CLASS SYLLABUS
8TH GRADE READING/LANGUAGE ARTS AND HISTORY
Language
Objective: Communicate effectively
§ Students will continue working on their grammar and writing skills. Students will complete essays and other forms of writing in persuasive, narrative, and expository forms. Students will also complete oral presentations.
Reading
Objective: Comprehend nonfiction/fiction text
§ Throughout the year students will read fiction and nonfiction text and read independently from various genres. We will also read 2-3 novels as a class or in small groups.
§ Students will master literary concepts such as; main idea, plot, setting, voice, conflict, and theme.
§ Book reports, book projects, and oral presentations will be completed throughout the year.
History
Objective: Understand, explain, and analyze the important events and individuals who have shaped the history of the United States
§ Throughout the year students will develop an understanding of American history from the American Revolution through the Modern Era.
§ Students will identify the cause and effects of various historical events important to understanding how the United States became the nation it is today.
Grading
Language and Reading
§ Grading for these two subjects is combined. Your student will receive one grade for both subjects.
Grading Scale
A 93-100 C+ 77-79 F 59 and below
A- 90-92 C 74-76
B+ 87-89 C- 70-73
B 83-86 D+ 67-69
B- 80-82 D 60-66
Movie/Video Permission
During the school year movies or videos that are rated PG might be shown for academic purposes. As per school policy your child needs your permission to view PG rated movies or videos. Please sign below so that your student can view these movies or videos. You will be notified by teacher website or monthly newsletter if/when we will be watching videos or movies rated PG.
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I give my permission for my child, ______to watch movies and videos rated PG in Mrs. Gaston’s classroom for the 2013-2014 school year.
______Parent/Guardian
Required materials
All Classes LA/History
Paper 2-Red Pens
Black or Blue Pens 1- 70 count or more spiral notebook
Pencils
3-Ring Binder (2-3 inches)
Communication
Students will bring home a newsletter each month to inform parents about what students will be learning that month and important dates and assignments for each class. Progress reports will also be sent home. The progress reports need to be signed by a parent/guardian and then returned to school.
Cheating and Copying
McLoughlin Middle School does not condone cheating. While I cannot give you examples for all types of cheating, the following are basic examples of copying and cheating: Turning in someone else’s work as your own with or without their permission, and allowing another student to turn in work they copied from your paper. Should I determine that cheating or copying is present, the student or students will receive a zero on the assignment. Any form of plagiarism will also result in the student receiving a zero on the assignment.
**Please see class rules and procedures for information on homework and late work**