Teacher: Michele Radake
Email: mradake@greenvilleschools.us
Course Description:
Students will discover ways to take a critical approach to reading and writing as they
connect the meanings of various texts. Independent thinking will be fostered through
logical and insightful analysis, interactions with literature, and reading and writing.
In reading: Learn to become successful readers who can think carefully about different kinds of texts and:
explain how specific literary elements and devices deepen understanding in texts.
describe lessons learned from words and phrases in stories.
discuss the impact of multiple narrators and text structures on comprehension.
identify and interpret an author’s main argument and word choices.
utilize various strategies to understand and analyze texts effectively
In research: Learn the processes of inquiry, investigation, and drawing conclusions on a wide variety of topics and:
ask good questions to find useful information for both short- and long-term research.
use different types of sources like books, websites, and documentaries to gather information and learn new things.
check if the information from a source is reliable and trustworthy, and use the most trustworthy ones.
decide which sources will give the best information for a specific topic.
organize what has been learned into clear sections and avoid copying others’ ideas without giving credit.
In communication: Effectively communicate ideas, information, arguments, and stories through writing, speaking, and presenting:
write texts with clear arguments, supported by evidence and acknowledging other views.
write informative texts that gather and organize information effectively, using clear language and relevant details.
craft engaging narratives with well-developed plots, characters, and descriptive elements.
use varied sentence structures and correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
improve writing through planning, editing, and feedback, and present information effectively orally.
communicate ideas and collaborate with others while using a variety of resources such as audio, visual, and multimedia presentations
analyze the messages of others and how they use specific formats or techniques to impact their audience.
For a complete list of standards, click here.
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
Unit 1:
Discovering Your Voice- What are the ways you can make yourself heard?
*Argumentative Writing
Unit 2:
Never Give Up- What keeps people from giving up?
*Nonfiction Narrative Writing
Unit 3:
Finding Courage- How do you find courage in the face of fear?
*Informative Essay
Unit 4:
Through an Animal’s Eyes- What can you learn from seeing the world through an animal’s eyes?
*Informative Essay
Unit 5:
Surviving the Unthinkable- What does it take to be a survivor?
*Argumentative Writing/Explanatory Essay
Unit 6:
Hidden Truths- What hidden truths about people and the world are revealed in stories?
*Writing Short Stories
N/A
1 in - 2 in WHITE Binder
5 dividers with pockets
Notebook paper
#2 pencils
Colored pencils and markers
Charged device
Earbuds - with wire to connect to computer
Come to class prepared.
Begin bell work when you enter the classroom.
Follow directions and stay focused.
Raise your hand to speak and leave your seat.
Be respectful while the teacher is talking.
Treat others with respect.
Students will receive numeric grades for all subjects using the grading scale below:
A 90-100
B 80-89
C 70-79
D 60-69
F 59 and below
The goal of Hughes Academy is to provide rigorous, high-quality instruction that challenges students to grow academically while building confidence in their abilities. We recognize that students learn at different paces and are committed to supporting each learner throughout their academic journey. In alignment with Greenville County Schools' policies, students will have appropriate opportunities to redo or retake assessments as outlined by district guidelines. Our focus is on ensuring grades reflect learning while encouraging perseverance, growth, and mastery of standards.
Retake/Redo/Revise Major Assessments
Hughes Academy will follow the pathways below for students to retake/redo/revise Major Assessments.
Through the PLC process, teachers will analyze common major assessment results and identify students who have not yet demonstrated mastery of essential standards and skills.
The PLC will:
Identify the standards requiring additional learning.
Determine appropriate remediation, intervention, or relearning activities.
If the class average on a CSA is below 75% , the teacher will initiate a reteach for the class and reassess.
Select an alternate assessment or revised learning task.
Coordinate the reassessment during an established intervention time.
Communicate the plan and expectations to the students.
Students must complete the PLC-identified remediation or relearning before reassessment.
Students may request a retake, redo, or revision of an eligible major assessment.
To qualify, the student must:
Submit the school’s Retake/Redo Request Form within five (5) school days of the grade being posted.
Have submitted all minor assignments associated with the instructional unit.
Complete teacher-directed remediation or relearning before reassessment.
Coordinate the reassessment with the teacher during an agreed-upon intervention time.
Students must complete the late work/redo/retake assessment form.
Middle School Common Expectations
The following expectations will apply to both pathways:
Only major assessments are eligible for retake, redo, or revision.
All reassessments must be completed by the end of the grading period in which the original assessment was assigned.
Students must complete teacher-directed remediation or relearning before reassessment.
The teacher and student will coordinate the reassessment during an agreed-upon intervention time, such as before school, during Advisory, lunch, or after school.
An alternate assessment or revised learning task may be used to demonstrate mastery of the same standards measured by the original assessment.
The highest score earned will replace the previous score in the gradebook.
School procedures must be implemented consistently across all grade levels and content areas.
Missing Work Due to Student Absences
Work missed because of a student absence will be recorded as MDA.
The code of MDA equates to a score of zero in the gradebook and will impact the student’s overall grade until the work is submitted.
Students have five (5) school days after returning from an excused absence to submit missed work unless alternative arrangements are made because of an extended absence or other extenuating circumstances. If alternative arrangements have not been made with the teacher, a grade of zero will remain as the grade for the missing work.
If a student does not communicate with the teacher about their missing work by the third (3) day, the teacher will initiate the conversation and help the student develop a plan for completion.
Once the teacher grades the submitted work and enters the grade into the gradebook, the code of MDA will be replaced with the grade.
Upon completion, the teacher will update the assignment within (five) 5 days.
Missing Work Due to Not Handed In
Assigned work that is not handed in by the due date will be recorded in the gradebook as a code of NHI. The code of NHI equates to a score of zero in the gradebook.
Cheating or Plagiarism:
The School District of Greenville County expects students to maintain integrity in all school work and refrain from any action that would bring dishonor to them or their school. Copying the work of others and submitting it as one’s own or securing or providing answers in a dishonest way is forbidden. Plagiarism from the internet is included in this offense.
Consequences:
Parent notification is required.
The student will be counseled by the teacher or other school personnel.
The student may be required to repeat the assignment.
Additional disciplinary actions may be applied.
When a student is absent, school policy allows five days after returning to school to complete make-up work. Students are responsible for contacting each teacher for missed work. The request should be made immediately upon returning to school. A parent may request make-up work for extended absences. Make-up work may be accessed online, provided via email or picked up in the front office after making arrangements with school staff.
Parent Involvement:
I encourage parents/guardians to be actively involved in their student's education. If you have any concerns or would like to contact me, please do not hesitate to reach out. Your support plays a vital role in your child's academic journey, and I value open communication to ensure their success. Together, we can foster a positive and enriching learning experience for your student.
GT Differentiation: Students should be willing to accept challenges and work hard to engage with deeper and more complex material.
This year, students will 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.
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 Rul