# ____ LA ____

Eighth Grade Language Arts Class Contract

Ms. Miller, Hortonville Middle School, 2013-2014

Class Web Site: www.hasd.org/faculty/penelopemiller

Welcome to Eighth Grade Language Arts! I am excited for a new school year and a renewed commitment to

1) our HASD mission statement: “Our community ensures every student learns at the highest level” and

2) our HMS positive school-wide behavior framework that teaches and expects all students to live the Polar

BEAR Way: Be honest, Exceed expectations, Accept responsibility, and Respect others.

Eighth Grade Language Arts students communicate effectively using a variety of oral, written, and twenty-first

century technology skills.

In the second

quarter, students examine persuasive techniques in media and advertisements and write a persuasive paper. In the

third quarter, students conduct a research project and write a formal MLA style research paper. As a culminating

fourth quarter activity, students create and publish fictional paper or digital DEADLINE magazines.

Students:

Follow ALL class expectations below to ensure that you experience success in Language Arts this year!

Pledge to follow each expectation, sign this contract, and return it to Ms. Miller tomorrow signed by a parent.

I will bring the following required materials to class EACH DAY:

DOL Booklet (and Textbook as assigned) USB Flash Drive / Ear phones/buds

Notebook & Folder – for LA class ONLY Pencils/Red pens/Highlighters (Replace as needed!)

Assignment Notebook & Loose Leaf Paper Library Card (number) /Lined 3 x 5 index cards (3rd quarter)

Three-Ring Binder for DEADLINE (4th quarter) Laptop / iPad / mobile learning device (BYOD optional)

I will use our class WEB SITE FREQUENTLY to study and complete online assignments at home.

I will complete ALL assignments. However, I will only receive PARTIAL credit for late assignments.

I will demonstrate my learning through DILIGENT PREPARATION in the following categories:

Assignments – 50% Assessments – 20% Tests – 20% Quizzes – 10%

I will check SKYWARD frequently to monitor my own Language Arts academic progress and grades.

I will check BOTH our CLASS WEB SITE and the ABSENT FOLDER on the day that I return to class.

I will SCHEDULE A TIME to make up missed quizzes or tests and retake a quiz or test as needed.

I will use technology for learning purposes only and follow all Ms. Miller’s Classroom Expectations.

Student signature: _______________________________________ Date: _________________

Parents / Guardians:

Eighth grade students build digital citizenship knowledge and skills by safely, securely, and responsibly using

twenty-first century technology, digital media, and online learning environments including InfoSoup, EBSCOhost,

Overdrive, Zinio, Dropbox, Edmodo, Blackboard, Epals, Skype and TurnItIn.com. Please access our CLASS WEB

SITE and SKYWARD for important information regarding students’ learning and technology usage. Contact me with

questions, concerns, or suggestions via e-mail at penelopemiller@hasd.org or by phone at 920-779-7922, ext. 24110.

After reading this class contract carefully, please complete, sign, and return it with your child tomorrow.

Please circle your preferred communication method: e-mail phone call meeting

Parent signature: __________________________________ Date: __________________

Thank you!

Hortonville Middle School and Fox West Academy

Ms. Miller’s Classroom, Library, and Lab Expectations

Be

Honest

Exceed

Expectations Accept

Responsibility Respect

Others Entering

Classroom /

Library / Lab

Enter quietly and sit in assigned seats.

Record all learning targets and assignments.

BYOD – Set devices to silent / vibrate and place them face down on tables.

Greet teacher and classmates appropriately.

Arrive early, prepared, and ready to learn.

Walk on right and use Voice Level 0 or 1.

Take out all required homework / materials.

Sign Accountability Logs for missing work / supplies.

Check board / class Web site and read daily tasks.

Be positive, helpful, polite, and kind.

Sharpen pencils before class begins.

Organize materials at tables neatly.

Learning in

Class

Complete all tasks according to instructions.

BYOD – Use mobile devices for learning only on HASD Public Network.

Participate actively in learning and have fun.

BYOD – Use mobile devices on / above tables with all screens visible.

Ask questions to ensure understanding.

Access class Web site as main learning resource.

Use gum responsibly.

Keep chairs in locked, upright positions.

BYOD – Protect and safeguard all digital learning devices / technology.

Working

Independently

Complete assignments honestly / cite all sources.

Borrow student designated materials only.

BYOD – Practice good digital citizenship.

Remain engaged in the learning process.

Study, learn, or read after finishing assignment.

BYOD – Share technology tips and tricks.

Stay on task at all times until work is complete.

Collaborate in pairs / small groups as directed.

BYOD – Innovate and use creative solutions.

Allow peers to learn and work free from distractions. BYOD – Use ear buds to listen to music / view videos with teacher permission.

Leaving

Classroom /

Library / Lab

Plan to complete any unfinished assignments.

BYOD – Ensure that all assignments are recorded in device / notebook.

Throw away all trash.

Recycle when possible.

Clean all table / floor areas before exiting room.

Push in all chairs neatly.

Store all supplies neatly.

BYOD – Pack up all mobile devices securely.

Lock or log out of all computers / devices.

Turn in / plug in all school devices carefully.

Exiting

Classroom /

Library / Lab

Exit classroom in a quiet, orderly fashion.

Take only personally owned materials.

Inform teacher of planned absences.

Walk on right and use Voice Level 0 or 1.

Schedule help from teacher as needed: i.e. ELT.

BYOD – Carry all devices / materials safely.

Wait seated at tables for teacher dismissal.

Depart slowly and orderly after bell rings.