📚 Welcome to Language Arts!

I am so excited to have you in class this year. I can’t wait to learn about each of you, and I have no doubt that you are capable of reaching success at a higher level than you ever thought possible. In this classroom, your voice, insights, and questions are valued. What you do here matters!

Choice Reading

• Homework every night (Monday–Thursday): Read at least 20 minutes a day.
  
  

• Of course, you don’t have to stop at 20 minutes! Regular reading builds stamina, strengthens vocabulary, and helps you stay connected to your book’s “flow.”
  
  

• You may choose any genre: fiction, nonfiction, realistic fiction, fantasy, mystery, action/adventure, and more.
  
  

• We will spend the first 10 minutes of class silently reading on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (sometimes other days too).
  
  

• Bring your book to class every day.
  
  

💻 AI Use in This Class

AI tools (like ChatGPT or Gemini) can be useful, but in this class you may only use them if I give specific permission and only in the way I explain.

• If you use AI when it’s not allowed, you will not receive credit for that work.
  
  

• I want to see your own ideas and effort in everything you turn in.
  
  

Homework

• You are responsible for knowing and completing nightly assignments.
  
  

• Homework will always be posted in Google Classroom and written on the board in class.
  
  

• Be sure to copy your homework into your student planner daily.
  
  

Google Classroom

• All handouts, assignments, and announcements will be posted in Google Classroom.
  
  

• Check it regularly to stay updated.
  
  

How Am I Graded?

First, let’s be clear: grades do not define who you are. They do not reflect your personality, character, or worth.

Grades are simply a tool for us to measure:

• What you have learned
  
  

• How much effort you have put in
  
  

Language Arts uses a point system: you earn points for every assignment, and at the end of the marking period your grade is based on the total points you earned.

Missing Class

• If you are absent, you are responsible for checking Google Classroom to see what you missed.
  
  

• Ask me about missed work when you return.
  
  

• You may need to make up time or assignments to cover what was lost.
  
  

Extra Help

I am available for extra help in the mornings and afternoons as needed.

• Please check in with me ahead of time so we can schedule a day that works best.
  
  

• Don’t wait until you’re feeling lost—come early for clarification, review, or support.

In Closing

I’m so glad to have you in this classroom. This year, I want to build a space that encourages, motivates, and challenges you to take ownership of your own learning. Through your effort and mine, I know this will result in your success.

Writing Assignments

 Writing is an integral part of the eighth grade curriculum.  Consequently, students will do a great deal of writing this year.  Since my motive for all writing assignments is for students to improve their writing skills, your child may completely rewrite any piece (within the same marking period) if he or she is unhappy with the end product or grade. They simply need to set up an appointment to meet with me to discuss the revisions ahead of time.