1. Important Contact Information: Email: smith.sarah@meridianschools.orgsmith.sarah@meridianschools.org Phone: 855-4375 ext. 1155 Email is usually the best way to contact me as I can respond throughout the day allowing me to get back to you more quickly.

2. As you know, this is a 90 minute class. Five years ago, Lake Hazel decided to combine 7 th grade Literature with 7 th Grade Writing. It was piloted by myself and my partner teacher for three years, and because of its success, it is now used throughout our entire 7 th grade English department. Blocking these two classes allows us to go further in-depth with the material because we are able to research and to write essays about the topics we are studying in our class novel.

3. QuartersNovelsEssential Questions Essential Standards 1 st Quarter: River of Change Red Kayak Selection of Poetry Selection of Non-fiction Articles *How does change cause personal growth? Analyze how setting, character and conflict interact Read and comprehend non-fiction Write informative texts to convey ideas 2 nd Quarter: Struggles and Injustices Farewell to Manzanar Selection of Non-fiction Articles *Are we doomed to repeat the past? Analyze the theme of a text Cite textual evidence to support analysis of text Write argumentative essays to support a claim Use multi-media to present 3 rd Quarter: Triumph over Trials Deathwatch Selection of Non-fiction Articles Selection of Poetry/Songs *Why are stories important? Compare and Contrast text to audio version Analyze the structure of poetry Write narrative pieces 4 th Quarter: Beyond Boundaries One of the following Novels: Fablehaven City of Ember Among the Hidden Matched Inkheart Uglies Maximum Ride Found *How important are creativity and imagination? Analyze how setting, character and conflict interact Cite textual evidence to support analysis of text Produce clear, coherent writing focusing on the six-traits of writing

4. Go to Lake Hazel’s Website Select “Teachers and Staff” Find my name Select “Calendar” OR Simply select the link in my email’s closing. link How do I get to the calendar?

5. PowerSchools is a wonderful way for both you and your student to keep up with grades. It allows you and your child to view his or her grades in real- time. It will also inform you of missing and/or late assignments and assignments below a 70% which can be redone. To get to PowerSchools, you need to go to the Meridian School District webpage, click on “Parents” and log- on with your user name and password. If you do not have one, you can contact the office to get one.

6. Assignments will be accepted for full credit until the end of the instructional unit. After the instructional unit is over, late work will be given 50% credit up to two weeks before the end of the quarter the assignment was given in. Late work received after the date two weeks before the end of the quarter will not be given an credit. Deadlines: 1st Quarter: October 18th 2nd Quarter: January 10th 3rd Quarter: March 7th 4th Quarter: May 21st

7. As a 7th grade English PLC (Professional Learning Community), we feel that teaching spelling with lists is not the most effective way to master spelling. This year, it is our plan to create lessons that will allow our students time to go in-depth with commonly misspelled and misused words/homophones. In addition to working with commonly misspelled and misused words, we will be working with roots, suffixes, and prefixes and individually working to correct mistakes within our own writing. Homophones and Easily Confused Words to Cover: their/there/they’re your/you’re too/two/to where/wear/we’re/were whose/who’s it’s/its hear/here except/accept effect/affect which/witch further/farther fewer/less good/well much/many real/really bad/badly is/are

8. Home Reading is required twice a quarter. 400 minutes should be read each time it is collected. See the calendar below for due dates. Home Reading records are accepted when signed by a parent or legal guardian. Due Dates: Quarter 1: Sept. 30Oct. 28 Quarter 2: Dec. 2Jan. 6 Quarter 3: Feb. 3Mar. 3 Quarter 4: Apr. 7May. 5