About Me:

Hello!  My name is Liza Montemayor and I'm thrilled to say this is my 28th year teaching Reading Language Arts. I was born and raised in a small Texas town in a rather large family. After graduating high school, I moved to Houston to pursue a career in Education. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Houston and obtained my Master of Education in Reading Instruction from Grand Canyon University. I began my teaching career in the Rio Grande Valley, where I taught in several school districts including McAllen ISD School District.

Why am I in Education:

My motivation for teaching comes from my desire to change the lives of students. Teachers do more than teach, and their impact extends far beyond the classroom. As a teacher, you are more than just an educator–you are a mentor, a confidant and a friend. I love having the opportunity to help students along their path and playing an important part in shaping the person they will ultimately become. 

8th Grade Reading/English Language Arts Syllabus

Course Overview:

This course will serve as a foundation for continued study in the Reading Language Arts curriculum and assist students in preparing for their academic and professional careers. The class objectives are taken directly from the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, and the pacing is guided by the San Angelo Independent School District. Educators teaching this course will make decisions involving differentiating the curriculum to meet the needs of individual students.

Grade Eight Reading Language Arts maintains a rigorous curriculum throughout the year. We encourage students who find the classwork challenging to seek advisement from their individual teachers if they have questions or concerns. This course will consist of honing students' reading and writing skills.

Grading Policy:

The grading scale is numeric, on a 0-100 scale. Grades of 70-100 are considered passing. Grades will be given and recorded in both major and minor categories each 9 weeks and weighted as detailed below.

Minor Grades: 50% distribution. A minimum of 10 grades, consisting of, but not limited to: Classwork, Quizzes, Journal entries, Bell Ringers, HMLs, etc.

Major Grades: 50% distribution. A minimum of 3 grades, consisting of, but not limited to: Projects, Essays, Test Grades.

Students are graded each nine weeks using the following scale:

• A = 90-100

• B = 80-89

• C = 70-79

• F = 69 and below

Absences:

Students who have missing assignments due to excused absences will not be penalized but are still responsible for completing the missing assignments. It is the student’s responsibility to discuss with the teacher what assignments need to be completed and their due dates. If the student is missing work due to an absence, they will have one day for each day they were absent. For example, if they were absent for 3 days, they will have 3 days to submit the work without it being considered late.

Late Work Policy:

Students are expected to do their best on each assignment in a timely manner so the teacher can provide accurate feedback and instructional response. A student has 3 days to turn in late work:

• 1 day late = 10 points will be deducted from the top of the grade.

• 2 days late = 20 points will be deducted from the top of the grade.

• 3 days late = 30 points will be deducted from the top of the grade (70% is the highest grade a student can achieve).

• No late work will be accepted after 3 days (except in extenuating circumstances), and a zero will be recorded in the grade book.

Retest Policy:

• One opportunity if the original grade was less than 70%.

• Major grades only - exceptions are projects, essays, nine-week exams. These are not allowed a retest opportunity.

• Cheating or lack of effort does not qualify for a retest opportunity.

• The highest grade recorded is 70%.

Homework:

When assigned, homework will be designed to reinforce the curriculum after the student has received proper instruction. It is very important that your student completes the homework within the given time frame and submit it by the due dates.

Tutorials:

Students will have the opportunity to attend tutorials.

Tardy Policy:

If a student is tardy to class, they need to have a written excuse. The school-wide tardy policy will be enforced.

Cell Phones/Electronics:

Students are not allowed to use their cell phones or any other electronics in the hallways or class unless directed by the teacher. If a student has their cell phone out, it will be confiscated and brought to the office. The teacher will call you to inform you.

Materials:

1 folder (with pockets and brads), 1 composition notebook, pencils/pens, loose-leaf wide-ruled notebook paper, sticky/Post-it notes, highlighters.