Welcome to English Studies 8. I am excited for you to be a part of my class! I am confident we will have a great year! Please show up ready to learn and always be prepared for class with all required materials. Thoroughly read through this syllabus – it will help you get a better understanding of the course and my expectations. It’s going to be a fantastic year!
ljking@greenville.k12.sc.us|Dr. Laura King
SUPPLIES: pencils, paper, highlighter, folder, colored pencils, 1 - composition book
COMMUNICATION
My email address is ljking@greenville.k12.sc.us. I will respond to your emails as quickly as possible. My telephone number is (864) 355- 8527. This phone number will directly connect you to my voicemail. Please leave your name and a phone number so I can address your needs when I am finished teaching.
Student Backpack is an essential tool for accessing grades and Google Classroom will be your greatest asset for staying up to date.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Students entering eighth grade continue to develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, and creativity. Eighth-grade students should be reading a variety of rich and challenging texts, closely, proficiently, and independently. As part of their close examination of literary text structure, eighth-grade students begin to examine how an author manipulates time to create mystery and suspense. Eighth graders move from examining an author’s use of rhetorical appeals into analyzing how an author uses rhetoric in texts. Throughout the year, eighth-grade students refine their written and oral communication skills to communicate to a variety of audiences. Students write shorter and longer narratives, arguments, and informational texts. Lastly, students in eighth grade participate in academic discussions and communicate appropriately to a variety of audiences while considering new ideas and diverse perspectives of others.
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
While in my classroom, I expect students to work with urgency while treating each other with high levels of respect and compassion. I will make every effort to ensure you have an 8th grade ELA experience that encourages your love of reading and increases your ability to communicate your thoughts effectively. This means that our classroom environment must be a safe place to wrestle with complex thoughts. Any behaviors that threaten this environment will be subject to Woodmont Middle School’s discipline policy. Please see the student handbook for additional information.
GRADING Major Assessments (3 minimum) 50% Minor Assessments (9 minimum) 50%
According to the new South Carolina stale law, students will no longer receive NHI’s or GFA’s for assignments. The score the students receive on an assignment will be recorded in the gradebook. Students who do not turn in their assignments will receive a 0 in the gradebook.
Major Assessments include tests, formal writing, or culminating products. Students will receive notice in advance and will go through the necessary teacher-directed study and preparation for any major assessment. Students, however, should also spend time preparing for major assessments at home.
Minor Assessments will include reading assignments, bellringer quizzes, classwork, skills-based quizzes, small writing assignments, and informal presentations.
Make-up Work/Late Policies It is the responsibility of each student to inquire about make-up work upon returning from an absence. Students must also check Google classroom for classwork and homework information for any days missed. Work turned in after the due date posted in Google Classroom / Backpack will receive a 10 point grade deduction. Assignments more than 5 days late will not be graded. Students must email the teacher to indicate when the missing assignment was turned in for grading.
Redo/Retake/Revision Policies: For major assessments, students have 5 days to request a redo / retake of the assessment after grades are posted in the gradebook. The redo/retake assessment may be an alternate version of the test, project, paper, or etc. Once the quarter ends, grades cannot be altered.