Class Info/Syllabus

Language Arts                 Mrs. Jackson  

Course Syllabus               Room 16

Welcome to my class!  Beginning a new year in Junior High is exciting.  You have the opportunity to “start all over” with new friends and old alike.  You will be presented with many new and exciting adventures this year and I am excited about sharing this time with you.  To make sure that we have the best year possible, I want to make sure that we have a common understanding of what is expected in this class.

Course Overview

In Language Arts, 7th graders will be exposed to a curriculum based on the Common Core State Standards. Skills in reading, analyzing text, writing, and mechanics will be taught.  Students will read a variety of literature, including both fiction and non-fiction works from the online literature book, novels, poetry, and self chosen works.  Recreational Reading will be a required part of this course.  Students will also participate in a Writer’s Workshop where they will work on a variety of writing styles and writing conventions throughout the year.    Accelerated students will participate in a variety of activities aimed at enriching and extending the “Essential Course of Study”. My goal is to provide a curriculum that is balanced and motivating, giving every student a chance to succeed. At times this year, we will have the opportunity to watch the movie version of the novels/short stories that we read and be able to discuss the differences between the versions. (Integration of Knowledge and Ideas: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.7.7.) All movies we may watch this year have been previewed and approved, but since some may have a PG-13 rating, I want to make sure you are aware of that.  

Assignments

Classwork is an important part of the Language Arts curriculum.  It gives students a chance to practice concepts we have worked on. Homework is generally only completing work that was not finished in class and it is imperative that all work is completed so that I am able to assess progress and address any concerns I may have.  If class time is used well, you should find the homework load in this class to be light.  Longer assignments and projects will be given throughout the year and ample notice will be given as to these guidelines and due dates. Class time will also be given for those assignments. Assignments will be posted daily on Google Classroom and/or Study Sync.  Make sure to  click the Turn In or Submit button for each assignment you complete.

Class Requirements

Due to the ever changing nature of education, technology will be more important than ever. Students will use their chromebook daily. It is expected to be brought to school charged and ready to go  each day.  We will utilize Google Classroom  and all learning apps (such as Study Sync, iReady, PAPER, etc) can be accessed through the Clever portal.  Be sure you can access Infinite Classroom to check your grades.

Supplies 

•  Chromebook needs to be with you DAILY.  It is expected to be charged and ready to go.  Please also bring your charging cord daily in case you need to plug your Chromebook in during the day.    

•  College Rule single subject notebook (for Language Arts notes only) 

• Pencils (several)

• Highlighter

• Black and blue pens. Have extras so you are prepared.  

• Colored pencils/markers/gel pens to use for projects

• Lined College Ruled paper/notebooks

Grading Policy

Grade Scale:                          Categories:

90-100%   A           Homework/ Class Work/ iReady participation    

80-89%      B                    Writing/Projects                        

70-79%      C            Tests/Quizzes                

60-69%      D

59 & below F

Academic dishonesty will NOT be tolerated under any circumstances and is a breech of Vineyard's Honor Code. Cheating, copying, or plagiarism of any form will result in a “0” on the assignment, disciplinary referral, and parent contact.

Absent Work

It is your responsibility to make-up missed assignments when absent.  All assignments for the week will be  posted on my web page and most work should be available in our Google Classroom . Be sure to check  for any missed assignments. Students will have one day to make up work for each day absent.  Quizzes and tests will be made up once the student returns to class or will be arranged online. .  Homework assignments can be checked daily on my teacher website. 

Late Work

We are not all perfect!  Sometimes a forgotten assignment is a simple mistake.  Therefore, I will accept any  homework assignment one day late for 70%  credit.  After that, the assignment will be a zero. On RARE occasions, events occur that make it impossible to finish your homework on time. If this happens, your parent should contact me by email, so that I will not penalize you for circumstances beyond your control. I expect all late work to be completed, so that you still have a chance to keep your grade up and have mastery of the subject matter.  Extra credit is generally not available in this class, except for a few points at the end of the trimester.  

Behavior Expectations

Be KIND, stay ENGAGED, & work HARD

Be on time and prepared with  all the materials you will need

Be focused, attentive. and respectful

Participate responsibly and communicate clearly

Have fun!

Consequences

*1st Offense: Verbal Warning

*2 Warnings in One Day: After School Detention

*Repeated disruptions / major infraction of school rules will result in an 

        Office Referral and/or meeting with parents

*Citizenship grade will be determined by classroom behavior

I am so excited to share this adventure with you and  I am confident we will have an amazing year of learning!  If you have questions or concerns please feel free to email me any time me at:     kjackson@alsd.org