Mrs. Ratliff's Com Arts Class
Team 7-2
Welcome to 7th Grade Communication Arts!
We will spend an hour together everyday in which we intertwine reading, writing, speaking, and listening instruction and activities.
The Seventh Grade English/Language Arts course is centered on the Missouri State Standards with extensive study of literature and written composition preparing students for high school, college, and future careers. Literature spanning the years, from ancient to modern times, gives historical perspective of writing styles and authors’ changing perceptions of our world. The art of composition emphasizes the modes of argumentative, expository, and narrative writing. Student writers are encouraged to write objectively and subjectively as needed to demonstrate their mastery of the course material. As they begin to tailor and incorporate literary strategies into their personal repertoire, seventh grade English/Language arts continues shaping students into independent, life-long readers, writers, and thinkers who will be prepared to contribute to their democratic society.
Independent Reading...
Students will be required to read one book per quarter. Research shows how important reading is to the success of students. We hope to foster a love of reading through self-selected texts that appeal to each student. Activities will be designed to reinforce the skills being taught in the classroom.
Materials Needed:
- Pencils, Blue/Black Pens
- Red Pens
- Highlighters
- Folder
- Spiral Notebook
- Composition Notebook (Writer's Notebook)
- Literature Textbook
- Assignment Notebook
- Book to READ for Independent Reading
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES WE WILL USE:
- Literary Handbook
- Grammar Handbook
- Writing Folders
- Writng Process Pockets
- Write Source Textbook
Homework and Make-Up Work
We missed you while you were out today but....
- It is the student's responsibility to get the notes, classwork, and homework missed while absent.
- Any hand-outs will be placed in the missed work folder according to the day of the week. The student also needs to meet with the teacher to discuss any concepts covered and any in-class information they may have missed.
- Students may also stay on top of assignments whether they are absent or present by reviewing the team homework website at:
http://sites.google.com/site/sms72website/
LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR A REDUCED GRADE!!
TYPED WRITING ASSIGNMENTS...
All typed assignments must:
- include name, class, date, and title
- be 12 point font, Times New Roman or Ariel
- be double-spaced
- NOT be emailed to your teacher to be printed
OH-NO.... You have printing problems the night before the paper is due! No worries, see below!
Classroom Expectations and Guidelines...
- Come to class everyday PREPARED!! When the bell rings students are expected to be in their seats and ready to begin. This means pencil sharpening, trips to lockers/bathroom, and gathering of materials are all completed BEFORE the bell rings. Students will receive a tardy slip after the bell rings.
- No food or drinks will be brought to class unless received as a reward/treat from a teacher.
- District classroom rules are posted in the classroom but my one rule covers them all! Be RESPECTFUL!! Respect yourself, others, and property and you will be successful.
Seven Habits for a Successful Year!
Grades!!!
Grades will be based on a weighted point system earned on a combination of class work, homework, and assessments (both formative and summative). "Classwork" is 25% of the grade and "Performance" is 75% of the grade. Classwork is generally practice work whereas performance grades are taken over objectives that have been taught and reviewed. Please check the Parent Portal to keep up-to-date on grades!!
South Middle School Disciplinary Procedures
- First Offense: verbal warning
- Second Offense: conference with teacher
- Third Offense: seat change
- Fourth Offense: email/call parents/guardian
- Fifth Offense: office referral to the 7th grade principal
Contact Mrs. Ratliff
Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns!
Email: kratliff@fz.k12.mo.us
Website: sms.fz.k12.mo.us/
Location: 300 Knaust Road, St. Peters, MO
Phone: 636-281-0776
NOTICE! Although the Fort Zumwalt School District attempts to restrict external links to web sites of appropriate educational nature, it is not responsible for questionable or controversial content found through links external to this site. Questions or problems regarding this site should be directed to the Webmaster webmaster@fz.k12.mo.us