Seventh Grade English: Gordon Davis

Who is Mr. Davis? Education

Bachelor’s of Science: Secondary Education: English, Delaware Valley College

Master’s of Education: Professional and Secondary Education, West Chester University

Currently pursuing further graduate work at West Chester University

Interests Sports: collegiate and recreational outdoors, agriculture, and exercise

Extra-Curriculars Coaching: Unlimited Football and 7th Lacrosse

My Philosophies

Old school meets new school Reading, writing, and thinking are the backbones

of intelligence New technologies to match the 21st century brain

Guider not a giver “Guide by your side rather than the Sage on

Stage”

“Gordon the Writer” Model, model, model

Contact Information

Mr. Davis' Website Contact information

daviscg@tesd.net Voicemail: 610 240 1300 ext. 2196

Opportunities for extra help Activity: must be arranged in advance Advisory Support

*FLASH DRIVES ARE REQUIRED!

Unit 1: Short Stories (October) Unit 2 : Tolerance (Late October-November)

Cultures of the Amish, Muslim-Americans, Asian-Americans, Latino-Americans, African-Americans

Unit 3: Poetry (December-Early January) Unit 4: Nonfiction (1st half of January)

Editorials to Commentaries to Nonfiction Essays Unit 5: Class Novel (2nd half of January-mid February) Unit 6: Classic Novel (April)

The Pearl by John Steinbeck Unit 7: Graphic Novel (May) Unit 8: This I Believe (June)

Trout in the Classroom Received TIC Start-Up Grant, Spring 2012 Sponsored by PA Fish and Boat Commission Raising Brook Trout, our state fish

1. Raise brook trout by observing and monitoring a coldwater ecosystem in a classroom aquarium

 2. Identify stages of the brook trout life cycle  3. Recognize brook trout as "indicator species"

for healthy coldwater streams   4. Describe conditions needed for brook trout

survival in your classroom aquarium and in nature

Late Work

Expectations increase in 7th grade Student-centered responsibility Minor assignments (homework,

worksheets, online postings, class work) must follow specific directions and be submitted in a timely manner. Maximum three day make-up period

Major assignments (longer writing pieces, out of class selections, etc.) Due at the beginning of class on specified date Extensions are granted in advance

Pinnacle

Check regularly Updated ASAP—please understand it is

not immediate. Scoring

Z-working zero (grades have been entered, but your favorite English student has not submitted on time).

X-excused (illness or request) 0-Final zero (work was not turned in within the

required time frame) Nothing entered-assignment has not yet been

graded but will be soon.

Advisory Support/Initiative Initiative

Roughly 15-class modules Students pursue topics relevant to that

curriculum Non graded course—pursue topics relevant to

students Media Literacy: How Media Affects Our

Generation Support

Similar to 6th grade Opportunities for students to catch up Study groups Meet with teachers Self-Advocacy

Advisory SupportDays 1  3  5

Quiet, respectful environment Largely dedicated to work completion Free-reading book or self-exploration

project is also an option Students will be with the same support

teacher all year. Students may see other teachers for

extra help or to make up work.   

8th Period Advisory Initiative Teachers:

Mrs. Joost-  Math  Mr. Davis-  English Mr. Marchiondo-  Science Mr. Erwin- Social Studies Mr. Carvajal- World Language Ms. Turner- Art

Advisory InitiativesDays 2  4  6

Mrs. Joost: Problem solving activities. In addition to problem solving, students will use the graphing calculator, which will be used in future classes.

Mr. Davis: Media literacy. Students will explore the influence of various forms of media on their lives.

Mr. Marchiondo: Social responsibility. Students will reflect on the concept of the tragedy of the commons and then investigate local and global topics, from natural gas drilling to deforestation.

Advisory InitiativesDays 2  4  6

Mr. Erwin: Peace and conflict. Students will explore various topics related to the themes of peace and conflict, both local and global. They will be introduced to individuals, organizations, and events.

Mr. Carvajal: Regional culture. Students will research the culture of various Latin American countries.

Ms. Turner: Creativity. Students will create various art projects.