Ben Gamla Preparatory Academy Open House Thursday, October 1, 2015

Contact Information Karina Ryan address: Ben Gamla Preparatory Academy Phone:

Curriculum In this course students will be reading a variety of literary and informative texts. These include National Geographic articles, narrative non-fiction, expository text, multi-cultural literature, and the classics. The content supports cross-textual analysis, academic discussions, and the development of argumentation and language development. Writing is also an integral part of reading and students will be required to provide text evidence to a variety of text dependent and inferential questions. The practice and application of a variety of different reading strategies is embedded within the course to ensure continued success.

Differentiated Instruction Differentiated instruction is implemented in the classroom to help each student reach their individual potential. Methods include: Hands on activities Projects Group work Individual work Small group with the teacher Oral/Choral/Silent Reading

Expected Classroom Behavior Treat your peers and authority with respect. Be honest. “Be impeccable with your word. Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.” Don Miguel Ruiz Follow school rules in Student Handbook. Always be prepared for class (i.e., arrive on time, complete assignments, have your class materials on hand—i.e. sharpened pencil, paper, pen, sticky notes, highlighters, etc.). Ask for help.

Rules and Consequences Classroom Rules Be respectful Be responsible Be safe Consequences 1 st offense: Warning 2 nd offense: Call home and lunch or afternoon detention 3 rd offense: Referral

Working Together Pinnacle Check grades on a weekly basis. Encourage your child to check his/her grades. Practicing self-advocacy skills are an important part of a child’s success in school.

Access to Pinnacle Go to Click Students or Parents Click Pinnacle Enter username: Password: PMM/DD/YYYY (P followed by birthdate) OR you can access it directly by going to:

Grading Policy Quizzes and Tests- 50% Labs/Classwork- 20 % Papers/Homework- 20 % Responsible Behavior- 10%

Make-up Work Policy MAKE-UP WORK (This does not apply to specific homework provided under FS to certain suspended students.) Excused Absences and Field Trips : Student shall be given an opportunity to make up work for credit and grade for ALL excused absences and field trips. Suspensions : Make-up work for credit and grade is allowed for all students. It is the student's responsibility to get the missed work. All work is due on the day of return from the suspension. Student is NOT allowed to participate in any school activities during the suspension period. Middle School Students: Make-up work for credit and grade is allowed for ALL absences due to the statutory promotion requirements to high school and the impact on course recovery.

Parent Teacher Conferences Please send me an to set up a parent teacher conference. At anytime, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to or call. I will get back to you within 24 hours.

Thank you in advance for your support! Ms. Ryan “It takes a village to raise a child.” -African Proverb