Peekskill Middle School, 212 Ringgold Street, Peekskill, New York 10566
September, 2014
Dear Students and Parents/ Guardians:
Welcome to English Language Arts—7th Grade!! I am Ms. Wallach, and I look forward to getting to know both students and parents. Below is some important information about ELA this school year. Please return the bottom portion of the sheet to class. Thank you!
Grading: Homework = 10% Classwork/Do Nows = 20% Benchmarks/Projects = 35%
Tests/Quizzes=30% Citizenship/Preparedness/Participation/Effort=5%
Homework and Daily Assignments: Your homework is to read at least 20 minutes each night, except for Friday night. On Friday, you will write a response to what you read during class time. On occasion you will be given a homework assignment instead of reading for a night. We read in class every Friday, so you must have an independent reading book with you upon entering the classroom. Most of the work for ELA 7South will be done in class and will be graded on a 2-point rubric for each short-response question (or a 4-point rubric for extended responses) based on the NYS Common Core Assessments. These rubrics will be taped into your composition book kept in the classroom.
Pens: All work is to be done in regular blue or black ink. Work may be typed on a computer/word processor at your convenience, but must be printed before you enter the classroom. If I want a specific assignment typed, I will set aside class time in the computer lab.
Book Projects/Analysis Sheets: Book projects and analysis sheets are due on the assigned day. EVERY FRIDAY you will be given time in class to read your independent novel and work on your analysis sheet. You will lose ten (10) points every day your book project is late for the first three school days after the project is due. I will not accept any book projects/analysis sheets after the third late day.
Absences: If you miss a day of school, it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to make up any work from that day. You may see me before the school day, during your supervisory/lunch period, or during call-back.
Lateness: You will receive one participation point for each day that you are on-time and prepared with your necessary class materials (composition book, homework, blue/black pen, etc.) to class. If you are late WITHOUT A PASS, it will be recorded and you will not receive your point. Come to class on time!
Electronics/Cell phones: iPods, cell phones, and other electronics are not allowed to be used in class unless I have given you permission to do so. E-readers (Nooks and Kindles) may be used on Friday for reading with prior approval from me. If you are using one of these items, I will ask you to turn it off and put it away. If it is out again, I will ask for it to be placed on my desk. You will not get it back until the end of the school day.
Gum/Candy: Gum and other candy not given out by me is not permitted in the classroom. If you are caught with it, you’ll be asked to put it in the trash. You may be given something by me during class or testing, but that’s the only exception to the rule.
Teacher Contact: Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. I generally reply to emails within 24 hours.
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I have read and understood the class policy for Ms. Wallach’s ELA class, and will follow what it says. I understand that by signing it and having my parent/guardian sign it by Friday, September 12, 2014 is one of the first homework and test/quiz grades for the 2014-15 school year.
Student’s Name (print & script) ______
Parent/Guardian’s Name (print & script) ______