Wilfredo Velez 

   7th Grade Language Arts

Course Syllabus

Instructor: Mr. Wilfredo Velez 

Email: wilfredo.velez@tvcs.org

Phone:  (352) 259-0044 Room # 218

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Mr. Velez’s English Language Arts classroom is an environment that supports high expectations and active participation for all students as they develop skills in the main areas of English Language Arts instruction: reading, writing, speaking, listening, research, media literacy, and language. 

According to Florida’s B.E.S.T. Standards for English Language Arts, “In grades 6-8, analysis and writing are the primary foci. Rhetoric is introduced in 6th grade. In this grade band, students go from explaining a theme to analyzing it. Students progress from examining character perspective to working with complex narrator types. Students are also being introduced to literature from historic time periods. This framework should help students in building a body of knowledge useful in being able to interpret multiple layers of meaning. In middle school, those periods are as follows:  Colonial and Early National Period (1600–1830) American Literature  Romantic Period (1790–1870)  Realism and Naturalism Period (1870–1930)  Modernist Period (1910–1945)  Contemporary Period (1945–present).”

Since critical thinking, writing, language, and communication skills are essential for success in secondary education and the workplace, these skills will be the main focus throughout the school year. Students will anchor their writing in the following genres: narrative, informational, argumentative, expository, and literary analysis. 

TEXTBOOK/CURRICULUM: 

Novel Studies/Exams 

Vocabulary/Word Study - Latin and Greek Roots

Evidenced Based Writing Instruction 

i-Ready, StudySync (McGraw Hill), Edpuzzle, NoRedInk, CPalms, Quizizz, Google Classroom 

Independent Reading 

Independent Writing

ASSESSMENT: 

Students’ grades will be determined by using the following categories and percentages:

Practice  --  30%

Performance (Mastery) --  70%

Grading Scale:   A (90-100)   B (80-89)   C (70-79)   D (60-69)   F (0-59)

Practice Grades consist of homework assignments, bellringers, lesson activities, daily work, etc. 

Performance/Mastery Grades consist of any assignment or assessment that measures student mastery of content standards. Some examples include chapter and unit tests, quizzes, projects, lab reports, essays, etc. 

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS/RULES

1. Be on time and in your seat when the tardy bell rings. (Prompt)

2. Be prepared and on task. (Prepared)

3. Ask for what you need. (Positive)

4. Strive for excellence and always do your best. (Productive)

5. Respect the rights, responsibility, and property of others. (Polite)

You are responsible for reading and following the student handbook as well as classroom procedures and classroom rules. When you make a choice that violates classroom and/or school rules, disciplinary consequences will be implemented. Please refer to the following documents found on the tvcs.org website under “middle school”, “Forms/Documents/Newsletters”:

• VCMS Student Handbook

• 25-26 Classroom Behavior Management Plan

PROCEDURES 

Daily Required Materials:  

• Fully charged Chromebook everyday

• Wired Headphones (No wireless, bluetooth, or airpods)

• Cordless Mouse (Strongly suggested, but not required)

• Expo Marker 

• Highlighters

• Post-it Notes 

• Notebook Paper (as needed in binder)

• Pencils with erasers (as needed in binder)

Google Classroom: Welcome to Our Digital Classroom!
We will be using Google Classroom as our main hub for learning. On the first day of school, your child will join my Google Classroom, where all important resources, announcements, and assignments will be posted. Students are expected to complete and turn in their work through Google Classroom. To stay informed about your child’s progress and upcoming assignments, I encourage you to check their Google Classroom regularly. This is a great way to stay connected and support your child’s learning throughout the year!

Bellringers & Dismissal: 

Daily Bellringers (First 15 Minutes of Class)

Each day, students will begin class with a short activity called a bellringer. These activities are designed to reinforce important grade-level skills and help students transition smoothly into learning. Students are expected to enter the classroom quietly and get started right away so they can make the most of our time together. **Please note, If students are not seated by the tardy bell, they will be considered tardy.** 

Dismissal Procedures
To maintain a calm and respectful learning environment, students are expected to remain seated and quiet until the teacher dismisses them. They should wait to pack up their belongings until they are given direction to do so. Before leaving, students are encouraged to take responsibility for the area around their desk by picking up any trash and making sure they haven’t left anything behind. I will dismiss the class once these expectations have been met to ensure a smooth transition for the next group of students.

Independent Reading Expectations
Our classroom encourages a love of reading through an independent reading program. Students should have a book with them at all times. If students finish their bellringer activity early, they are expected to read quietly until class officially begins. This quiet start to class helps all students stay focused and sets a calm, productive tone for the day. Please help support your child by making sure they always have a book they enjoy and are ready to read.

Make-up Work: 

If a student is absent from class for any reason, it is their responsibility to check and complete any Google classroom assignments for the days they are absent. To receive credit for missed work, a student must turn in assignments within the number of days missed plus one. However, any assignment that has a previously determined due date, the due date must be observed unless arrangements have been made with the teacher. Communication is key to successful make-up work. 

Late Work: 

According to school policy, any work that is turned in late, besides missing work due to an absence will be graded in the following manner: 

1 day late                      60% maximum

2 days or more late      0%

COMMUNICATION: 

I’m happy to communicate with you and am very responsive to emails. I usually respond during my planning period or after school hours. I will get back to you as soon as possible. Because phone time is limited, I typically send an email before making a call.

Your child’s success is my top priority, so please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. I’m here to support both you and your student!

I have read and understand the classroom rules, classroom procedures, and consequences for the 6th grade English Language Arts course and I will do my best each day to abide by them. 

_______________________                             ________________________________         

Student’s Signature           Student’s Printed Name    

___________________________________                           ____________________

Parent’s Signature                                                                  Date

 *** PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN THIS PAGE BY Friday, Aug. 15, 2025*** 

Contact: Wilfredo.Velez@tvcs.org