*7th Grade English Language Arts & Reading*

Mrs. Hayward, Room D-105

Welcome to my class! This is certain to be a busy and challenging year for us all.

I hope with your cooperation that it also will be exciting and fun. Part of ensuring a successful year includes following a few procedures and being aware of expectations.

Curriculum:

Students will have two class periods daily of English Language Arts and Reading in which they will be actively engaged in lessons pertaining to standards and objectives outlined by the state of Texas:

The English Language Arts and Reading Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) are organized into the following strands: Reading, where students read and understand a wide variety of literary and informational texts; Writing, where students compose a variety of written texts with a clear controlling idea, coherent organization, and sufficient detail; Research, where students are expected to know how to locate a range of relevant sources and evaluate, synthesize, and present ideas and information; Listening and Speaking, where students listen and respond to the ideas of others while contributing their own ideas in conversations and in groups; and Oral and Written Conventions, where students learn how to use the oral and written conventions of the English language in speaking and writing.

– Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for English Language Arts and Reading

Students will be required to READ and WRITE every day! It is imperative that students avoid being absent, come to class on time and prepared, and have all necessary supplies. Students – not Mrs. Hayward – will be responsible for any make-up work due to absences.

Student Supplies:

  • one 3-ring binder (1'' or larger)
  • a spiral or composition notebook (journal)
  • blue or black ink pens & pencils with erasers
  • sheet protectors
  • highlighters or Crayola markers
  • loose-leaf notebook paper
  • ear buds or headphones (a computer lab requirement)

Expectations:

Students are required to maintain and bring to class daily a well-organized binder and all necessary supplies. Students should complete all assignments on time, write legibly, and follow directions. Students are expected to comply with all directives in the school handbook, treat our school and each other with respect, and behave at all times in a responsible and dignified manner.

Grading Categories:

Students and parents are encouraged to check grades regularly in Skyward.

20% Daily Work20% Tests

20% Paper (writing assignments)15% Quizzes

20% Projects 05% Technology

Late Work Policy:

Work turned in late with no valid excuse will receive a grade no higher than 60. (Excused absences include illness with parent notes and school-related activities).

Remind Texts:

Students and their parents are encouraged to sign up for Remind to receive text messages from me about assignments, projects and tests, due dates, and other class business. Instructions for signing up are included with this packet.

Leaving Class/Tardy for Class:

Our time together is precious. Students will be allowed to leave the classroom only in cases of emergency. Students will be counted tardy if they have to leave for supplies. The campus tardy policy will be followed in this classroom. Be on time with your supplies!

Plagiarism:

Plagiarism is taking someone else's ideas and passing them off as your own. No manner of plagiarism will be tolerated in this class. Cheating will result in a grade of zero.

Homework

Homework could range from assignments not completed in class to test preparation (studying and reviewing) to independent reading to completing writing assignments. For the most part, a student’s amount of work at home is dependent upon a student’s work ethic at school!

Library and Computer Lab

Classes will visit the library and computer lab on a weekly basis. Independent reading will be required, and students are expected to take care of borrowed books and return them on time. Students are expected to complete computer lab assignments and make up assignments when absent. Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated as we travel as guests throughout the building.

Questions?

Information shared in class will be posted on my teacher web page at I can most easily be reached by email and through Remind texts and will respond as promptly as my workday allows. My conference is not until 7th period (2:39-3:35).

Please note that the curriculum is subject to adjustment based on strengths and needs of students. I look forward to working with you all this year!

Kristie Hayward

I have read and understand the 2016-17 course outline for Mrs. Hayward’s 7th Grade English Language Arts & Reading class at Gregory-Portland Junior High School.

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Parent/guardian______

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Is there anything you would like me to know so that I may better serve your child? Health issues, allergies, learning challenges or preferences, vision or hearing impairments, seating preferences, learning styles, etc.? (This information will be kept in a confidential binder in my classroom.)