1. Welcome to Peekskill Middle School: Back to School Night Mr. Frank Cancro E.L.A. School Year 2015-2016

2. Course Overview: ELA Students will be exposed to both fictional literature selections and non- fiction literature. The NYS Common Core will guide instruction with the use of Engage NY. An emphasis will be placed on multiple forms of writing. A balanced literacy approached will be utilized for reading and writing instruction.

3. Grading Homework: 10% Participation and Effort: 5% Class Work/Reading Logs: 25% Tests/Quizzes: 30% Projects/Benchmark Writing: 30% Grading Equivalent: ++= 100 += 90 = 80 -= 70 == 60

4. Expectations All students are expected to: Be on-time to class; Communicate and discuss any issues/concerns; Complete all classwork assignments; Study and complete homework every night; Display respect for themselves and each other; Remained focused and participate; and Do the best they can everyday in a positive fashion.

5. Homework Students are expected to read daily in an independently selected book or novel for 25 minutes. An AWARD book project is to be completed on a bi-weekly basis. This project is to be based on the student’s independent reading book. In addition to the book projects, additional assignments may be assigned relating to the daily classwork.

6. Availability Every day there is time for all children to “catch-up” on any assignments. They may go during their lunch/supervisory block of time if they so desire. In addition, during our afternoon homebase all children have an opportunity to speak with individual teachers and/or work on assignments during “call back.”

7. Parent –School Communication As both a teacher and a parent of three, I feel it is crucial that there is an open line of communication between the school and the parents/guardians. It is important that your child understands that we are a unified team, with one goal in mind, their education. There is an extensive support system in place at the middle school, I encourage you to take advantage of the available resources.

8. Communication/Contact Info. If at any time you have questions or concerns, you can email me at fcancro@peekskillcsd.org. I will check my emails periodically throughout the day. You can also call the school at 737-4542 and leave a message for me. If an appointment is necessary, the guidance office can arrange a meeting with all teachers. fcancro@peekskillcsd.org