Students are required to bring the following items to class each day:
Pencil/Pen
Writer’s notebook
Vocabulary notebook
Binder w/notes, blank lined paper, handouts
Outside reading book
English 8 Components:
Grammar: Basic parts of speech, punctuation, and sentence structure.
Writing: The writer’s notebook will combine both free choice and directed writing assignments. Although time will sometimes be given in class, outside writing time will be necessary. Each entry must be thoughtful, neatly written, and appropriate. At times, required topics and/or assignments will be given in class; students will also be free to write about the topic of their choice. Students are free to write ahead and/or extend topics beyond one page. If our technology cooperates, we may maintain writer’s notebooks on Google Docs.
Vocabulary: The eighth graders will be using an online vocabulary book this year. Students must have dependable access to the internet. Students will be provided with all necessary “how to” information regarding accessing the program. Each student is also responsible to maintain a vocabulary notebook, which will be graded. If a student loses his/her notebook, that student will be responsible to redo the work. Students will be required to use the websitewww.vocabularyworkshop.com as part of class.
Projects: Projects will be an important part of the class at various times during the year. Students are encouraged to use these opportunities to enhance their grades and investigate new concepts. Late and/or incomplete work represents a wasted opportunity and will result in heavy point deductions and/or homework clinics.
Public Speaking: All students will research, compose, and deliver a research-based speech project.
Reading: In addition to the literature read in class, during each quarter, every student must read at least three novels from the Accelerated Reader collection and complete the corresponding quizzes on the computer. The due dates are as follows for the first quarter (although quizzes may be completed earlier).
Summer Reading: Tuesday, September 7
Book #1: Friday, September 22 Book #2: Wednesday,October 11 Book #3: Monday, October 30
Every student will fulfill this reading requirement.
Important Policy Announcement: Students may only take book quizzes on the under the supervision of Mrs. O’Reilly. Only books taken under those circumstances will be counted. In addition to the quiz grades earned, students will earn an additional grade for on-time completion. A grade of 100% will be awarded for each passing book quiz (65%) completed by the due dates. Conversely, late book quizzes will be given a completion grade of zero. Quizzes completed on time, but not passed will be awarded a completion grade on a case-by-case basis. Students are required to use books that have quizzes and that are the appropriate reading level. Books of inappropriately low reading levels will not be accepted.
·Students who have had difficulty with prior quizzes are encouraged to make hand-written notes to use on the quizzes.
Be prepared: We may do additional novels as part of class.
Opportunities for extra-credit/grade improvement: Students may not redo individual quizzes. However, students may read additional books and take the corresponding quizzes in order to count the highest three quiz grades per quarter.
Preparation: Homework is a reinforcement of the material covered in class. The teacher reserves the right to grade all homework or give a quiz to check for completion. Homework will often take the form of at-home study; students will find that consistent study time is needed to succeed in the class.
Grading/Class Expectations
Tests/Projects: 60% Quizzes/Class Work/HW/Writer’s Notebook: 40% This scale may be altered when necessary.
Classroom Expectations:
“All students will demonstrate respect in tone, attitude, and action.”
Every student has a right to learn. No student has the right to interfere with that learning process.
Absences and Tardiness: In order to reach their full potential, it is necessary for students to be present in class on a regular basis. School begins promptly at 8:20; a late arrival to school will severely impact the learning process. Material that is missed due to unexcused lateness will not be retaught. It is each student’s responsibility to make up any work, including tests, quizzes, and projects in a timely manner.
oThe student should make arrangements with a “study-buddy” to quickly determine the material. oStudents should check the website and Google Classroom for assignments and announcements. oStudents can also contact me via email for specific questions/concerns. Please be aware, however, that I check emails only during school hours. oOngoing areas such as vocabulary and the writer’s notebook should be maintained even in the case of absence. oThe student must also meet with me on the day he/she returns to arrange a time to make up tests or quizzes. oAccording to school policy, work is not given in advance of an unexcused absence such as a vacation since classroom instruction is an integral part of the learning process and cannot be replaced by independent work. Extended trips severely impact a student’s progress and mastery of curriculum.
Computer Access Reminder: Students are expected to have access to a computer on which they can research, use the class website, complete vocabulary work, and produce finished pieces of writing. If students do not have access at home, arrangements must be made in advance to use locations like the public library or friends’ computers. Students can also arrange to stay for Homework Club.
Computer Usage: During class, computer will be used for specific academic purposes only. Students who do not adhere to the school’s computer usage expectations will not be permitted to use the computers during class.
Academic Honesty: Honesty and integrity create the conditions of trust and open communications that are fundamental to our shared goal. Academic honesty in the advancement of knowledge requires that all students respect the integrity of one another’s work and recognize the importance of acknowledging and safeguarding intellectual property. Academic dishonesty is a serious violation of the trust upon which the success of our community depends. Cheating of any kind undermines the value of education and will be dealt with severely. All students must abide by the Academic Honesty Policy outlined in the Code of Conduct.
Correspondence:
Communication between parents and the teacher will be done through email.
In some cases, a face-to-face meeting at the school may be requested.