poems and personal non- fiction

8. Do Now Schedule Mon: Vocabulary Tues: Current Events Weds: Grammar Thurs: Reading Skills Fri: Poetry/Creative Writing

9. What have we done so far? Review class rules and expectations Collect summer reading Icebreakers/getting to know you Review reading strategies/active reading: inferences, predictions, connections, questions, summaries Last Friday’s HW (due today): Read a short story and practice taking active reading notes Current Events: U.S. presidential elections, characteristics of Republican vs. Democratic parties Introduction to short story elements and the Narrative Writing Task on the PARCC

10. Any Questions?