Language and literature Syllabus

This year I will be teaching both sixth and seventh grade. Each grade will have different content being taught, but please read through the syllabus to understand basic expectations for your sixth or seventh grade child. Please encourage your child to communicate with teachers:

In 6th and 7th Grade Language and Literature, students will develop strategies that will enable them to enhance their reading and writing skills. Additionally, students will be provided with opportunities to build community and make global connections while refining their presentation and communication skills in a fun, supportive, and collaborative environment. Our goal this year is to encourage students to develop a love of reading and writing!

Expectations & Citizenship:

We are excited to grow together in order to develop a community of lifelong learners through collaboration and teamwork. In order for us to succeed, you will need to:

• Think critically, read deeply, write meaningfully, try your best, pay attention to your growth (self-assess), and respect yourself and others.

You will need to come to class prepared virtually AND in person. You need your fully charged chromebook, an independent reading book, a notebook, any completed assignments/homework and a sharpened pencil everyday.

Independent Reading: Students will be reading books of their choice or assigned reading at school and at home. They will be expected to read about 2 hours per week (20 minutes per night) at home. Students will also be expected to complete a weekly assignment to demonstrate comprehension and completion of their weekly reading.

Learning Targets & Grading:

Learning targets are "I can..." statements that inform students what he/she needs to know and will be able to do. We will ask you to engage in self-assessment around each specific learning target. Grades will be based on both formative and summative tasks. It is very important to complete all assignments in order to be prepared for summative assessments and to receive the best possible grades.

Formative

• Weekly homework

• Reading responses

• Classwork

• Class participation and work habits

• Writing assignments

• Exit Tickets

Summative

• Tests

• Final projects

• Formal Reading Responses

• Formal Writing assignments

Retakes/Late Work:

Make up work: In the event of an absence (excused or unexcused), students will have two days for each day absent to make up missed work. If you students are absent for an extended period of time, students will need to contact teachers to coordinate late work. After that, assignments will be considered late.

Late Work Policy: At Summit Ridge, it is our goal that students will learn to be responsible for turning in work on the teacher’s specified due date. Students will have two weeks to make up a missing assignment. After that, the assignment will be a zero in the gradebook. If there is a recurring pattern, we will be in contact with families.

Extra Help

Teachers are available to help students with assignments after school Tuesday and Thursday. Please encourage your child to reach out to their teachers for any extra support. The most important part of this is to PLEASE, PLEASE ask for extra help. Your teachers will do whatever it takes, if you ask.

International Baccalaureate World School

Summit Ridge Middle School is an International Baccalaureate (IB) candidate school. The Middle Years Programme (MYP) embraces the adolescent learner, establishment of trusting relationships, and development of independent, responsible citizens. The IB approach is grounded on the following five pillars:

• Inquiry - students asking questions, students finding answers.

• Global awareness - connecting to the local, state, national and international community.

• Action and Service - learning by doing, making a positive impact.

• World languages - all students learning a world language.

• Access and Equity - intentional development of curriculum and supports connected to the needs of all learners.

Technology: Students are expected to come to class with a fully charged Chromebook daily. The majority of school work is done digitally. When students do not bring their devices charged, it impacts their ability to complete assignments on time and affects their grade. We also expect students to use Chromebooks responsibly from home by following Jeffco Digital safety protocols, and only visit approved Jeffco websites relevant to classwork.

Students are NOT permitted to use cell phones in the classroom.

We are looking forward to an amazing year together!