English/Language Arts 1st Quarter Focus

Thank You For Supporting Your Child’s Education!

Mrs. Deans ELA

1st Quarter

Overview

2014-2015

Walkertown Middle School

Mrs. Deans

Room 234

Dear Parents and Students:

We will begin the year reviewing and studying basic grammar skills and implementing spelling & vocabulary in context. In addition, we will study reading terms-- in particular, those which focus on the elements of short story fiction and the fictional novel. Furthermore, we will paraphrase, summarize, and create personal narrative posters for a final project. Students will also be taught how to read and analyze informational text and cite evidence found within the reading. Independently, students need to read nightly and/or on the weekends for at least 20 minutes to build endurance and comprehension. Homework will consist of studying, reading AR books, as well as completing short review assignments. Finally, we will set appropriate, individual Accelerated Reading goals for our novels of choice.

ELA Supply List

1. One 2 to 3 inch binder with pockets & dividers 2. Pencils3. 2 Composition notebook for entire school year  

Wish List:1. Boxes of Kleenex2. Clorox Wipes 3. Candy and/or Dollar Tree trinkets for our Incentive Jar4. Markers5. Glue Sticks 6. Color Pencils7. Highlighters8. Mechanical Pencils9. Pens10. Binders

Students will be graded on each of the following areas which will count equally towards their final grade average in my class: I. Class work: 20% II. Homework: 15% III. Quizzes: 15% IV. Tests: 20%

V. Accelerated Reader & Self-Selective Reading Activities: 15% VI. Writing Portfolios and Projects: 15% ***NOTE: All areas are weighted. Not participating or not doing well in one area of assessment can drastically reduce a student’s overall average.

My Grading Policy

Since lifelong success depends in part on self-discipline, students in my classes are expected to work to their individual potential and to do so with a positive attitude daily. I hold high expectations for all my students and know with support and guidance from school and home, they will always do well. To help encourage this, I offer incentives for good behavior.

Communication

I believe the lines of communication should always remain open between students, parents, and teachers. So, if you should have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach me. The best way to do that is through e-mail to ensure that I get back to you as soon as possible. ysdeans@wsfcs.k12.nc.us

My Expectations

Online Resources

I will be using various online sites throughout the year. All of the links can be accessed on my website. I will begin the year using the following ones:

www.edmodo.com

www.quizlet.com

www.flocabulary.com

www.dojo.com

All of the sites contain apps that can be downloaded and accessed on cell phones, tablets, and gaming systems if computer access is an issue. I will be sending home the passwords and directions for each of the above sites the first couple of weeks of school.