English Language Arts and Reading “Literature is no one’s private ground, literature is common ground; let us trespass freely and fearlessly and find our own way for ourselves.” - Virginia Woolf Miss Pelzel’s Class RJH School Year Classroom Rules Follow directions. Raise your hand for permission to speak. Raise your hand for permission to leave your seat. Be respectful to your teachers and classmates. Be prepared for class. Room #109 (512) 430 – 6047 Conference: 1 st Period (8:00 – 8:49) 1 1.Warning: When a students breaks a rule, they will receive a verbal warning. 2.Phone Call Home/Detention: If a student repeatedly breaks a rule, then detention is assigned and a parent/guardian is notified. 3. Referral to Administration : If the conflict cannot be resolved in the classroom, then the student will receive an office referral. Google Classroom: Where some class assignments, discussions, and projects will be posted and turned in. Rockdalisd Website: My staff directory page is a great place to find useful resources as well as our class syllabus. Course Description What are the consequences if I don’t follow class rules? Where do I go to find agendas and assignments? Grade Breakdown Major Grades= 60% (vocabulary, reading comprehension, grammar, AR tests, projects, etc.) Daily Grades= 40% (Weekly writing, daily activities, participation, quizzes, homework, etc.) Supplies College-ruled notebook paper Multiple pencils Colored correcting pens 1” Binder Sheet protectors (at least 6) Welcome to ELAR! We are going to have a great year together! Our focus for this class is to become superior writers, readers, and thinkers. The skills that you develop in our class will aide you in your other classes as well as your life beyond high school no matter what career goals you have. This year, I want all of you to realize that you have a voice that matters, and I am excited to hear it. I look forward to working with all of you! Besides the satisfaction of knowing that you are contributing to a productive classroom environment that is conducive to growth and learning, there are several physical rewards for following directions. Each teacher will distribute “Paw Bucks” to students who are caught exhibiting good behavior. These “Paw Bucks” may be used to purchase items from a store in the front office. In my classroom, I prefer to reward students with tickets. These tickets are placed into a drawing that occurs in class every Friday. What do I get if I follow class rules?

Do not enter the classroom unless the teacher or substitute is present. To line up, you must face the door, shoulder touching the wall, hands down by your side, no talking. After entering, go straight to your desk and write your agenda. Get your make-up work from the folders by the door. Begin any bellwork. You must be in your seat when the tardy bell rings or you are counted tardy. When I want your attention, I will say, “Give Me 5.” When you hear this, put your pens down, face me, and stop talking. If you leave the room, you are required to use your planner. You must fill it out completely, and I must sign it before you can leave. You may not leave the room during the first or last 10 minutes of class. Upon completion of class work, papers are to be placed in your binder unless you have been instructed to return them to my desk in the blue tray. Make sure that your assigned number is written on your paper. Read a library book or do homework if you finish your work early. You may sharpen your pencil before the tardy bell rings or if you ask permission during class. When visitors are in the room, listen attentively, continue working, and be polite. I will say, “Class, Quiet Time,” so that you know to quit talking. Reward “tickets” will be placed in the buckets by the teacher or a selected student. Stay in your desk at the end of the period, and I will dismiss you when the bell rings. Always bring supplies, library book, and planner to class. Classroom Procedures How will I check my grade in class? What do I do if I am absent? Do I have to read outside of class? What topics will we cover this year? Genres: Nonfiction, Poetry, Fiction, Drama Writing: Expository, Persuasive, Narrative, Research Grammar: Capitalization, Punctuation, Spelling, Subject-verb agreement, Transitions, Indefinite pronouns, etc. What happens if I turn in an assignment late? What can I do for extra credit? Room #109 (512) 430 – 6047 Conference: 1 st Period (8:00 – 8:49) 2 Miss Pelzel’s Class RJH School Year Work that is not turned in on time will result in a loss of points as follows: -10 for one day late, -20 for two days late, -30 for three days, etc. Students and parents are encouraged to check Skyward via the “Family Access” tab on for the most current grades in every class. Students will receive progress reports every three weeks and report cards every six weeks. I will also provide students with detailed progress reports for my class at least one week before progress reports and report cards go home. Students may come see me before or after school for more information about their grades. Parents may contact me at any time. Students are encouraged to speak with their teachers if they know of an absence ahead of time. Students will receive one day to complete makeup work for every day they missed. Makeup work will be placed in a basket by the door. When a student is absent, they must go to the basket and find the work with their name on it. Students are expected to read on a daily basis. Books can be checked out in both the classroom and school libraries. A book should be brought to class each day. Students will be expected to take an AR test on one nonfiction book and one fiction book of their choice. Each six weeks, students will have the option of turning in two grammar errors for an extra credit daily grade. The grammar errors must be found outside of school. (more information to come)

Please Read the course information, sign, and return this sheet to Miss Pelzel Students: Please sign below to signify that you have read the course sheet for Miss Pelzel’s class, will keep it in your binder, and will be responsible for the information throughout the year, and will check Skyward at least twice per week at school or at home. _______________________________ _____________________________________________ Student printed name Student signature Parents/Guardians: Please sign below to indicate that you have read the course sheet for Miss Pelzel’s class and that you will help your student be accountable for the information. If you have questions about the course or your student’s work, please do not hesitate to contact me; is the best way to reach me quickly. See the front of this sheet for my address. _______________________________ _____________________________________________ Parent/Guardian printed name Parent/Guardian signature _______________________________ ______________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Parent/Guardian daytime phone number (please print) Parents and guardians, please CIRCLE the best way for me to contact you: phone Room #109 (512) 430 – 6047 Conference: 1 st Period (8:00 – 8:49) 3 Miss Pelzel’s Class RJH School Year