Ms. Bennett • Room J6

sbennett@central.k12.ca.us • akers7.net

In this class, we will study informational text comprehension, language and grammar, and writing. We will practice informational, narrative, and argument writing, including 1–2 major essays per trimester.

• Our three novel studies are:

  •  Wonder by R.J. Palacio

  • The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

  • The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

Hard copies/digital copies will be provided. Reading will occur both in class and at home, and each novel will culminate in a project.

☕ GRADING

Classwork — 10%     Quizzes — 30%     Tests — 40%     Projects — 20%

Participation is expected of all members of our class and is reflected in classwork and engagement; there is no separate participation grade. Test retakes are not offered. Extra-credit opportunities may be offered occasionally to the entire class. Individual extra credit is not offered.

☕ 5-A-DAY

Every class begins with a 5-A-Day language review. You will have 5 minutes to complete it, then read quietly. Monday–Thursday practice prepares you for Friday’s quiz. Submit the Mon.–Thurs. practice page for 5 classwork points each week. Friday quizzes are worth 20 points.

☕ HOMEWORK & INDEPENDENT READING

Homework generally consists of unfinished classwork plus 20 minutes of independent reading each night. Students may borrow books from our classroom library or the school library. Choose books that interest you, and don’t be afraid to branch out and try a new genre! Borrowed classroom books must be returned in a timely manner. Students are responsible for replacing lost or damaged books.

☕ DAILY MATERIALS

Come prepared every day with a charged iPad, pencil, ELA folder, Ready workbook, composition book, stylus, headphones, and independent reading book. Necessary classroom supplies are provided by the school.

☕ TURNING IN ASSIGNMENTS

All assignments are submitted through Showbie—no exceptions. If you complete a paper copy, take a clear picture and submit it to Showbie. Turn in work as soon as you finish; if it’s done, turn it in! Unfinished classwork becomes homework and is due at the beginning of the next class period, regardless of the time listed on the digital due date.

☕ LATE & MISSING WORK

Work turned in late for reasons other than an absence can earn a maximum grade of C. You are still expected to complete any missing work because doing so helps you learn—and a C is better than an F. Missing work should be submitted through Showbie. One week after the original due date, collected assignments will be archived and can no longer be submitted.

☕ IF YOU ARE ABSENT

Check your email, Showbie, and akers7.net for missed work. You will generally receive two days for each day you were absent to complete assignments for full credit. Absent assignments that are not completed will receive an F.

☕ POWERSCHOOL

Check the web version of PowerSchool at least once a week. Click blue items for assignment details. An ORANGE icon with MIS means the assignment is missing and should be completed under the late-work policy. A GREEN icon with ABS means you were absent when it was due and may complete it for full credit within the make-up window.

☕ HOW OUR CLASS WORKS

START OF CLASS

Begin your 5-A-Day immediately. You have 5 minutes. When finished, take out your independent reading book and read quietly.

STARBUCKS MODE — INDEPENDENT WORK

During Starbucks Mode, our room should have a quiet, calm coffee-shop vibe. Choose a workspace that helps you focus, work independently, and avoid distracting others. Calm music or rain sounds may be playing. If you need help, raise your hand or email Ms. Bennett.

PARTNER & GROUP WORK

Stay with your assigned group, keep conversations focused on the task, use an appropriate voice level, and make sure everyone has an opportunity to contribute.

FINISHED EARLY?

Automatically take out your independent reading book and read quietly. You do not need to ask what to do next.

END OF CLASS

Leave the classroom as nice as you found it. Return clipboards and furniture to their original locations, clean up your area, and push in all chairs before leaving.

☕ CLASSROOM RULES

1. Follow Directions Quickly. This helps us start on time and make the most of our class period.

2. Make Smart Choices & Have Integrity. Integrity means doing what you know is right—not simply what you can get away with. Your behavior should always make your family proud.

3. Respect Everyone. Your actions should not prevent someone else from learning. Be kind and respectful to students, teachers, our classroom, and yourself.

**Consequences are handled case by case and depend on the behavior, its severity, and whether it is a repeated concern.**

☕ ZERO TOLERANCE

The following actions result in an immediate consequence:

• Throwing anything (yes, even paper)

• Profanity or hate speech

• Unsafe or inappropriate use of materials or damaging property

• Leaving the classroom without permission

• Inappropriate use of technology

• Outbursts or major disruptions

• Touching others

☕ ACADEMIC INTEGRITY & AI

Your thinking and writing should be your own. First drafts of major essays will be handwritten in class, and Ms. Bennett will keep a copy on file. AI is a tool to help you edit, not to do the thinking for you. We will learn how to use AI responsibly as an editing tool to support your original work. Plagiarism and the use of AI to generate or draft your work are not permitted.

☕ TECHNOLOGY & DAILY COMMUNICATION

You will use your iPad almost every day. Have it out at the beginning of class and check your email for your “Week At a Glace” and Showbie posts. The 7th grade team will communicate with you daily through email and/or Showbie, so checking these platforms is your responsibility. Cell phones and smartwatches must be turned OFF and stored in your backpack for the entire class period. This is school policy.

☕ BATHROOM & LEAVING THE ROOM

• Ask Ms. Bennett before leaving; you may be asked to wait for a better time. To leave, take your iPad to the back counter, scan the QR code with the Camera app, select your reason for leaving, and place your iPad in the box. When you return, scan the QR code again and select the correct response.

• Students should arrive prepared and remain in the classroom unless they have permission or a school-related reason to leave.

☕ FLEXIBLE SEATING & RESPECT OUR SPACE

• Flexible seating is a privilege. Choose seating that supports your learning, use furniture safely and appropriately, and follow the expectations in the separate Flexible Seating Agreement. Take care of furniture, décor, books, and classroom materials. Clean up trash, never write on or damage classroom property, and leave the room ready for the next class.

• Backpacks must be stored on the back of your chair or near your seat when using a floor seat or standing desk. Keep aisles clear.

☕ FOOD & DRINK

No food. No gum. Water is the only drink permitted.

☕ IMPORTANT WEBSITES & APPS

• akers7.net — class information and resources

• Showbie — assignments, materials, and submitting work

• PowerSchool — grades and missing/absent assignments

• StudentSquare — student communication

• ParentSquare — parent/guardian communication

• Email — students may contact Ms. Bennett at sbennett@central.k12.ca.us

Students may email or message Ms. Bennett through StudentSquare. Parents/guardians should use ParentSquare. Messages received after 5:00 PM will generally be answered the following day unless there is an emergency. Students needing additional help may schedule an appointment with Ms. Bennett.

☕ MY GOAL FOR YOU

By the end of this year, I hope you are a more confident and independent reader and writer, have discovered books you genuinely enjoy, can express your ideas clearly, and are willing to take academic risks. You do not have to be perfect here. You do need to be willing to learn, participate, and grow.

Let’s have a great year! ☕📚