CHALLENGER MIDDLE SCHOOL
Mrs. Rostrata-Jacobs
Room 928
(858) 586-7001
C.A.T.S. = Community Attitude Tolerance Scholarship
ENGLISH 7 CL
Course Description:
English 7 CL (GATE) is a year-long standards-based course focusing on teaching students the skills and strategies of becoming proficient and thoughtful readers and writers. Instruction includes reading, writing, oral communication, and language study through the use of standards-based lessons. GATE Cluster classes will cover the core curriculum and provide opportunities for differentiated study in literature and writing. Students are encouraged to show critical and abstract thinking when responding to literature in class discussions and in written work.
English Textbooks: Prentice Hall Literature and Selection Support Workbook (Bronze Level)
Units of Study:
Throughout the year, students will be exposed to various reading and writing forms in the areas of Expository Text, Persuasive Text, Narrative Text, and Responses to Literature. Students are expected to show proficiency in the various writing formats included in each unit. These units will focus on skills and strategies aligned with the state standards for English. We will also begin implementing strategies that align with Common Core State Standards.
Daily Reading:
Students will be asked to bring a reading book to class everyday for daily reading. These books may be used toward projects and essays that reflect the students’ reading comprehension and analysis of characters and the author’s writing techniques. Throughout the year, students will explore the different genres and choose books that are grade-level and reading level appropriate. In addition to independent reading books, students will be reading selections from the assigned textbook, class novels, and supplemental articles, short stories and poetry. A classroom library will be available to students and regular visits to the Challenger library will be scheduled.
Writing Assignments:
Students are encouraged to type essays and projects. If students need computer access, they can make arrangements to use the computers in the classroom or library. Final drafts of writing assignments should either be typed or written in blue or black ink. In addition to processed writing pieces, students will participate in on-demand writing assignments that will be completed within a class period.
Homework:
Homework is given on a weekly basis. Homework usually consists of unfinished class work, writing assignments, or special projects. In addition, students should be reading independent reading books at least 30 minutes a night. The goal is to establish life-long reading habits as well as improve reading comprehension and literacy skills. Students who are absent are responsible for getting all missed work upon returning to school. All students should turn work in on time and meet assignment criteria. Some writing assignments and large projects may be turned in late but the assignment will be reduced by one grade each day after the original deadline. Late work from previous grading periods will not be accepted. Students are encouraged to visit www.challengerms.org for weekly assignments.
Scholarship Grades:
Students will be graded in the following categories: Classwork, Homework, Writing/Projects, and Quizzes/Tests. Students will receive progress reports every 6 weeks during the school year. Scholarship grades will average after each grading period. Students and parents can also check grades on Power School. Students are encouraged to discuss any academic concerns with the teacher before grades drop below a “C” and find ways to improve their grades before the end of each grading period.
Citizenship Grades:
Citizenship grades are as follows: Excellent, Good, Satisfactory, Needs Improvement or Unsatisfactory. These grades will be determined by overall classroom behavior, active participation in discussions and classroom activities, student preparedness, and the frequency of tardies and truancies (as outlined in the Student Handbook). Students are encouraged to discuss ways to improve citizenship grades throughout the year.
Library Visits:
Students are asked to keep their school I.D. card with them at all times. An I.D. is always required to check-out or renew library books.
Field Trip/Excuse from Class Requirements:
School field trips can be an enriching part of the educational experience. Students are required to get all necessary signatures ahead of time and discuss any make-up work or tests with the teacher prior to the event. If a major assignment or project is due the day of a field trip, arrangements must be made with the teacher to turn in work before leaving for the field trip.
Recommended School Supply List:
· 1 ½ -2 inch binder filled with loose leaf college ruled paper
· #2 pencils and pens (blue or black)
· flash drive (if student plans to use the computers on campus)
· independent reading book
· student planner
· spiral notebook (one subject, college ruled)
· Literature book (when assigned)
Student Goals:
All students should:
· bring required book(s) to class when necessary.
· complete all daily assignments.
· write down daily assignments, agendas and homework in student planners.
· be courteous to peers and teachers.
· be responsible for keeping track of all assignments, activities, handouts, tests, etc., especially in the case of absences or missed class time.
· visit Challenger’s website or talk to the teacher when unclear about an assignment.
· be responsible for meeting deadlines and assignment criteria.
· take pride in the neatness and quality of their work.
· find a nice, quiet place to study and work.
CHALLENGER MIDDLE SCHOOL CHEETAHS ENGLISH 7 CL
C.A.T.S. = Community, Attitude, Tolerance, Scholarship
Mrs. Rostrata-Jacobs
Room 928
Behavior and Academic Goals and Guidelines for the Classroom
1. I use my time in the classroom effectively.
2. I enter and exit the classroom quietly and maturely.
3. I am in my seat when the tardy bell rings and remain in my seat until the teacher dismisses the class
4. I bring all necessary books and supplies to class daily.
5. I am respectful and polite toward my peers and my teacher.
6. I respect the property of Challenger Middle School.
7. I raise my hand to ask a question or take part in class discussions.
8. I ask for help when I am unsure about an assignment.
9. I take an active role in ensuring my academic success in the class.
10. I understand that failure to follow any of the student goals may result in the lowering of academic or citizenship grades, detention, and the involvement of parents, counselors and school administration.
To Parent/Guardian: Please sign below to indicate you have read and understand the course guidelines.
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Parent/Guardian Name Parent/Guardian Signature Date
To Student: Please sign below to indicate you have read and understand the course guidelines.
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Student Name Period Student Signature Date