Welcome to English Class!!
Ms. Smith Room 32
House 6-2
What We Will Cover In Class
Throughout class, you will learn the basics of reading, writing, and analyzing effective papers. We will cover spelling, grammar, perspective, and tone throughout the year.
Picture from: http://www.raleighdistrictumc.org/2012/03
Classroom Rules
*We keep the classroom clean. If you make a mess clean it!
*I DO NOT tolerate disrespect of any form in my class. If you are disrespectful to another student or staff member, you will receive a zero for the days assignments.
* Follow the Golden Rule and treat people the way you want to be treated :)
* Cell phones, iPods etc. are to be turned off, or silenced. If I catch you on them, I will take them to the Main Office and you can pick it up there at the end of the day.
* NO food or drinks in the classroom. Water is acceptable in clear containers only.
Expectations
Come to every class ready to participate.
Hand in assignments on time.
Do your own work.
Have your materials (pens/pencils/notebooks, textbook, novel)
Be an active listener.
Write and speak appropriately and effectively.
Picture from: bryanrlong.com
Dress Code
Washington Middle School does not allow any hats or inappropriate clothing. If you wear a hat, you will be asked to put it in your locker until the end of the day. All clothing must be conservative, as in no mid-drifts, cut-offs, short-shorts etc. If shirts have offensive or vulgar language on them, students must turn them inside out for the day.
Required Materials
We will be using the text: English and Literature. I ask that you bring it to EVERY class as we will reference it often. Also I ask that you bring a folder and a notebook designated just for this class, to every class. We may occasionally need crayons, colored pencils, and markers. If so, I will let you know ahead of time to bring those items. I also ask that you ALWAYS bring pencils and pens (red preferably) each and everyday.
Contact Information
If any question, comments, or concerns arise, feel free to contact me.
Main Floor, Classroom #32
Phone: (563) 555-8888
E-mail: KSmith@dbq.edu
I am available before and after school. I am in my classroom from 7 am and I will be in the building until 3:30 daily. If for some reason I am not in my classroom, leave me a note or message and I will contact you as soon as possible.
A little bit about me
Qualifications/Personal Information
My name is Kimberly Smith and I am a 2016 graduate of the University of Dubuque in Dubuque, IA. I have a Bachelors Degree in English in Secondary Education with endorsements in middle school and special education. I grew up always wanting to be a teacher to help others, so here I am. I encourage my students to follow their dreams just as I followed mine! In my free time I like to spend time with family and friends. Some of my hobbies include photography, reading, running, fishing, and hunting.
Mission Statement
Throughout this class, each student is to strive to do the best of his/her ability. I expect nothing less than each students best effort.
Reading List
Since we are in sixth grade, we will start to read more comprehensive novels. The Reading List includes and is not limited to:
-Bridge to Terabithia
by Katherine Paterson, Donna Diamond (illus.)
-The Giver
by Lois Lowry
-Holes
by Louis Sachar
-Hatchet
by Gary Paulson
-Various Poems
Picture from: http://solidarityrising.org/2013/08/solidarity-book-drive/
Movies
We will watch a movie (if appropriate) that goes along with the novel we are reading. The movie will be watched after we finish reading the book, the projects are handed in and presented, and the tests have been completed.
**If a movie is rated anything besides PG, permission slips will be sent home to be signed for approval by a parent or guardian. If a parent or guardian does not want their student to watch the movie, an alternate assignment will be given.**
Units
There will be five units throughout the year. Each unit includes a novel or various readings and at the end of each unit there will be a project and a test.
Each project will have the option of a power point, poster, or an essay. Along with completing the project, you must present your project to the class.
Spelling Tests
Spelling Tests will be given once a week throughout the year. Our spelling words will come from our text book. I encourage students to look over their spelling words at least once a day. This will ensure a good grade on the test!
Picture From: https://planetterry.wordpress.com/tag/scripps-national-spelling-bee/
Grading System
My grading system consist of weighing the factors of:
Participation: 10%
Homework: 20%
Projects: 30%
Test: 40%
NOTE: Assignments and projects are to be turned in the day they are due. If you are absent on the day something is due, come chat with me immediately the day you return. All late work is worth half credit. Once we finish a unit, all homework for that unit must be handed in for grading. You will receive a zero in the grade book for assignments that are missing at the end of each unit.
A students final grade will reflect on how well they used their study skills. If a student is struggling for any reason, I ask that they ask for help. I am not here to determine if a student passes or fails. A passing or failing grade is determined by how much effort and time a student puts into his/her work. This class will take work, but just like everything else, you will get out of it what you put into it.
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