Driftwood Middle School Mrs. Brooks 8th Grade Reading Welcome to Open House! Driftwood Middle School Mrs. Brooks 8th Grade Reading

Welcome to Your Child’s Reading Class I’m delighted YOU joined us this evening. YOU are the most influential factor in your child’s success in school. I am here to help ensure YOUR child’s success this year.

What’s in The Course This Year? Development and refinement of reading, writing and oral skills Comprehension and evaluation of Informational Text Vocabulary enrichment Development of critical reading skills such as critiquing arguments and evaluating sources Substantiating their opinion via discussions and presentations Providing text-based evidence while avoiding plagiarism.

Available Student Resources Textbook: Collections: • further explore the collection topics • compare and contrast traditional texts with contemporaries • delve into more complex texts • expand students' reading of poetry • expose students to established traditional authors such as Shakespeare, Dante, Dickens, Eliot, Austen, Dickenson, Wells, Wadsworth, Whitman Supplemental materials: publisher’s online activities, various, Newsela, Canvas Additional reading materials: fiction and non-fiction texts Students MUST read independently because they need more information than they can possibly gain in class only! Required Supplies: 1 3-prong folder (plastic is more durable) to be brought to class every day Ear Buds Paper and pencils

My Teaching Style Teacher and student-led discussions prompted by questioning (Collaborative Discussions) Students learn to write by both group activities and individual work; I provide ongoing feedback on progress Vocabulary activities, enrichment through writing and oral activities, individual and group projects and presentations Student focused activities such as presentations

Expectations for Homework Read and prepare for class at least 30 minutes each night – whether there is homework or not! Planning of long-term assignments is critical Work to be completed on time for full credit. 25% will be taken off for each day homework is late down to 25%. True for all assignments. (Exceptions: Students absent when assignment was given will have 2 days for each day out to turn it in. Students present when the assignment was given, but absent when it is due must turn it in the day they return to school.) All homework is evaluated and recorded. Homework is directly related to topics covered in class

Assignment Categories & Weights Classwork 30% Homework 10% Projects 20% Tests, Quizzes 25% Participation 15%

Absence Policy for Homework What To Do After An Absence? Access the online textbook to catch up on reading beep.browardschools.com Check the Missing Work Binder and Tray for distributed worksheets and missed assignments. Check my web pages for weekly activities: sbrooksdriftwood.wikispaces.com OR www.myhaikuclass.com/MrsBrooks/rdg Copy notes from a classmate. (I have a copier in my classroom, I will immediately copy the notes for students when requested) Arrange make up time for missed assessments. Ask questions for clarification.

Official Reporting Dates Report Cards: 11/17, 2/2, 4/20, 6/28 Interims: 9/22, 12/1, 2/16, 5/4 Conferences: Call the Eighth Grade Center to make arrangements. Phone # (754)323-3108 School will send Remind notices. These dates may have changed due to the Hurricane Irma.

Ongoing Home-School Communication Reach me: By phone: 754-323-3100 and leave a message. I will return calls within 48 hours. By email: sherwood.brooks@browardschools.com To reach you, I will use Emails – your signed permission required (forms available) Phone calls Note sent home

How to help me communicate Share your home and work email Identify the best phone contact number and send in a new number when applicable. Monitor your child’s grades regularly in Pinnacle Instructions for access received during first period Set up conferences with me, guidance counselors, or other teachers whenever you feel it’s necessary. We are here for YOU.

Be Involved Help your child learn at home (designate a quiet study area and set time restrictions) Be a team player and offer to help with review. Encourage your child to use the online review activities as an extension of the classroom learning. Seek assistance from me or the guidance counselor when your child is having difficulty Show interest in your child’s successes and offer encouragement in times of failure

Thanks and Keep Involved Research shows that when all 3 partners (teachers, students, and parents) make a commitment to teaching and learning, student success is sure to follow. As one-third of the partnership, I will do my part to make this a successful year for your child. Stay involved and committed to your child’s education. Thank you for coming this evening.

Questions? Comments?