Graphic Novels

Our narrative essays are due first thing on Monday and we are about to begin our graphic novels.  Bring creativity and motivation so that you can have this project completed no later than next Monday, October 29th!  Have fun!

Grades/Zangle

Remember to check your grades weekly on Zangle.  If you have trouble signing in please try this:

Username:  YOUR SCHOOL # (ex:  60798567)
Password:  YOUR BIRTHDAY  (Ex:  July 29, 2001...enter 07/29/2001 OR 07/29/01

If you still are having difficulty, please let me know and I will try to resolve the problem.

Narrative essays

This week we are beginning our lessons on Narrative writing.  We will do many activities involving all elements of plot, theme, protagonists/antagonists, character traits, internal/external conflicts, and MUCH more!  Bring your thinking caps and get ready to participate!

Welcome to 7th grade language arts!!!

Seventh Grade Language Arts addresses the California Content Standards for reading, writing, listening, speaking and grammar. Students will study various reading genres, including short stories, novels, biographies, poetry and informational materials. Students will also be expected to write 500 to 700 word essays in the following writing categories: summary, response to literature, persuasive, narrative and research reports. The seventh grade STAR test includes an essay portion, taken in March.

ELA Syllabus

Rosa Parks Middle School

2250 68th Ave.

Sacramento, CA 95822

 (916) 433-5400

Seventh Grade Language Arts—Mrs. Barber  (Room 8)

Course Description:

Seventh Grade Language Arts addresses the California Content Standards for reading, writing, listening, speaking and grammar. Students will study various reading genres, including short stories, novels, biographies, poetry and informational materials. Students will also be expected to write 500 to 700 word essays in the following writing categories: summary, response to literature, persuasive, narrative and research reports. The seventh grade STAR test includes an essay portion, taken in March.

Course Expectations:

Daily Materials

Each student must have the following materials in class daily:

·       School agenda

·       Binder paper

·       Several #2 pencils

·       Blue or black pen

·       Glue stick

·       Single subject notebook (students will need one for every project, about 5)

Wednesday Folders—Every Wednesday students will receive a folder with important announcements and school information. It is to be signed by a parent or guardian and returned to student’s second period teacher. The Wednesday Folder will also contain their current Language Arts grade when progress and grade reports are sent home.

Zangle Webconnect—Check current grades and attendance anytime using the Internet. All you have to do is sign up. Check the beginning of the year paperwork for the form or go see the staff in the back attendance office. It is that easy.

Project Based Learning—All of the learning in Language Arts will center on large projects. Students will complete several projects over the course of the year. Students will present their projects during community nights. Please be sure to attend.  

Late Work/Make Up Work Policies—Work is accepted late, but it is worth only 50% of the total points earned for the assignment. After an instructional unit is finished, NO work related to that unit will be accepted. Make up work will be accepted following an excused absence. Students are allowed one day in addition to the number of days absent to make up work for an excused absence. Tests and quizzes must be taken as soon as possible.  It is the student’s responsibility to collect homework or work from day(s) absent.

Academic Expectations, Attendance Discipline—All school wide expectations, attendance and discipline policies will be enforced in the classroom. See the Student Handbook for more information.

Classroom Expectations- the classroom is a place of respect both on the part of the teacher and students. Therefore, it is expected that all people in the classroom will behave respectfully to one another. In this classroom respect on the part of the student is defined as:

1.      I will begin my work on immediately and stay on task.

2.     I will show respect to my peers, my teacher, and myself.

3.     I will respond to my teachers signal.

4.    I will enter and leave the room according to the class expectations and procedures.

Evaluation—Student grades will be based on the following criteria:

·       Class projects

·       Positive participation in collaborative group activities

·       Reading and writing assignments

·       Classwork and homework

·       Tests and quizzes

In addition, students receive a citizenship grade based on classroom participation
and behavior.

Grading Scale—A=90-100%

                            B=80-89%

                            C=70-79%

                            D=60-69%

                            F=0-59%   

Textbooks—Holt Literature and Language Arts program; school novels

Contact Information—Please feel free to contact me at anytime by calling the school or by emailing me at Lindsay-Barber@scusd.edu.

We have a blog for our class, be sure to check it out.  (www.mrsbarber.net) The blog will provide:

·       Top student papers

·       Class photos

·       Assignments that can be downloaded

·       Lesson plans

·       Class updates, and more!

I have read and understand the policies and procedures contained in the Language Arts syllabus for the 2012-2013 school year.

­­­­­­­__________________________________                        ______________________________________

Print Student’s Name                                                 Student Signature & Date

                                                                                      

__________________________________                        ______________________________________

Print Parent’s Name                                                   Parent’s signature & Date

Parent’s Phone Number: ___________________________________

Our blog has a link to feature student work and pictures. Please let me know if it is all right to use your students written work and photos. Only first names will be used.

Please state your preference:

_______Yes, I will allow my child s photo and classwork to appear on the class blog.

_______No, I will not allow my child s photo and classwork to appear on the class blog.

***Sign and return this page to Mrs. Barber by 9/11/12. It is worth 10 points.

You can download this document here.