Vista Middle School September 2010
Mrs. Jancy Amaya-Lozano Responsibility * Respect * Results
8th Grade Language Arts SYLLABUS
Dear parents and students,
Welcome to the 2010-2011 school year! The following information is intended to provide you with an overview of the course curriculum for the year, my expectations, homework policy, and grading rubric.
TEXTBOOK/NOVELS:
Literature: Prentice Hall
Novels: The House on Mango Street, The Misfits, Stargirl, and literature circle novels where you will get to choose from a variety of novels.
You are responsible for the condition of the books you use in class and those you take home.
COURSE CURRICULUM:
Every quarter, you will be assessed in a different genre of literature. You will be given specific reading and writing activities that incorporate the California State Standards, which include Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary Development, Literary Response and Analysis, Writing Strategies, Writing Applications, and Writing Conventions.
1st Quarter: Narrative -The House on Mango Street and short stories; elements of a short story
2nd Quarter: Expository-The Misfits; patterns of organization
3rd Quarter: Response to Literature- Love That Dog, Hate That Cat, Stargirl and poetry
4th Quarter: Persuasion: Literature Circle Novels-Hunger Games, Diary of Wimpy Kid, etc.
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
1.Journal
2.Planner (given to you in Advisory)
3.3-ring binder with dividers for daily assignments, notes, and homework
4.Pen (blue or black) or pencil
5.Loose-leaf lined paper
6.Outside Reading Material: books, magazines, or comics (you can borrow books from my collection)
You MUST have these supplies with you at ALL times!
HOMEWORK POLICY:
Homework is given every week and is usually due the following day. Work must be turned in on time! If you are absent, it is your responsibility to find out what assignments have been missed and turn it in the day after you return. Be sure to keep all returned assignments in a safe place. If there is a problem with your grade, it is your responsibility to provide proof of completed assignments.
I post homework assignments on the Vista website (
I RARELY offer extra credit assignments. However, you may turn in any missing assignment late and receive reduced credit depending on when it is turned in and how thorough of a job you’ve done. Also, you may redo and resubmit any assignment that you received a D or F for a higher grade. You may only resubmit for assignments that were originally turned in on time.
RESTROOM POLICY:
I expect you to use the restroom before and after class. Nutrition and lunch are the opportunities you have to use the restroom. If it is an emergency, you will make up the time that you missed after class.
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:
1.Bring your materials to class everyday.
2.Complete all homework assignments on time.
3.Be tolerant of others opinions and beliefs.
4.Be respectful when others are talking or reading aloud.
5.Be in your seat and on time when the bell rings.
6.Do your best.
7.Learn
GRADING RUBRIC:
100%-90% =A
89%-80% =B
79%-70% =C
69%-60% =D
59%-below =F
WORK HABITS/COOPERATION:
If you have earned a D or F in the class, you will automatically receive a U in work habits. Gum chewing, disrespectful attitude, tardies, and/or lack of effort will result in a U in cooperation. In order to receive an S or E on your report card, you will follow all the expectations in the class. (The 3 R’s.)
PLANNER/ROUTINE:
Vista has generously given each student a planner. I expect you will use it on a daily basis. A key to being successful is being organized. Part of being organized means having a routine in the class.
1. Walk in and get your journal that is located behind the whiteboard.--Turn in homework if necessary.
2. Sit down and copy down the homework from the agenda into your planner.
3. Write a response to the journal question and the DOL on the board--minimum of 3/4 of a page to receive 5 points.
4. Wait quietly for further instructions to complete the day’s activities.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Please feel free to contact me at any time through the school office by calling (818) 901-2727 to set up an in person or telephone conference. You may also reach me at .
Sincerely,
Mrs. Amaya-Lozano
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Cut here and return signature section ONLY
I, ______, saw the letter my child, ______,
Parent/Guardian’s Name Student’s Name
brought home from his/her Language Arts Class. We will have the supplies as soon as possible and adhere to the teacher’s guidelines.
______
Student Signature Parent Signature Phone Number