Wilfredo Velez 

                    7th Grade ELA

                     Course Syllabus 

                                         Instructor: Mr. Wilfredo Velez 

                                             Email: wilfredo.velez@tvcs.org 

Phone: (352) 259-0044                                                                                   Room # 238

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.

Our classroom will also reflect The Villages Charter School Core Values of Hospitality, Hard Work, Stewardship, and Creativity, which will be incorporated into our daily routines and interactions.

Above all, we will build a classroom community where every student is valued, respected, and encouraged to contribute. Every individual matters, and every voice is important.

TEXTBOOK/CURRICULUM 

• Novel Studies/Exams 

• Vocabulary/Word Study - Latin and Greek Roots

• Evidenced Based Writing Instruction 

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

• Independent Reading 

• Independent Writing

ASSESSMENT 

Student grades will be calculated using the following weighted categories:

• Practice (classwork, homework, participation, quizzes, and formative assessments) – 30%

• Performance/Mastery (tests, essays, projects, presentations, and other summative assessments) – 70%

Grading Scale

• A: 90–100

• B: 80–89

• C: 70–79

• D: 60–69

• F: 0–59

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS/RULES 

To create a positive, productive learning environment, all students are expected to:

1. Be Prompt – Arrive on time and be where you are expected to be.

2. Be Prepared – Come to class ready to learn and remain engaged throughout the lesson.

3. Be Positive – Ask for help when you need it and contribute to a supportive classroom environment.

4. Be Productive – Strive for excellence by always putting forth your best effort.

5. Be Polite – Respect the rights, responsibilities, and property of others.

Students are responsible for reading and following the Student Handbook, as well as all classroom procedures and expectations. When a student chooses to violate classroom or school rules, appropriate disciplinary consequences will be implemented in accordance with school policy.

Please refer to the following documents, available on the tvcs.org website under Middle School → Forms/Documents/Newsletters:

• VCMS Student Handbook

• 2026–2027 Classroom Behavior Management Plan

PROCEDURES 

Required Materials: 7th Grade Supply List

Google Classroom: 

Students will join my Google Classroom on the first day of school. All assignments, class resources, announcements, and other important course materials will be posted there throughout the school year.

If you would like to help your student monitor assignments and due dates, please ask your student to share their Google Classroom login information with you, as parents cannot be added directly to Google Classroom. Checking Google Classroom regularly is the best way to stay informed about class expectations, assignments, and upcoming deadlines.

Bellringer:
Students should enter the classroom quietly, respectfully, and in an orderly manner. Pushing or shoving will not be tolerated. Students are expected to be seated and working on the daily bellringer or any daily work posted when the bell rings. Students who are not seated when the bell rings will be considered tardy.

All students should have an independent reading book with them each day. Information regarding book selection will be posted in Google Classroom. After completing the bellringer, students should read quietly until class begins.

A quiet classroom at the start of each class allows everyone to focus and prepares students for a productive learning environment.

Dismissal:
Students should remain seated and quiet until dismissed by the teacher. They should not begin packing their belongings until instructed to do so. 

 Before leaving, students are expected to be good stewards of the classroom by ensuring the area around their desks is clean and free of trash and personal belongings. When instructed, students will stand, straighten their desks, and push in their chairs to provide a safe exit path. Students will remain standing quietly behind their desks until dismissed. They are expected to leave the classroom in a calm, orderly, and respectful manner that promotes the safety of everyone.

Make-Up Work:
If a student is absent for any reason, it is the student's responsibility to communicate with the teacher upon returning to class to obtain any missed assignments. To receive full credit, make-up work must be submitted within the number of days absent plus one additional day. However, if an assignment has a previously established due date, that due date remains in effect unless prior arrangements have been made with the teacher.

Late Work:
In accordance with school policy, students are expected to complete and submit all assignments on time. High expectations lead to high achievement; therefore, late assignments will be accepted for a maximum of 60% credit. To be eligible for late credit, assignments must be submitted before the completion of the current unit or chapter of study.

Additional Assistance and Communication:
When emailing me, please include the word "Student" in the subject line to ensure your message is delivered through the VCS web filter. I will respond as promptly as possible. If I need to contact you, I will do so by email or phone.

Open communication between home and school is essential to student success. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. I believe that when parents, students, and teachers work together as partners, students are more confident, supported, and successful. As the proverb says, "It takes a village." By working together, we create a positive learning environment where every child can thrive.

I am excited about the school year ahead and truly appreciate the opportunity to work with your children. I look forward to a year of learning, growth, and success!

Mr. Velez

ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE PAGE

Please review this syllabus and sign the attached Electronic Signature Page by August 15, 2026, acknowledging that you and your student have read and understand the information contained in this document.

Signature Page: 26-27 Mr. Velez 7th Grade ELA Syllabus Electronic Signature Form

Contact: Wilfredo.Velez@tvcs.org