August 10, 2009
Dear Parent/Guardian:
This year, I will have the pleasure of teaching your 8th grade student Language Arts. I will be teaching one advanced class during first period, and several team taught classes throughout the day. My team teachers include Mr. Thomas, Mr. Walker, and Mrs. Rivero. We have worked hard to create lots of fun activities, and we are sure to have a wonderful year. All lessons are planned in accordance with the 8th Grade Language Arts Georgia Performance Standards to ensure that your student has the foundation needed for high school.
In order to assure your student’s success in class, he/she will need the following materials:
– One 3-ring binder
– One pack of loose leaf paper specifically for our class
– One pack of dividers
– One box of #2 pencils
– One pack of standard blue/black ink pens (no gel pens please)
– One spiral notebook
– Highlighter
**Supplies are due no later than Monday, August 17.
Each student MUST bring all of these materials to class every day. Please help your student to succeed in class by providing him/her with these necessary learning supplies. If assistance is needed, please let us know.
All students in class start off with an “A” and of course, it will be up to him or her to keep it. We always stress that there are “no surprises” in class, so for the most part, if your student gives us his/her attention in class and completes all tasks requested, he/she will be able to keep the “A.” As always, parental support and encouragement will be needed and appreciated.
Please refer to Parent Connect to view all upcoming assignments in our class as well as your students’ most recent grades. You can also view upcoming events and information on our class website at https://languagearts8.wordpress.com. If you would like to contact us, email is the best way to reach us directly. Please refer to the Student Code of Conduct book to view the guidelines for visiting the classrooms while they are in session.
Feel free to contact us regarding your students’ success in our class. As educators, we strive to make ourselves accessible to parents and guardians. It is always enjoyable to meet the parents, so please come to Parent/Teacher night. We would love to meet you.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Stetson, Mr. Thomas, Mr. Walker, and Mrs. Rivero
8th Grade Language Arts
General Information and Class Overview
8th Grade Language Arts
Mrs. Stetson
stetsonl@fulton.k12.ga.us
Mr. Thomas
thomasE2@fulton.k12.ga.us
Mr. Walker
WalkerJW@fulton.k12.ga.us
Mrs. Rivero
Riveroc@fulton.k12.ga.us
Texts:
Elements of Literature, Grade 8, Harcourt: Replacement Cost $54.00
Readings may include:
The Giver: Replacement Cost: $11.56
Tears of a Tiger: Replacement Cost: $14.00
Chinese Cinderella: Replacement Cost: $6.99
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: Replacement Cost: $12.50
House on Mango Street: Replacement Cost: $15.60
*Night: Replacement Cost: $10.49
*To Kill a Mockingbird: Must be purchased or borrowed on your own.
* Reserved for Advanced Language Arts.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and Chinese Cinderella will require parent approval. If students choose to read these books, the student must bring in a signed permission slip from the parent/guardian.
*** Books are provided by the school. When possible, students are encouraged to purchase his or her own copy in order to make notes in the margins (which will be counted as extra credit!)
Course Description:
In 8th Grade Language Arts, students continue to develop an appreciation of written and spoken language that now begins to extend beyond the school setting. They broaden their reading experiences through the study and analysis of compelling literature while continuing to develop their own writing styles. Students independently apply the steps of the writing process to produce, revise, and publish informational and literary essays drawn from research. The Middle Grades Writing Test and the CRCT serve as measures of what they have accomplished.
Reading and Literature:
– The student will read and analyze a variety of literary texts such as poetry, drama, short stories, and novels to acquire an understanding of the conventions of each form.
– The student will read and analyze a variety of informational texts to develop an understanding of organizational structures, such as cause and effect or comparison-contrast, and graphic features, such as diagrams and illustrations, which are typically found in nonfiction.
– The student will acquire new vocabulary and use it effectively in reading and writing.
– The student will recognize and trace the development of the author’s argument for and against an issue.
Reading Across the Curriculum:
– The student will read the equivalent of 1 million words per year from a variety of subject areas.
Writing:
– The student will produce a variety of writings such as persuasion, narrative, expository, and response to literature.
– The student will use technology to research topics and produce various products such as essays and presentations.
Conventions:
– The student will learn and apply the rules of Standard English in written and oral language.
Listening:
– The student will participate in effective oral interaction with the teacher and with other students.
– The student will listen to and view various forms of medial in order to gather and share information, persuade others, and express ideas.
**In order to prepare 8th graders for high school, a research paper is also a MAJOR part of our spring semester.
Grading:
Class work/Quizzes: 40%
Homework: 10%
Tests and Essays: 50%
* Any student wishing to be admitted into 9th Grade Honors English must have an average of 90% over the span of one academic calendar year.
Special Projects:
Students will be notified in advance of special projects and their due dates.
Homework Expectations:
Homework will be assigned at least three nights per week; however, there will be a mix of voluntary and mandatory assignments. If a student chooses to complete a voluntary homework assignment, a small amount of extra credit will be awarded. All mandatory assignments must be completed on time, and extra credit will not be given for completing the assignment.
* All homework assigned in Advanced Language Arts will be mandatory.
Homework should not take longer than 20-30 minutes per night unless it is a major project or writing assignment. Please encourage your student to keep up with assigned novels and pace their reading accordingly.
Late Work Policy:
Students may not turn in late work, unless the student has an excused absence. If a student’s absence is excused, the student will have the number of days absent plus one to turn in missing assignments. For example, if a student has missed three days of school, the student can have four days to make up missed assignments.
Provision for Improving Grades:
Opportunities designed to allow students to recover from a low or failing cumulative grade will be allowed throughout the year. Please refer to the on-going extra credit opportunities section of the website for more information.
Teacher/Parent Conferences:
E-mail seems to be the most efficient way to answer minor questions and/or concerns. Grades may be checked on Parent Connect and will be posted within a week of the assignment turn in date. Conferences will be scheduled by the teacher or parent as needed.
Absence Make-Up Procedures:
Homework will be posted in the front of the room daily. Following an absence, it is the student’s responsibility to look at the assignment calendar and write down which assignments he or she needs to complete.
Help Sessions:
If a student would like extra help with assignments, I will be available most mornings from 7:30-8:20am. However, students will need to let me know which day they will be coming in, and they will need to have a note signed by myself or the parent/guardian so that they may enter the 8th grade hallway.
Language Arts 