Welcome to English 8
with Ms. Muraca
I would like to welcome you all to the 2010 - 2011 school year!
This syllabus will give both parents and students a view of the year and provide all the information to be successful in our classroom!
Materials Needed For Class
- One marble notebook
- The novel or text we are reading
- Writing utensil - blue/black pen or pencil
- Highlighter
- Post-It Notes
Rules For the Classroom
- Follow all directions the first time they are given.
- Come to class prepared. Bring all required materials everyday.
- Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
- Be respectful to all classmates and teachers.
- Keep all electronic devices and personal items away during class.
Rewards
- Homework Pass
- Golden Ticket
- Positive Parental Contact
Consequences
- Verbal Warning
- Personal conference after class
- Phone call/note home
- Lunch Detention
- Parent Conference
- Administrative Referral
Quarterly Grading Requirements
- Reading Grades
Do-Now Activities:
- Written response to prompt in journal section of binder
Reading Reflections:
- Written responses support their independent reading
- See class handout for directions
Reading Pages:
- Students must read at least one complete novel independently per quarter in addition to any book(s) assigned by the teacher for the whole class to read.
- Independent reading books will be chosen by the student but approved by the teacher.
- Students will receive credit for the number of pages they read for each checkpoint. There will be 3 checkpoints per quarter. For each checkpoint students can earn the following grades for pages read:
265 = A 225 = B
200 = C 175 = D
*Reading logs must be signed by a parent or guardian. Reading locks will be checked with every reading checkpoint, and they will count as a quiz grade.
*For title suggestions, please see our classroom library, ask Ms. Muraca/Mrs. DeSario, or check www.teenreads.com for the latest and greatest reads!
Vocabulary:
- Each student is required to record new vocabulary learned from their independent reading. Vocabulary charts will be collected quarterly and will be graded according to quantity and completeness. Students will enter vocabulary words in the vocabulary section of their binder.
12 complete word entries = A
10 complete word entries = B
8 complete word entries = C
6 complete word entries = D
- New vocabulary will be presented at the start of each new piece of literature and continually as we read. Students will be responsible for definitions and will be quizzed through out the unit.
Book Share:
- Students will complete a written book review for each novel read independently as well as the texts we read in class.
- Students will give at least one book talk presentation in class.
- Writing Grades
Prewriting:
- A set number of written ideas will be required each quarter.
Drafts:
- Students will demonstrate evidence of revision (re-reading, re-thinking, and re-writing of ideas).
- This piece includes skills taught quarterly.
Peer Conferencing/Editing
- Students will complete a written reflection on another student’s writing.
- Reflections will be graded according to the students thoroughness and specific suggestions for improvement.
Final Writing Piece:
- Students will further revise and polish their draft into a final writing piece.
- Papers will be graded according to the required writing skills highlighted and overall revision done to the piece.
Reflection on Final Writing Piece:
- At times, students will reflect on what they learned while writing their chosen piece. The thoughtfulness and thoroughness of their answers will determine each student’s grade.
- Tests and Quizzes
Tests:
- Students’ understanding of a unit will be assessed upon completion of the material through tests. Tests may include multiple choice, short answer, fill in the blank and matching questions.
Quizzes:
- Students’ understanding of class lessons will be assessed periodically through brief multiple choice and short answer questions.
- Participation
- Daily grades depend on each student’s involvement to classroom discussion and activities, as well as being prepared with necessary materials.
- Homework grades will be based on timeliness and completeness.
- Students’ binders will be checked once each quarter to ensure organization and completeness.
Other Important Information
- Lateness (THERE HAS BEEN AN ADJUSTMENT TO THE HOMEWORK LATE POLICY - PLEASE TAKE A LOOK!!)
- The purpose of homework and classroom is to provide time for students to develop their reading and writing skills, as well as to learn how to budget their time and efforts effectively. Therefore, students will receive four late passes for quarter one. This will allow students to hand in ONLY FOUR assignments late for full credit. Any unused passes will turn into extra credit points. As the quarters progress, passes will decrease. Quarter 2 students will be provided with only 3 passes, quarter 3 with 2 passes and quarter 4 with 1 homework late pass. This does not excuse homework, but allows students to hand in the assignment with no penalty.
- *This does not include reading assignments.
- Grading Policy
- Students’ grades will be based on a point system using the following categories:
Reading Writing Tests/Quizzes Participation/Homework
- Letter/Number grades are as follows:
A+ = 96-100
A = 90-95
B+ = 86-89
B = 80-85
C+ = 76-79
C = 70-75
D = 65-69
F = below 65
