English 8 Syllabus
2023-2024 English 8 Syllabus
September 2023
Dear Parents/Guardians and Students,
Welcome to eighth grade English! I am looking forward to getting to know you all. In order to make this year as successful as possible, you need to know a few things about how this class is run. Please review the following classroom policies and procedures together. Thank you in advance for your support, dedication, and cooperation! If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at the middle school (631-266-5420) or email me at kbarozie@elwood.k12.ny.us. If you’d like to communicate through the Remind app, please text @kbaroz to the number 81010. I am looking forward to having a wonderful school year!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Barozie
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Materials:
All students must have with them every day:
A charged chromebook (a mouse for your chromebook is suggested)
Earbuds or headphones (only to be used for educational purposes in class)
A composition notebook (this cannot be shared with any other classes)
A section of a shared 5 subject notebook (or a section of a shared binder)
Post-its (3x3)
A pen, pencil, and highlighter
An independent reading book
“Do Now”
“Do Now” assignments will be completed daily. When the bell rings to start class, students should be seated, working on the “Do Now” assignment which may include (but is not limited to) a word and/or idiom of the day, troublesome words, a daily edit, a writing prompt, etc.
The “Do Now” assignment will be reviewed as a class each day. Students will be encouraged to apply what they have learned in the “Do Now” activity and may be assessed on information presented during the “Do Now” discussions.
Homework Procedures:
Most homework assignments in English will consist of reading for at least 20 minutes a day. All written assignments should be completed on the day it is due. Late homework assignments may not be accepted. However, major writing assignments, reports, or projects that are late will lose points for each day they are late. If a student is absent, it is the student’s responsibility to find out what has been covered. If the student misses class due to music lessons, the student is still responsible for the homework. Students must report to the subject class before going to music lessons. Homework assignments will be posted on the class website under “Daily Agenda.” However, students should also copy the current homework and any other upcoming assignments or announcements into their daily planner/agenda book at the beginning of class each day.
Testing Procedures:
All major tests will be announced in class and will be posted on our class website as well as on the White Team Testing Calendar. Students will have ample time to prepare. Tests are worth 100 points. If a student is absent the day a test is given, he/she must be prepared to take the test the day he/she returns. Quizzes are given as needed. They will be worth between 10 and 50 points. Students should expect reading checks on days that reading assignments are due while we are reading a whole class novel.
Grading:
Students will be graded numerically. Grades will be based on tests, projects, major and minor writing assignments, quizzes, homework and class work assignments. To find your quarterly average, I will add up the total points you earned and divide by the total number of possible points. This will count for 100% of your quarterly grade.
Extra Help
Extra help can be arranged at a mutually convenient time. Please see me to schedule an appointment a day or two in advance.
English Class Procedures
In our class, we have a set of procedures. These procedures need to be followed on a daily basis.
When you enter the classroom:
Make sure you have all class materials with you, especially your charged Chromebook! You will not be permitted to go to your locker once the bell rings.
Enter quietly and under control.
Go to your assigned seat.
Take out your Agenda Book and copy the homework assignment for that day.
Start the “Do Now” assignment.
When you need to use the restroom:
Raise your hand and ask permission. Only one person is allowed to go to the restroom at a time.
Grab the hallway pass by the door. Leave and enter the room quickly and without disturbing others.
Use the restroom closest to the library.
Do not ask to use the bathroom during the first 5 and last 5 minutes of class. Important announcements, directions and explanations are given during these times.
Try your best to use the restrooms and/or get a drink of water between classes so that you do not miss class time.
If you are late to class:
Make sure you have a late pass.
Enter the room quietly and begin working right away.
If you have music lessons:
You (not a friend) must check in with me first. Do not go straight to lessons.
Hand in all assignments that are due that day.
Copy down homework/announcements and take all handouts.
If you are absent:
Check my website when you are feeling up to it so you can find what you missed. You can always access the “Daily Agenda” to view the day’s learning objectives, lesson activities, and homework/announcements. You can find the “Daily Agenda” on our google classroom which also gives you access to lesson materials.
You are responsible for making up all owed work (tests, quizzes, writing assignments, etc.) Please contact me if you have any questions or need any help.