Parent Letter

August 24, 2023

Dear Parent or Caregiver,

Welcome to a new school year! Your child is enrolled in my eighth-grade English class. The upcoming year will be my sixteenth year at Dallas Middle School, and I am thrilled to be here! I have twenty-three years of teaching experience and work hard to stay current in educational research. Please visit my “About the Teacher” page on my website to learn more about me. I am honored to teach your child and hope our journey this year will be full of wonder and joy as we learn together. I plan to prepare your child for the demands of high school, but my ultimate goal is to help your child become a life-long learner to meet the challenges of the “real world.”

I want to work in partnership with you to make this a positive year for you and your child. To that end, please begin by reviewing this packet with your child and keep it at home for your reference. There is nothing for you to sign and return. I will be asking you and your child to complete a Google Form to provide me with helpful information that I can use to contact you and help you stay informed about important updates related to the class. Please complete this task as soon as possible. 

Maintaining communication is one of the most effective ways to ensure that your child will be successful. I highly recommend you use the CSIU Parent Portal regularly to check your child’s academic progress. I usually update grades weekly. I write a daily announcement in Google Classroom so parents and students can review class work, assignments, and future due dates. My website is also a good source of information. If you have any questions or concerns throughout the school year, please contact me at school (570-674-7243) or e-mail me (kstout@dsdhs.com). 

Sincerely,

Mrs. Kristen Stout

Course Description and Policies

Course Description 

English in eighth grade is a full-year course meeting daily. This course reinforces fundamentals of grammar and extends understanding of usage and mechanics in order to improve writing and speaking. Various types of writing are covered, including formal essay, journals, and components of the research paper. A major portion of the course is an in-depth study of the genres of literature and types of informational text. Analysis of selected readings will emphasize a thorough understanding of text structures and literary terms. In eighth grade, students read and discuss a novel, focusing on historical background and vocabulary, as well as elements such as characterization, tone, mood, and theme.

Class Objectives

• Improve writing, reading, listening, speaking, and critical thinking skills

• Build grammar, vocabulary, and spelling skills to improve writing and speech

• Read and analyze various genres of literature

• Practice digital citizenship skills

• Practice interpersonal skills in small and large groups

What Successful Students Do

1. Follow the classroom rules

2. Complete all required readings, homework, and writing assignments

3. Participate in class discussions and activities

4. Use organizational skills to complete and maintain paper and electronic handouts

5. Work both independently and cooperatively

Supplies You Need in Addition to the Chromebook

• Sturdy pocket folder (labeled for English class only)

• Pencil pouch

• Ample supply of pencils, preferably mechanical

• Index cards (helpful but not required)

• Planner (not required but highly recommended)

Optional Items: Purchase Your Own if You Don’t Wish to Share Classroom Supplies

• Pens: one red, one green, one blue, one purple

• Multi-colored pack of highlighters (yellow, pink, blue, green, orange, purple)

• Black dry-erase marker (fine)

• Black Sharpie (fine)

• Colored pencils (12-pack)

***Any of the following donations for the classroom are appreciated: tissues, paper towels, disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer, packages of pencils

Grades

Grades are based on the number of points earned out of the total number of possible points.  Daily work, such as homework and class activities, are usually worth between 3 and 10 points. Vocabulary sentences are worth 16 points. Major work, such as quizzes, tests, and writing assignments, is worth between 20 and 40 points. Extra credit is offered quarterly and will be announced to all students. 

Homework

There is no partial credit for partially completed work. If you are struggling with a portion of an assignment, email or see the teacher during the homeroom period for help. The amount of time you spend on work outside of class will vary weekly. Use the given class time and study halls wisely. Written homework must be legible and complete to receive credit. 

Late Work

Homework is due by 8 a.m.; however, most assignments will be accepted for full credit immediately following first period. If you arrive at school late, turn in written work after the first class you attend. Digital work should be submitted on time.

Homework and Class Assignments:  A zero will be recorded for most late homework or class assignments.  Some late homework (the kind that cannot be copied as we go over it in class) may be submitted with a deduction up to one week after the due date.   

Writing Assignments and Projects:  A major assignment may be accepted late for up to five school days with a 10% deduction for each day it is late up to 50%.  After five school days have passed, a zero is recorded.

Make-up Work

You are responsible for obtaining and completing assignments when you are absent.  If work is due on a day you are absent, you must turn it in when you return to school.  If you missed a test or a quiz, you must take the initiative to schedule the make-up within the allowed time. According to the Student-Parent handbook, # of days of excused absence(s) = # number of school days permitted to complete assignment(s). I am flexible if there is a good reason why you need more time. Work completed during unexcused absences does not earn credit. See pages 17–23 of the Student-Parent Handbook for the school policies on attendance, partial absence, and tardiness.

Extended Absences

If you will be out for two or more days and know about it in advance, notify the teacher so work can be prepared. Please allow at least 24 hours to gather your assignments. See page 23 of the Student-Parent Handbook for the school policy.

Code of Conduct: Academic Honesty

Students who submit work that is not their own will not receive credit for it and may be subject to disciplinary action. See page 25 of the Student-Parent Handbook for the school policy.

Code of Conduct: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use Policy

1. AI as a Tool, Not a Crutch: AI is here to assist us, to inspire and clarify. But remember, the thoughts, analysis, and crafting of your assignments should be primarily your own.

2. Cite Your Sources: Just as we acknowledge human sources, any significant insights or phrases you borrow from AI should also be properly cited. As with any source, it should be limited to a quotation of no more than a couple of sentences, as AI can be used to support your work but not be your work.  

3. AI for Understanding, Not for Shortcuts: Use AI to clarify your doubts, to seek further understanding. Don't use it as a way to avoid reading, thinking deeply, or engaging with the text. Use AI to give you feedback on your writing with suggestions for improvement before the assignment is submitted. Do not ask AI to rewrite it for you beyond your capabilities and submit the rewrite.

4. AI for Learning, Not Just Task Completion: Aim to understand and develop skills, not just to finish an assignment. 

5. Tutor not Reader: While reading a text, just as you might chat with a friend about what you are reading, AI can help you to understand parts of the reading that you need further clarification on. However, bypassing the reading and doing the hard work of comprehension yourself is not acceptable. 

Source: https://alicekeeler.com/2023/05/24/acceptable-use-policy-for-ai-in-the-ela-classroom/

Code of Conduct: Rules for Online Behavior

1. To post a comment: 15 Rules of Netiquette for Online Discussion Boards

2. To email the teacher: How to Write a Clear, Polite Email to a Teacher

3. To determine if you can use something you find online: Copyright Flowchart: Can I Use It? Yes? No? If This… Then…

From 2023-2024 Student-Parent Handbook Regarding Cell Phones

Cell phones/earpods may be brought to school. Phones must be turned off and remain in student lockers. Earpods are to be stored in lockers Cell phone/earpod use is NOT ALLOWED during school hours. If these items are seen or heard, they will be collected and sent to the office. Failure to comply with a staff member’s request to turn in cell phone/earpods will be subject to the insubordination provision of the discipline policy. Repeated violation of this policy will result in escalating disciplinary action.

Classroom Rules

1. Follow all school rules as outlined in the Student-Parent Handbook, which can be found on the school website

2. Show respect to your teacher and fellow students through positive and appropriate words, actions, and body language; this includes online behavior

3. Arrive on time with the necessary materials

4. Follow directions the first time they are given

5. Pay attention and be engaged in the learning process

Consequences for In-class or Online Behavior Concerns 

1. Verbal or non-verbal warning

2. Second warning

3. Action appropriate for behavior (ex. frequent disruption may result in a seat change; disrespectful tone or language may result in a one-on-one discussion during or after class)

4. Contact with parents

5. Referral to office