Welcome to 8th Grade English
To: Students, Parents and Guardians
From: Mrs. Jennifer Wright
I would like to welcome you to Eighth Grade English! I hope you all had relaxing summers and are feeling refreshed to begin an exciting academic year. I am looking forward to working with all of you this school year and helping you to become stronger writers, readers, thinkers and communicators. I am confident that with mutual respect, diligence, and a healthy dose of humor we will accomplish great things in your last year before high school. Before the work, challenges and fun can begin, it is important that you fully understand the guidelines and expectations that I have established for this course. Please take the time to acquaint yourself with the following frameworks of our English class, and share this information with your parents/guardians. Please sign and return the attached slip.
1. Materials needed for class:
-One plastic three ring binder with loose leaf paper
- Pencils and highlighters
- Small post-it notes (for text annotations)
- Earbuds (encouraged)
-One box of tissues for classroom supply (optional)
*You are responsible for all books and handouts given to you; all work will be
collected in your binder.
2. Homework: On Time and With Care
Homework is an inevitable, important part of your education. I will do my best to give you meaningful assignments (not busy work), and I expect you to complete those assignments to the best of your ability and in a timely manner. You will not be allowed to go retrieve homework from your locker during class time; if you forget it you may show it to me at the end of class only to receive credit. If you do not understand an assignment, write out a list of specific questions you have about the assignment to show that you have made an effort. For each day that an assignment is late, it will lose one letter grade. You will also have long-term work that will require careful planning. You must work independently to meet deadlines.
3. Absences:
If you are absent from school, it is your responsibility to find out what assignments or assessments you may have missed. Contact a reliable classmate or check my teacher web page and strive to do all of the work. Any materials that you cannot access from my page can be found in a bin in the front of the classroom. I will not track you down to make up your work. Any assignments not turned in within the number of days of absence will result in a zero. In the case of extended illnesses, I will work with you and your family to help you get caught up.
4. Assessments (Papers, Tests and Quizzes):
Quiz grades count once; test grades count twice. Each formal piece of writing counts as two quiz grades. If you score below a 70, you need to get it signed and return it to me.
5. Sign-out Sheet/Classroom Supplies:
Located on the table near the door. Ask permission to sign out at an appropriate time and take a pass whenever leaving the classroom.
6. Neatness and Pride:
Your work is a reflection of you – I expect you to take great pride in your work and make it neat and well-organized. Be sure that the paper is not wrinkled and it represents your best efforts.
7. Class Participation:
English involves speaking and listening, in addition to writing and reading. This class will offer you the opportunity to discuss, debate, question, read aloud, and converse online. Many class discussions will be based on your opinions, comments and ideas. Participation does not only mean voicing your own thoughts, but you must also be a good listener. This means that we will all learn to talk in turn, not interrupt, raise our hands, take risks and respect others’ opinions and beliefs.
English class will be an enjoyable learning experience if we follow these policies, work diligently, and show respect to everyone in the school community. My door is open; see me at any time if there is any way I can help you. I am very excited about working with you this year!