1. Mrs. Romero & Ms. Tapscot 7 th Grade ELA September 10, 2015

3. o Students should visit their lockers and be sure to bring their ELA composition book and novel, and any other needed materials for class before the tardy bell. o As students arrive they are to get any required materials for the day, sit down quietly in their assigned seat and begin the warm-up. This includes sharpening pencils, etc. o All assignments are to be turned into the designated class period’s turn in tray located at the back of the room. o Restroom/water needs are to be taken care of in between classes. If there is an emergency students have been asked to speak with me privately. We do so much in class and students need to be here for every minute!

4. o Doerre Planner o A bound composition book is needed also which will be used as a reader/writer notebook. Students need to bring this to class everyday. o blue, black pen, or pencil is acceptable and one red pen is needed, personal markers/colored pencils If students choose to write with a pencil, it may be helpful to have a personal hand sharpener in case the pencil breaks during class. o Student must bring to class a reading book of their choice EVERYDAY. Reading Log

5.  Class Supplies Per. 6 ~ Dry erase markers Any color Any size Per. 7 ~ Box of tissue

6. o Mini lessons o Group activity o Independent activity * As students arrive they are to sit down quietly in their assigned seat and begin writing the agenda on their planner, complete the warm-up which is usually SSR using their choice novel + thought shot

7. * Warm ups are DUE every Thursday of the week Begin new warm up every Friday

8. o Absences- if students are absent from class for any reason, it is their responsibility to find out what was missed. ***If students are absent they will be given as many days to turn in the assignment as they were gone. Example- someone who is out for two days will have two days to complete the assignment(s).

9. Grading Scale o Major- 60% o Daily- 30% o Homework- 10% Major test days: o Monday o Wednesday Late Work Policy Major: o One day late- 10 points o Two days late-20 points o Three days late- 30 points Homework and Daily: o Late up to three days- 30 points off

10. Retake Policy: * Any major grade scoring lower than a 80 is eligible for a retake. The student may earn enough points to bring that failing grade up to an 80, but not higher than an 80. * An additional assignment or activity may be required for the student to complete before a retake may be given.

11. We are focusing on reading and writing as students are required to take the Writing STAAR this year. We will be doing a lot of work on grammar and developing writing skills while continuing to grow as readers through Readers workshop. We are utilizing a reader/writer notebook which students will keep notes and activities in and will use to refer back to and help them through out the year.

12. * Every other Monday- our next visit is September 14 th * You may write a note for your student to visit the library before school * Students allowed to visit library at certain class times as well * Library opens at 8:15 and closes at 4

13. Additional information such as reading logs, major assignment due dates, homework, etc will be found on my website: http://classroom.kleinisd.net/webs/iromero1 If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me. Conference – 5 th period, 1:30-2:12 pm iromero1@kleinisd.net ttapscott1@kleinisd.net

15. *Reader’s Workshop is a teaching model where children improve their reading by spending time actually reading. *Strategy lessons are taught explicitly in class through whole or small group lessons. *Students are then given the time to apply the lesson to text that is on their reading and interest level. *Teachers spend time talking with students about what, and how they are reading.

16. * Students select their own reading material. * Students read at their own pace. * Students learn to talk to one another about what they’ve read. * Students not only learn how to read, but also learn the value of reading to learn.

17. How can parents help? *Be a reading role model at home. Let your student see you reading so they will value the importance of reading. *Ask your student about the book they are reading. *Remind them to bring their book to school and to class. *Read to your student…even sixth graders like to be read to! Some books offer great opportunities for family discussions.

18. Research shows that when children spend more time reading, they become better readers. With a little guidance and encouragement from a teacher who loves to read, students can learn to select appropriate books and discover the joy in reading and become life long learners.