Ms. K. Patterson
McKinley Middle Academic Magnet
kpatterson2@ebrschools.org
225-388-0089
English 7 (Advanced)
Room 713
* This syllabus is a living document that is subject to change at any time at the teacher’s discretion as information becomes available from MMAM, EBRPSS, and LDOE due to COVID-19*
Class Website https://sites.google.com/ebrschools.org/mspatterson
From the teacher
Welcome! My name is Ms. Patterson and I am excited to be here with you during my nineteenth year at McKinley Middle Academic Magnet School. I will be helping you get used to the atmosphere here just as you are transitioning into this new phase of learning. I feel extremely lucky to be your teacher and am looking forward to having a very successful year. Please feel free to contact me at any time in order to discuss this syllabus or to address any other questions or concerns that you may have.
Course Overview
MyPerspectives/Textbook
Unit 1: Generations
Unit 2: A Starry Home
Unit 3: Turning Points
Unit 4: People and the Planet
Course Description
McKinley Middle Academic Magnet School strongly believes in encouraging academic honesty and independence through each child's experience in and out the classroom. Those qualities and much more ranging from respect for others to maintain classroom decorum will be expected to be displayed by Middle School English Students. Those who are serious about acquiring skills that will help them to become better analytical thinkers through a variety of instructive techniques are more than welcome to share their ideas, comments, and suggestions with the teacher. Let's make this experience a unique and exciting one as we progress through the academic year.
We will do a variety of activities and assignments that will encourage students to think beyond the obvious in order to expand their interests in grammar and literature ranging from brainstorming and free writing to analytical research.
Students in this course will have an in-depth study of literature, grammar, vocabulary and writing. Students taking this course will read an assortment of challenging and complex literary works. Students will respond to the literature through different writing assignments, which include literary analysis task, narrative writing task, and research simulation task. Grammar instruction will consist of Daily Grammar Practice and will continue throughout the year in conjunction with student writing and literature. Vocabulary instruction includes SAT words and literature specific vocabulary. Lastly, students will complete a final project which allows them to present their findings and conclusions in oral, written, and visual formats.
Required Materials for Class:
1 - 1/2" binder or 5 subject notebook
1-composition notebook
2- packs of white loose-leaf paper
1- pack of dividers for the binder
2- 3 pronged folders with pockets
1- pack of post-it-notes
1- pack of blue or black ink pens
1- pack of red pens
1- pack of highlighters (1 or 2)
1- glue sticks (2 in a pack)
1- pack of pencils
Clorox wipes (1) (homeroom)
Hand sanitizer (1) (homeroom)
1 box of tissue (homeroom)
1 roll paper towels (homeroom)
headphones (corded/wired) that are compatible to the chrome book (must have every day in class)
Classroom Policies, Procedures, and Routines:
Teacher´s Expectations and Daily Procedures
Each student is expected to arrive on time, come in to the classroom in an orderly manner, and sit in his or her assigned seat.
Each student is expected to be prepared for class by bringing all materials such as planner, binder, pen, and required text.
Each student is expected to be respectful towards the teacher and classmates.
Each student is expected to have a positive role in the classroom by actively participating in discussion, staying focused on assignments, and paying attention during instruction.
Classroom Rules:
Behave in an orderly manner.
Be on task at all times.
Respect yourself and others.
Promote safety in everything you do.
Arrive to class on time with required materials.
Consequences:
1st Offense (Infraction)-Verbal Warning/Restate the expectations and rules.
2nd Offense (Infraction)-Contact parent
3rd Offense (Infraction)-Contact parent
4th Offense (Infraction)-Discipline Referral
**Gross disrespect, obscenity, and fighting may result in an immediate office referral.
Summer Reading Tests
Read 1 of the novels. The test for the novel is , for A-day classes and , for B-day classes.
Seventh Graders – The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne, Ruined by Paula Morris, Call of the Wild by Jack London, Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech, Slam by Walter Dean Myers, OR Restart Gordon Korman
Accelerated Reader (AR) for 2026-2027 School Year
Accelerated Reader(AR) has played a major role in a student's grade at McKinley Middle over the years.
At this time we are asking that all students at least have access to some kind of Library, eBook, or a system that they can log in to books for free. Accelerated Reader is worth 50 points each nine weeks. The grade is always due at the end of every nine weeks. It is really important that students are reading and logging for 20 minutes every night.
Grading
Grades may come from the following: tests, quizzes, projects and group work, bell ringers, participation points, homework, and classwork. Assignments are graded so that no assignment/test heavily outweighs others. However, a good grade cannot be earned without both studying and completing assigned work.
The grading scale is the usual:
A: 90%-100%
B: 80 – 89%
C: 70 – 79%
D: 60 – 69%
F: 59– 0%
Highlights
Summer Reading tests due, for A-day classes and , for B-day classes.
Contact teacher at kpatterson2@ebrschools.org or call the school at 225-388-0089
Rigorous curriculum consisting of both English and Literature
Focus on reading and responding to challenging text
High expectations