Welcome to 8 th Grade Language Arts Mrs. Neeta Ohia

We are Family! Only positive comments Respect one another and their ideas/questions Zero tolerance for bullying or negative comments

Parts of the Class Curriculum 40 Book Challenge & Novel Projects Vocabulary (Literature Terms, Everyday Words/Roots) Reading and Application of Skills Culminating Written Analysis and Projects

Classroom Expectations Show Respect –To yourself, your peers, and teachers in the words and actions you use –Leave things better than when you got there

Classroom Expectations Positive Attitude –Failure leads to success –Make mistakes and learn from them

Classroom Expectations Own Your Actions –If you make a poor decision, take responsibility –Tell the truth

Classroom Expectations Think First before you speak –Is it true –Is it helpful –Is it inspiring –Is it necessary –Is it kind

Classroom Expectations Stay Safe –Think of the well being of yourself and those around you before acting

Class Time Don’t waste my time and I won’t waste yours Give me 100% everyday Be prepared or you will be wasting my time and your classmates time

Start of Class 1.Make sure your pencil is sharp &/or you have a pen 2.Sit down 3.Read the warm-up board as you come in 4.Complete your warm-up in your warm-up section of your notebook

Asking Questions Raise your hand Wait to be called on Ask your question DO NOT: –Say, “I have a questions” –Say your question while you hand is in the air but have not been called on

Getting Out of Your Seat You may never get out of your seat unless you or the class has been directed to do so. Reasons you would need to get out of your seat after asking permission: –Sharpening a pencil (should be done before class) –Throw something away –Turn something in (should be done before class)

Throwing Things Away Raise your hand to be dismissed from your seat Walk over to the garbage can without talking or touching anyone Place the garbage in the trash can DO NOT PLAY BASKETBALL WITH YOUR TRASH AND THE CAN

Consequences If during class you are failing to follow our classroom expectations your number will be moved on the board through the following progressions: –Verbal Warning –Silent Lunch / Parent Contact

Things That Would Merit Consequences Talking out of turn and/or being disruptive Being disrespectful to myself or classmates Being off task Leaving the class without permission Damaging property

Silent Lunch If you earn silent lunch for hindering the learning of other around you by being disruptive then you will: –Come to my room during lunch –Copy over a letter that helps you think about your behavior –If you do not come when you are supposed to, you will earn additional days in Silent Lunch

Tardies You must be in your seat to be counted on time 3 consecutive tardies will result in silent lunch and a letter home

Homework You will have homework on a daily basis If the homework is something that can be turned in, you will turn it in the morning before Homeroom If your homework/an assignment is not completed your parents will be notified and it will be reflected in the grade book

Technology Available Edmodo – code will be given –Forum for Class Discussions Blackboard –Daily log of assignments, Table of Contents, assignments to download if lost s with homework attached Quizlet – Vocabulary –Will help when studying terms and definitions

Assessments Quizzes: These will be given to track your understanding of the standards and skills that we learn and practice in class (Daily-Weekly) Culminating Projects: Will occur at the end of each part of the unit. In my class, this will always be accompanied by a rubric. (With each Unit) Novel Project: One per quarter; based on the unit theme (With each Unit) Common Formative Assessments: Given by the district and called Benchmarks (Quarterly)

Retests This will be at the discretion of myself but if you can reassess I will attach a request to retest handout to your major assessment The assessment have to be a major assessment (over 25 points) to have the opportunity to retest When you retest you can earn UP TO an 80% To retest you must –Complete the “Request to Reassess” Handout –Turn in “Request to Reassess” 24 hours before smart lunch

Grading A = %Mastery B = 85-92%Proficient C = 77-84%Still Working D = 70-76%Needs More Instruction F = 0-69%Not an Option Only assessment will be graded on accuracy and practice will be evaluated for completion

Absences Must see what we completed on Blackboard before coming to class Any handouts will be pinned to the “Since You’ve Been Gone” board You will need to borrow the class notebook to fill in any entries that you missed

Study/Working Lunch Please come if you: –Need to make up a test due to an absence –Need to complete a reassess after completing the “Request to Reassess” and was submitted 24 hours before –Need additional help on an assignment

Turing in Assignments During Class I will ask for a student to collect the assignments listed on the job chart They will –Check to be sure there is a name and number are filled in –Have them all facing the same direction and in numerical order –Paperclip them together –Put them in the appropriate bin

End of Class Fill out your agenda Straighten up any materials at your desk Pack up your things Wait until I say “Have a wonderful day!” and then you are dismissed Push in your chair

Final Thoughts! I am so glad that you are here I am honored to be your Language Arts teacher This is going to be a great year!