Class Information

8th Grade ELA Syllabus

Welcome to our Language Arts class!  I’m extremely happy to be in the Northbrook and Glenview community again, and I’m looking forward to a great year with you all. 

Outcomes

• The students will be able to apply reading and writing skills taught in Language Arts to their daily lives. 

• The students will have completed Language Arts with a better perspective of the world and their place in it.  

Curriculum

• Vocabulary—Words will once again be assigned from Word Within a Word.  This vocabulary program teaches students the meanings of stem words.  Having knowledge of these stems will allow them to figure out new and unfamiliar words.  

• Grammar—A combination mini lessons and work from the grammar text will be used for instruction.  Grammar will be assessed through quizzes and the students’ writing.

• Writing—There will be a significant emphasis on writing this year.  Some class time will be devoted to writing almost every day, but there may be times when it’s necessary for the student to write at home.  The students will have time to write, conference, edit, and revise in class.  

• Reading Workshop—The students will be required to have a self-selected book for Reading workshop all year long.  They will be held responsible for these books through writing, conferencing, and projects. 

• Whole-Class Reads—The students will read short stories, poems, and book club novels throughout the year.  In addition, we will read and discuss informational texts and graphs.  

Student Expectations

• The students need to follow the Maple School Classroom Expectations. 

• Students need their charged iPads, Reading Workshop book, writing utensil, and headphones every day.

• If students need extra help, I will be available by appointment to assist them. 

 Final Grade Breakdown

• Writing:  40%

• Reading:  20%

• Vocabulary:  20%

• Projects/Speaking:  10% (Navigate: 15%)

• Grammar:  5% (Navigate:  n/a)

• Homework:  5%

Everyday Materials Needed

• Reading Workshop book

• Charged iPad

Office Hours

I'm available by appointment.  Please confirm the appointment with me beforehand.  

• jpettenuzzo@district30.org

• 847-400-8929

Maple Equity Statement

Maple School Values the diverse world in which we live, and ALL students are equally welcome, accepted, included, and cared for. Through the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion, we strive to enhance our learning. We do not tolerate discrimination on the basis of race/ethnicity, sex, gender, religion, ability, or sexual orientation

Maple Absence Policy

Students are responsible for communicating with their teachers regarding any missed work when absent. It is the student's duty to ensure they understand what assignments need to be completed and the deadlines for submission. When an absence is excused, students will receive extensions to complete work relative to the number of days missed. When an absence is unexcused, students are expected to return to school prepared to continue with the class and without extensions. Additionally, they will be expected to turn in any work missed that was previously posted online. Please see the Parent/Student Handbook for more specific details about excused and unexcused absences.

Maple Expectations

• Arrive to class on time

• Come prepared

• No personal devices

• No gum chewing

• Sign out when leaving class

• Be T.R.R.F.C.C