ELA 8
Greer Middle School 2026-2027 - Ms. Susan Ferguson
Phone: (864) 355-5848
Email: slferguson@greenville.k12.sc.us
Website: https://sites.google.com/greenvilleschools.us/2026-2027websitetemplate/subject
Course Description:
Students completing my English 8 classes will be able to use personal experience, the printed word, and information gained from observations as a basis for constructing meaning. Through the accomplishment of this goal each student will also attain a level of mastery in each of the standards mandated by the state of South Carolina. You can find a copy of these standards on the SC Department of Education website. We will use fiction and informational texts as the basis for our reading instruction. Writing will include personal narratives, informational writing, literary analysis, argument, and text-dependent analysis. Students will also participate in individual and group research projects and presentations.
Learning Objectives for the Course:
Overarching Expectations
Read and write for a variety of purposes, including academic and personal, for extended periods.
Acquire, refine, and share knowledge through a variety of multimedia literacies to include written, oral, visual, digital, and interactive texts.
Make inferences to support comprehension.
Collaborate with others and use active listening skills.
Cite evidence to explain and justify reasoning.
Create quality work by adhering to an accepted format.
Anchor Standards: Reading (Inquiry, Analysis, and Meaning), Writing, Communication, and Research
Areas of Focus (all units)
Literary Analysis
Summary
Context (context clues)
Text Structures (Signposts and author's purpose)
Writer's process
Persuasion (reasoning and rhetorical)
Reference tools
Research
Etymology
Compare perspectives and themes
Argument (claim, evidence, counterclaim, refute)
Presentation
Verbals
Active and passive voice
Grammatical moods
Course Outline/Pacing/Scope and Sequence:
Students will use literary texts, informational texts, poetry, research and multimedia pieces to move through each of these thematic units.
Unit 1: "Gadgets and Gizmos"
Writing Focus: Argument
Unit 2: "The Thrill of Horror"
Writing Focus: Literary Analysis
Unit 3: ""Places We Call Home"
Writing Focus: Personal Narrative, research
Unit 4: "The Fight for Freedom"
Writing Focus: Research Report
Unit 5: "Finding Your Path"
Writing Focus: Argument
Unit 6: "The Legacy of Anne Frank"
Writing Focus: Narrative
Materials Needed:
We will be reading and writing daily, so students will need
a pencil case – something that fits in the student’s backpack
wood or mechanical pencils (if using mechanical, bring extra lead)
a small pencil sharpener
highlighters, a few colors (for annotation)
Post-It notes (for annotation)
composition notebook
multi-subject spiral notebook (at least 3 subjects) OR binder with loose-leaf paper divided into 3 sections
colored pencils (for projects)
washable markers (for projects)
2 2-pocket folders
pocket-sized tissue pack and personal hand sanitizer for backpack
WIRED Headphones
Chromebook
Classroom Expectations:
Be on Time: Arrive to class on time, be seated in your assigned seat, and begin the Bell Work assignment. At the bell, everyone should be seated and working.
Be Prepared: Bring all of the required materials to class; if homework is due turn it in.
Be Polite and Respectful: Treat yourself, other students, teachers, staff, and school property with respect and kindness.
Be Present: Stay focused on the assigned class activity.
Grading Policy/Practices:
Minor grades - at least 8 per quarter and minor grades count for 50% of grade.
Major grades - at least 3 per quarter and major grades count for 50% of grade.
Late Work Procedures (Absences):
All work must be submitted within five days immediately following the absence. In cases of prolonged illness beyond five days, special consideration will be given. It is the responsibility of the students, not the teachers, to arrange for make-up work. Work assigned before the absence or field trip will be due the day the student returns. Tests assigned before the absence will be taken on the scheduled test date or date arranged with the teacher. If a student misses a test or quiz while absent, on the first day back, arrangements should be made with the teacher to make up the assessment within five days. In general, work is to be made up before or after school in order not to miss more class time. Students are encouraged to check teacher websites, Google Classroom, and Google Calendars for assignments during any absence.
Greer Middle Redo/Retake Policy:
Greer Middle School is implementing a Redo/Retake Plan as a strategy to help ensure the mastery of content for our students and encourage our students to have a growth mindset regarding their academic work. Mastery is considered 80 percent or higher. Our guidelines for a redo/retake plan have been designed with input from teachers, administrators, parents, and students to ensure consistent implementation school-wide.
When are students allowed to redo/retake?
Only assignments that are categorized as major grades in the gradebook are available for redo/retake. Purposely evading or refusing to do work are exceptions to the redo/retake policy. Refusal to complete work may result in disciplinary actions.
Redo/Retake Information:
The student, parent, and teacher must sign Redo/Retake Request Form
The student must submit the Redo/Retake Request Form within three (3) school days of the grades being posted in Backpack.
The higher of the two grades will be recorded in the Gradebook.
Redo/Retake assessments will cover the same standards, but the format and questions will be determined by the teacher. Alternative assignments may be required at the teacher’s discretion.
Redo/Retake Steps:
The student must complete and submit the Redo/Retake Request Form (found under Student tab on Greer Middle Website) within three (3) school days of the grades being posted in Backpack.
Students must complete the Relearning Tasks assigned by their teacher on the Redo/Retake Request Form by the deadline given by the teacher.
If a student will be retaking a test, they must take it at the pre-arranged date/time; if a student will be redoing an assignment that is not a test, they must turn it in by the redo deadline.
If students miss the deadline and/or pre-arranged date/time, the redo/retake will not be allowed. If there are extenuating circumstances, contact the grade-level administrator.
Retake Request Form: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WryDjDnXxWv9kUwcU06qQwQucMKenvZi/view
Magic School
This year, students will possibly use MagicSchool AI, a generative AI platform designed specifically for education. As tools like ChatGPT and Gemini become standard in the professional world, utilizing MagicSchool prepares students for the future workforce by teaching safe and responsible technology use.
Students will use these tools for real-time feedback and dynamic problem-solving. To ensure appropriate use, teachers retain access to all student chats. MagicSchool strictly protects privacy and does not collect or utilize student data. All AI software, including MagicSchool, complies with GCS Board Policy and Administrative Rule IA.
Generative AI
This course may utilize generative AI tools, such as MagicSchool and Google Gemini, to supplement traditional instruction. Greenville County Schools prioritizes the ethical use of these technologies for brainstorming and self-guided learning.
Critical Thinking First: AI must not replace original thought or coursework.
Academic Integrity: Using AI to complete and submit assignments as original work constitutes plagiarism.
Required Citation: If teacher-approved, all AI use must be properly cited.
Content Awareness: Students must remain vigilant regarding potential biases and inaccuracies in AI-generated content.
Policy Compliance: All AI programs align with GCS Board Policy and Administrative Rule IA.
Supply list for Ms. Ferguson’s ELA 8 Studies
Pencils, paper, and a folder for worksheets are essential daily materials for ELA. Students are expected to come to class prepared. We will be reading and writing daily, so students will need
a pencil case – something that fits in the student’s backpack
wood or mechanical pencils (if using mechanical, bring extra lead)
a small pencil sharpener
highlighters, a few colors (for annotation)
Post-It notes (for annotation)
composition notebook
multi-subject spiral notebook (at least 3 subjects) OR binder with loose-leaf paper divided into 3 sections
colored pencils (for projects)
washable markers (for projects)
2 2-pocket folders
pocket-sized tissue pack and personal hand sanitizer for backpack
WIRED Headphones
Chromebook