Syllabus

8th Grade ELA Syllabus

       Ms. Lynn Duck

Welcome to 8th Grade ELA! 

I am Lynn Duck, and I teach 8th grade English/Language Arts.   I received my Ed.S. from Berry College, my Master's Degree from Lesley University, and my B.S. from the University of West Georgia.  I hold certification in Middle Grades ELA, Social Studies, Reading, Literacy, ESOL, ECE, Gifted, Curriculum and Instruction, Online Teaching, and Educational Leadership. I look forward to working with you this year.

Classroom Rules

BE RESPONSIBLE, RESPECTFUL, RELIABLE, and READY.

Supplies

Paper

Pencil

Binder                                                          

Kleenex

Grading Scale

55% Tests, Assessments, Papers, and Projects

25% Daily, Homework, Classwork

20% Midterm and Final 

PHS Classroom Tardy Policy 2026-2027

1st - 2nd Tardy:  Teacher Warning

3rd Tardy:  Teacher Warning & Parent Contact

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4th - 6th Tardy: Detention--Assigned by Office

7th - 10th Tardy: ISS

11th Tardy and beyond: ISS, possible suspension of driving privileges

Late Grades

Late Grades should be avoided when possible.  The month of August will be a “grace period” as eighth grade students are adjusting to high school.  Beginning September 1, 2026, all work not turned in at the assigned time will be considered late.  Late work will only be accepted in the month the work is assigned and will be eligible for the highest grade of a 70 with points deducted from there. 

When a late grade is submitted, the student must email me that they have submitted the assignment and the name of the assignment.  Work that is assigned and submitted in Google Classroom should be submitted on the original assignment submit day.  Other digital assignments should be submitted in their respective platforms and an email sent.  Assignments completed paper/pencil should be submitted in the class LATE WORK basket and an email sent to me.

Multiple times throughout the year a Makeup/Catchup Day will be given in class.  Students will be given time in class to work on missing assignments during this time. On these days, students can work on any assignment in class only and earn, at best, a grade of 50.  At the end of each semester all grades for that semester are finalized and can not be changed.   Students should use their class time wisely to complete all assignments.  If a student needs more time they should speak with me before the assignment is due.

Cell Phone Policy

Personal Electronic Mobile Devices may not be used at any time by 8th grade students. 8th grade

students must place all electronic devices in their locker. 

Technology use includes: using other students' devices, viewing, holding, wearing any unapproved device for the purpose of communication, internet access, gaming, recording, listening to music. 

• Cell phones must be silenced, not turned on vibrate

• Flashing notification lights have to be turned off

• Students must follow these rules as there will be no exceptions

1st Offense- Cell phone will be confiscated and submitted to the office. Parents will be required to pick at the end of the day. The student will be required to turn in device to office for 5 school days 

2nd offense- Cell phone will be confiscated and submitted to the office. Parents will be required to pick at the end of the day. The student will be required to turn in device to office for 10 school days 

3rd offense- Cell phone will be confiscated and submitted to the office. Parents will be required to pick at the end of the day. The student will be required to turn in device to office for 20 school days 

 Failure to comply will result in further disciplinary action. 

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       Parent Signature and Date

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       Student Signature and Date