English-Language Arts

Mr. Antantis --Room 31                                          

dantantis@fusdk12.net                                         

(510) 656-7211 ext. 28031 

Welcome to 8th Grade English-Language Arts! I am looking forward to a school year enriched with learning and exploration of literature through a mastery of reading and writing skills.  In alignment with implementing the California State Common Core Standards, my goal is to provide students with the necessary tools to not only be successful in my class, but in all future academic endeavors as well.  Please read the following classroom policies and expectations, as they will ensure a successful 2025-2026 school year.

Curriculum Overview:

∙ The novels we will read are I am Malala, The Outsiders, Whirligig, and Real.  The other possible novels if there is time will The Hate You Give and Chasing Lincoln’s Killer. We will be supplementing novels with short stories, poetry, and drama from our newly adopted textbook, HMH California Collections, which will be used in class only (the novels will be temporarily assigned to each student for the time that we are reading them in class together).

∙We will be writing, both formally and informally, using three types of writing genres:  argument, narrative, and explanatory.

∙Students are required by the district to read a thousand pages of outside reading per quarter, which will be monitored by the student and teacher as part of their overall grade.

∙We will also be working on grade appropriate spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and listening and speaking skills.

Class Materials:

∙  3-ring binder with English section (can be used for other classes as well)

∙  Binder paper

∙  Notebook (spiral bound at least 70 page-used only for English)

∙  Blue or black pen (highlighter and whiteout recommended)

∙  Walters Agenda

Grading Policy:   Grades will be earned on an accumulated percentage basis.

Homework/Class Work:  34 %

Tests/Quizzes/Projects:  33%

Writing:  33%

Late Work/Homework Policy: Homework is to read at least 20 pages of Outside Reading per night, Monday through Friday, in addition to whatever class assignment a student does not finish in class. Homework turned in late receives a 25% deduction, and a 50% deduction after one week. Late completed assignments can still be turned in up until the end of each quarter for 50% credit. Zeroes will be entered into the gradebook for missing assignments.

Use of e-readers (i.e. Kindle, Nook) is permitted during the READ time only. The school will not be held responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged electronic devices or accessories.

California Department of Education Recommended Reading List:  http://www3.cde.ca.gov/reclitlist/search.aspx

Newsela (source for current event, non-fiction articles):  https://newsela.com/

 Class Rules (Personal Standards)

1. Show Respect

2. Make Good Decisions

3. Solve Problems