E-mail: saoconnor@madisoned.org
Phone: 602-745-4051
I hope you had a wonderful summer. I am excited to have the opportunity to teach you. I teach reading and writing because I believe that they are the most important skills a person can possess.
The following information will help you navigate the year in reading and writing workshop. It will be an interesting and engaging journey. If you open your mind, follow the rules and participate actively you will find success.
“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” Walt Disney
You will be developing and strengthening your language arts skills. You will develop vocabulary, grammar, speaking, listening, writing and reading comprehension skills throughout the year.
You will practice using a variety of writing techniques and formats. You will learn to use a variety of thinking maps to help you develop your ideas. The main emphasis in the seventh grade is on argumentative, narrative, informational, and persuasive writing. Students will write essays, journals, stories, informative articles, research papers and short answer responses to informational text. Project work will incorporate the content areas of science or social studies. Research assignments will be developed through the use of the library and technology.
Writing is a skill that is used to express thoughts, feelings and ideas. Writing topics will include creative and analytical topics. Writing is a way to express yourself and explain your thoughts to the world around you.
“A positive attitude is the foundation for everything you want to achieve in life.” Jeffrey Gitomer
Materials:
You are expected to bring your materials with you every day to class.
Behavior Expectations:
The PBIS school wide expectations must be followed on the campus. The goal is to create a safe and optimal learning environment for all students. You will not do anything that will get in the way of your learning or the learning of other students in the class.
Consequences:
You are responsible for your choices and behavior. You are expected to act safely and responsibly at all times or face the consequences. You and your parents have access to read the Madison district handbook. It clearly explains the consequences for discipline violations on campus.
Class Routine:
Grading:
Grades are assigned based on the following scale:
90-100 = A Exceeds the Standard
80-89 = B Meets the Standard
70-79 = C Meets the Standard
60-69 = D Approaches the Standard
Below 60 = F Falls Far Below
Core Knowledge Reading: All 7th graders will be assigned a selection of short stories, informational articles, poems, and novels to explore during class.
Accelerated Reading Program:
You will always have homework: READ!
Vocabulary:
You will be using Wordly Wise in order to increase spelling and vocabulary. You are responsible to complete the work in the workbook and to practice the words prior to the quiz. On the day of the quiz, all workbook activities are due. Quizzes will be scheduled every 7-10 days and posted in advance.
Classwork/ Participation:
Language arts class is an interactive class that requires you to participate individually and with your peers. You are expected to come to class prepared and ready to discuss and share ideas, questions, and problems.
Extra Help:
You must keep track of your progress and recognize when you need additional assistance.
If you need extra help, speak to me as soon as possible so we can set a time to meet after school.
Homework:
You are expected to complete all classwork assignments in class. You are expected to do your best. However, if you are not finished with the assignment you will have the opportunity to complete the work as homework. Homework will consist of assignments that are extensions of our work in class.
Homework is not busy work. It is assigned to help you better understand the material we are studying in class.
Absences and Missed Assignments:
You are expected to be in class every day. If you become ill, you are responsible for checking the While You Were Out folders and getting any missed work from when you were absent.
It is your responsibility to ask a classmate, look in Google classroom, or check the absent work folders.
In general, you will have one day for each day absent to make-up assignments. It is not usually possible to use class time to make up missed work.
Academic Guidelines:
Breakdown of standards for grades: MTA will be weighting grades according to the Arizona College and Career Ready Standards for ELA.
AR 10%
Reading 25%
Writing 30%
Language and Grammar: 15%
Vocabulary and Spelling 20%
Philosophy:
Language arts class is a way of learning about the world through the skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening. Language arts allows for a great deal of diversity through the use of fictional and informational texts. Writing and speaking are a means for expressing what you think and know about the world around you.
I realize that each of you come to this class with different backgrounds and knowledge. Some of you may think that you do not like writing or that it is too difficult. For others, reading and writing are your favorite classes. I believe that this course offers something for every student. All I ask is that you put forth your best effort each day.
I am looking forward to a great school year at Madison Traditional Academy. In particular, I am looking forward to helping each of you develop your own writing and reading potential.
If you have any questions or concerns, please check with me.
Ms. O’Connor