8 Grade Language Arts Syllabus

Instructor Mr. Hudgins Phone (602)304-2030 Ext: 3762 Email [email protected] Office Location Main Building, Second Floor, Room D208 Office Hours Before school 7:30-8:00am After School 4:00-4:30pm *Scheduled meetings are preferred due to other obligations The communication skills of reading, writing, listening, speaking, viewing and presenting form the core of language and literacy. The ultimate purpose of this class is to ensure that all students are offered the opportunities, the encouragement and the vision to develop the language skills they need to pursue lifelong goals, including finding personal enrichment and participating as informed members of society. Students also use language skills to understand academic subject matter and to enrich their lives. Students will need a wide repertoire of communication strategies and skills to succeed as learners, citizens, workers and fulfilled individuals in the 21st century. Demonstrating independence Building strong content knowledge Responding to the varying demands of audience, task, purpose, and discipline Comprehending as well as critiquing Using technology and digital media strategically and capably Coming to understand other perspectives and cultures Course Overview Students must be able to communicate effectively in their schools and communities.

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Required Text All textbooks and novels read in this class will be provided for you. It is not required to own a personal copy of the novels but they may be purchased for reading at home and completing assignments outside of class if needed by the student. Elements of Language, Holt, Rinehart, Winston Elements of Literature, Holt, Rinehart, Winston Novel - Red Scarf Girl, Ji-Li Jiang Novel Animal Farm, George Orwell Novel The Giver, Lois Lowry Novel The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins

Course Materials 3 - 3 Ring Binder with Dividers for all subjects College Ruled Spiral Notebook Pencils Black and Red Pens

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Resources Being a S.T.E.M. school we focus on providing authentic learning opportunities with the use of integrated technology and a rigorous curriculum. The integration of technology is used to prepare these 21 st century students to become competitive contributors for the future. Examples of how they will be doing is in Language Arts is by the creation and continuous maintenance of blogs, websites and wiki pages. Parents will be free to view my classroom webpage where I will be posting updates of what the students are currently working on and due dates for major assignments. www.mrhudgins.weebly.com

Homework Grading will be done with precision. I will provide many opportunities to achieve the highest grade possible. You will be able to check your childs grade using Parent Vue. Late work will be deducted 10% for each day it is past the due date. No assignments will be accepted past 5 days after the due date. Guardian will be notified for each missing assignment. If at any time a students grade drops below a C notificatio n will be communicated via phone, email or person.

Grading scale 90-100 80-89 70-79 60-69 0 -59 A B C D F

Grading will be done on a points based scale not percentages. Major assignment such as project, tests and quizzes will be worth more than class work and homework.

Five Campus Rules We as a school have 5 general rules that all students need to know. 1. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself. 2. Be prepared and cooperate in the learning process. 3.Use school appropriate language and materials 4.Respect self, others, and school property. 5.Be at designated area at assigned times.

Classroom Rules Within my classroom I have clear expectations of my students and I will not waver from them for any reason. My rules are fair and simple, follow them and we will have a smooth year. The rules are before you say or act upon something you must T.H.I.N.K. Is what I am about to say or do. . . T True H Helpful I Inspiring N Necessary K Kind

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A PARENT/STUDENT/TEACHER CONTRACT As a parent/guardian, I will: Show respect and support for my child, the teachers, and the school. Support the school's discipline policy. Provide a quiet, well-lit place for study and supervise homework. Attend parent-teacher conferences. Talk with my child each day about his or her school activities. Read with my child for at least 10 minutes each day and let my child see me read.

As a student, I will: Always try to do my best work. Be kind and helpful to my classmates. Show respect for myself, my school, and other people. Obey classroom, school, and bus rules. Show respect for property by not stealing or vandalizing. Come to school prepared with my homework and my supplies. Believe that I can and will learn. Spend at least 15 minutes each day studying or reading at home. Talk with my parents each day about my school activities.

As a teacher, I will: Show respect for each child and for his or her family. Make efficient use of learning time. Provide a safe and comfortable environment that's conducive to learning. Help each child grow to his or her fullest potential. Provide meaningful and appropriate homework activities. Provide necessary assistance to parents so they can help with assignments. Enforce school and classroom rules fairly and consistently. Supply students and parents with clear evaluations of progress and achievement. Use special activities in the classroom to make learning enjoyable. Demonstrate professional behavior and a positive attitude. Now, hand in hand, we will work together to carry out this contract. ______________________________ _______________ Parent signature/date ______________________________ _______________ Student signature/date

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Teacher signature/date

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