About 8th Grade ELA

In 8th Grade ELA, students will read and analyze various works of literature including novels, short stories, poetry,  informational texts and plays.  They will utilize critical thinking and literary elements/devices as tools for interpreting and analyzing texts.  Students will also understand and  explain the meaning of new vocabulary words, as well as accurately spell them.   In writing, students will explore different genres of writing and will apply strategies and techniques to their own writing.  They will also learn grammar/ mechanics and understand their meaning and function.  Activities that will foster learning include close readings, writing essays, tests, quizzes, projects and journal writing.

Classroom Behavior

• Do your best! Participate, pay attention, and follow directions.  Don't be afraid to ask questions.

• Be prepared for class. You must bring your Chromebook (charged nightly), notebooks, textbooks, completed homework/assignments, pens/pencils, and a book to read to EVERY CLASS.

• You must be respectful to all your peers, your teachers, school property, and yourself!  

• Listen while others are speaking. It is important to give your teacher and classmates the same respect you would expect in return.

• Do not call out or make inappropriate comments during class or when in line moving in the hallway. Raise your hand when answering a question, asking a question, or adding something appropriate to the class discussion.

• CELLPHONES OR ELECTRONIC DEVICES (Apple Watches etc.) ARE STRICTLY FORBIDDEN IN CLASS!  If electronics are found in use, they will be taken immediately by the teacher/staff.  If caught with your cellphone/electronic device again, you will receive a conduct notification and an email home.

Grading

• ELA grades consist of reading & writing.  Vocabulary falls under the reading category, while grammar is included with writing.  

• Your grade is calculated based on the following percentages:

  • • • • • • ELA:

              • • Test/Projects: 40%

                • Quizzes: 20%

                • Classwork (includes notebook activities): 15%

                • Homework: 15%

                • Class Participation & Effort: 10%

            • Writing:

              • • Writing Assignments: 40%

                • Quizzes: 20%

                • Classwork (includes notebook activities): 15%

                • Homework: 15%

                • Class Participation & Effort: 10%

Homework

• Homework must be done NEATLY and LEGIBLY. If it is not, you will be asked to complete the assignment again.

• Homework that is incomplete or not in class when discussed will count as a missed homework.  If this becomes a common occurence, then you will receive a conduct notification and an email home.

• DO NOT COPY OR "BORROW" THE WORK OF YOUR CLASSMATES.  CHEATING IS STEALING!  If this occurs, disciplinary action will be taken as per the Student Handbook.

• IF YOU ARE ABSENT:  

  • It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to make arrangements with classmates, check assignments online, and obtain any work missed from your Work Folder when you return to school. 

  • Homework requests will only be granted for absences of three or more days. Except for extended absences, all missed work, including tests, assessments, and quizzes, will be made up within a period not longer than twice the length of the absence unless other arrangements are made with the teacher. 

• HOMEWORK VACATION POLICY: 

  • As per the Student Handbook, homework and/or class assignments will not be given before the start of the vacation. No work will be given so that it may be done during the vacation. 

  • Students should make arrangements with classmates, check assignments online, and obtain any work missed from your Work Folder when you return to school. 

Notebooks/Textbooks

• As mentioned above, students must bring their notebooks and textbooks to class EVERYDAY.  If a student forgets their notebook or textbook, they will NOT be able to go to their locker to get it and will have to make up any missed work on their own time.  If this becomes a common occurence, then the student will recieve a conduct notification and an email home.

• Notebooks should contain all notes and assignments in a neat and legible manner.  You should not tear pages from copybooks, skip pages, or use your copybook as a drawing or scribbling pad. 

• Textbooks should be covered in contact paper to prevent damage.  As per the Student Handbook, if you lose your textbook or it becomes damaged, you and your parents/guardians must pay in full for its replacement.  A charge will be made at the book's purchase rate. 

Assessments

• Tests and writing assignment due dates will be posted on the Middle School Homework website as well as on the Homework/Reminders board in my classroom.  

• It is imperative that you review all notes taken in class EVERY NIGHT!  This will help you retain the information learned in class and alleviate any stress in preparing for tests.  TIME MANAGEMENT IS KEY!

• Tests and assignment grades will be posted on FACTS.

FAILURE TO MEET THESE EXPECTATIONS WILL RESULT IN CONSEQUENCES AS OUTLINED IN THE SCHOOL DISCIPLINE POLICY.