Ms. Debra Holmes

7th Grade English Language Arts

Room 721

2019-2020

Welcome to Ms. Holmes' ELA Class for 2019-2020! This website is THE main source of information about my class for both students and parents. Please read through this Home Page for an Orientation to my class. Then, each week, click on either the Blocks 1 & 2 tab or Blocks 5 & 7 tab to keep up with daily lessons, assignments, due dates, and links to material.

Student Supply List

  • 5-Subject Notebook
  • 2 Pocket Folder
  • Pencils/Pens (no red or light gel colors)
  • Loose Leaf paper
  • Highlighters/Sticky Notes
  • Personal Roll of clear tape
  • Colored Pencils/Markers

Teacher Wish List

  • Boxes of Tissue
  • Colored Pencils
  • Markers
  • Packs of Colored Printer Paper
  • Extra Pencils
  • Band Aids
  • Highlighters

Join Remind by clicking your ELA Block Button!

  • Students are required to join Remind.
  • Students are responsible for keeping track of due dates--regardless of whether I send a Remind or not!

Homeroom-8:05-8:15

Block 1 ELA-8:15-9:18

Block 2 ELA-9:21-10:21

AIR Time-10:24-10:54

Block 3 (Elective)-10:57-11:37

Block 4 (Elective)-11:40-12:20

Block 5 ELA-12:23-2:03

(Lunch-12:25-12:50)

Block 7 ELA--2:06-3:10

The quickest way to contact me is through email at debraholmes@johnston.k12.nc.us

I will respond to parent emails that day. If you prefer to talk to me by phone, call the office at 919-359-2769 and leave a message. I will return your call afterschool.

Parent/Teacher Conferences are available during my planning time or after school.

How Grades Are Calculated

Selection/Novel Tests & Projects= 50%

Vocab Quizzes/Article of the Week= 30%

Homework/Online Practice (Lexia, NoRedInk, Newsela, ReadWorks)= 20%

I will always give written directions and a grading rubric for all assignments and projects. The grade will always be determined by:

  1. All are the required elements present in the assignment? These will be listed on the rubric.
  2. Does the quality of the work meet 7th grade standards--such as using capitalization and punctuation correctly, correct spelling, complete sentences?

No Extra Credit Assignments Will Be Given!

Typical Homework

  • Usually is something we started in class and may need to be finished at home. Students work at different rates-some students finish work in class, some do not--(Some students use their class time for working, some use it for socializing). If your child says he/she has no homework, check the assignment calendar and ask to see the work.
  • All assignments will be posted on this website. Click the appropriate Block tab at the top of this page. Look for the Class Calendar.
  • Assignments not turned in will receive a 0 in Powerschool. When the work is turned in, I will replace the 0 with the grade.


My Expectations For All Students

1. BE PREPARED!

Bring all needed materials to class. Leaving work at home = redoing it in class.

2. BE RESPONSIBLE!

Be a self-directed learner. Use active listening. Complete assignments. Study.

3. BE RESPECTFUL!

Use kind words. Treat others like you want to be treated. Save social talking for lunch!

4. USE TECHNOLOGY APPROPRIATELY!

​Use only teacher approved websites. No texting or social media posts while in school.

5. DO YOUR BEST WORK!

Read directions, don't rush, take pride in your work. Your work represents you.

6. NO CANDY, GUM, FOOD, OR DRINKS IN CLASSROOMS!

This is per our principal, Mr. West. Clear water bottles are allowed.


Classroom Management Plan

1st Offense: Verbal Reminder

2nd Offense: Conference with Teacher (in which a "natural consequence" will be used) & Parent Contact

  • Talking During Instruction = Silent Lunch & Seat Change
  • Inappropriate Use of Technology-Banned from using Chrome Books. All materials will be printed for you.
  • Cheating/Copying Work = 0 on assignment & Seat Change
  • Horseplaying Around at Lunch = assigned lunch seating

3rd Offense: Office Referral & Teacher/Student/Parent Conference

*Disrespect, profanity, or disruption of class will be an automatic office referral.