On this page, you will find information about: classroom supplies, Accelerated Reader, the grading scale for my class, classroom rules/procedures, and the Reader's Writer's notebook. **FOR ELA CLASSES ONLY!**

Classroom/School Supplies

• Eagle Organizer [we will use this every day in our class]

• School ID card [you'll use this to check out books in the library]

• 2 blue or black pens

• 2 correcting/revising pens [red only]

• 2 sharpened pencils

• Highlighter (any color) [usually we use 3-4 different colors for notes and annotating text. If you have 4 different colors, that will make it easier when you are taking notes, and you can choose which colors you would like to use]

• Glue stick [this can usually stay at home, and Ms. Thomas will let you know when we use them]

• Eraser [we all make mistakes]

• Composition book (college ruled) [this is the one you need for my class. 100 page, sewn is best!]

• 3-ring binder (NO LARGER than 1 ½ inches) [this, again, is for all of your classes. You don't need a separate one for my class]

• Dividers [you need 3-5 paper dividers for our composition book (not plastic)]

• Folders [not necessary for my class, as long as you have your binder]

• Notebook paper (college ruled)

• School laptop and charger [please make sure you charge your laptop every night]

• Earphones or earbuds [I will let you know in advance when they are needed]

• AR book (s) [by Friday, September 5th you will need to bring your choice of AR book every day, we will discuss this more in class]

• 1 tissue box **Class Donation** (even periods first semester, odd periods second semester) to be kept in class

Accelerated Reader

Accelerated Reader (AR) is 10% of your child's reading grade this year. To receive full credit for AR, your child must complete the required AR points. The AR point requirement for your child is based on their grade level. 

My goal is to assess your child at least three times during the year (if available) using this universal screener to analyze improvement. This first test will serve as the benchmark assessment and all other screenings will be compared to it.

AR Deadlines 2025-2026: 

First Quarter: October 21, 2025

Second Quarter: January 20, 2026

Third Quarter: March 24, 2026 

Fourth Quarter: June 2, 2026

Please check with your child regularly to make sure he/she is completing the AR requirement each quarter. Partial grade will be given for students who complete part of the requirement, but your child will feel more successful and continue to improve in reading if he/she completes the entire requirement. You can check your child's AR progress by logging in to his/her account. Follow the directions below:

1. Log on to the AC Stelle website

2. Scroll down the Media Center tab until you come to AR Home Connect and click

3. Enter your child's user name (first 5 letters of first name, first 5 letters of last name, last two digits of student ID, last two digits of year born) and password (7-digit student ID).

Your child should be reading at least 30 minutes every day of the week. Please discuss with your child the books he/she reads on a regular basis. To take an AR quiz, your child must bring a permission slip signed by the parent or guardian allowing him/her to read the book. I will sign the form after your child has completed the book and will not sign forms that have not been approved in advance by the parent. I believe it is your responsibility to be aware of what your child is reading because I do not censor books. As long as your child has your permission, I will allow the book to be read and an AR quiz to be taken.  In addition, your child must read at least one Nonfiction AR book each semester.  The completion of a Nonfiction book will be listed as a separate grade on Aeries. 

Reminders:

1. 6th Grade AR points will be capped at 5 points per quarter

2. 8th Grade AR points will be capped at 20 per quarter.

3. One Nonfiction book (of at least 90 pages) must be read and a quiz must be taken and passed each semester (separate grade on Aeries).

4. AR counts for 10% of your class grade.

5. Extra-credit will be given to those students who go over their goal, for a total of up to nine points.

5. AR slips must be filled out in INK ONLY (student name and book title and page number) and must be signed by a parent prior to the teacher stamping it.

6. **ALL TESTS WILL BE TAKEN IN MY CLASSROOM ONLY!!**

7. An AR letter will be sent home at the start of each quarter detailing: current reading level, deadlines, and any important reminders including the first date a quiz must be taken and passed for that quarter.

8. Maximum amount of tests that may be taken on the day of the deadline will be TWO. Please plan accordingly.

Grading Scale/Categories

Writing: 30%

Homework: 5% (including 30 minutes daily of Independent Reading)

Reading Comprehension/Literature: 30%

Accelerated Reader: 10%  (pages per quarter depends on each student’s grade level, students should bring SSR books everyday)

Vocabulary:  10%

Grammar: 5%

Listening Comprehension: 5%

Oral Communication: 5% (This includes daily class participation, voluntarily or when prompted)

Students are expected to show up for class ready to work. Their laptop should be FULLY CHARGED, and they should have all of the necessary materials/supplies for the duration of the class period.

When Homework is assigned, it is always due the FOLLOWING DAY/CLASS PERIOD (unless specifically stated by the teacher on Google Classroom or my calendar). If you are absent, you have the amount of days you are absent to turn in any missed work or assignments.

**LATE WORK POLICY: YOU MAY SUBMIT LATE WORK UP UNTIL THE STATED CUT OFF PERIOD. ALL LATE WORK WILL EARN NO MORE THAN PARTIAL CREDIT OR 50%. LATE WORK MAY SUBMITTED DURING MY OFFICE HOURS ONLY!!!**

Classroom Rules/Procedures

THERE WILL BE A SEATING CHART.  Appropriate classroom behavior should be demonstrated at all times. Here are a few pointers to remember:

1.     Raise your hand and wait to be called on prior to speaking (unless giving an oral presentation).

2.     Gum, food, or drinks of any kind are not permitted (bottle water with a cap is allowed). 

3.     Supplies must be brought to class every day.

4.     Respect school property and the belongings of others.

5.     Use appropriate school language.

6.     You should be in your seat with your supplies out by the time the bell rings. Otherwise, you will be considered Tardy.

7.     R-E-S-P-E-C-T the opinions of others. 

8.     You may not use an electronic device without explicit direction and/or permission from the teacher. Electronic devices such as laptops may be used during the writing process or for research.

9.     Discipline will be handled in the following manner: verbal warning, phone call home, detention, conference with parent, conference with parent and administrator.