8 th Grade Language Arts Ms. Ramey-Ford & Ms. Watson

Classroom Procedures Learning begins when the bell rings. Be in your assigned seat and give your teachers your full attention. Come to class prepared. Bring ALL the materials you will need EVERY day. Use your AGENDA to record nightly homework assignments and stay organized.

Classroom Procedures Assignments should be written in pencil and or black or blue ink. All student work must have the FSMS Heading at the top right corner of their paper: -First & Last Name -Date -Assignment -Language Arts, 3 rd Period

Classroom Procedures VISITORS: When someone comes to the door, you are expected to stay seated and work quietly until I can return to assisting the class. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Whenever announcements are being made, everyone is to be absolutely quiet so all may hear what is being said. If someone calls into the classroom on the intercom, only the teacher is to respond. SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS: When I am absent, all classroom procedures are to be followed as usual. Assigned work will be checked upon my return. I expect the substitute to be treated with the utmost respect and I will promptly deal with any misbehavior upon my return. FIRE ALARM: Remain calm and quiet. Stand up and exit the classroom. Be sure to stay in a single, straight line because other classes will be evacuating at the same time. Remain with our class at all times. I will check the classroom roster on the field.

Class Procedures DISMISSAL: Please remain seated until the bell rings. The teacher, not the bell, dismisses the class. Do not pack up until told to do so. CLASSROOM RULES 1. Be prepared 2. Produce excellent work 3. Make good choices 4. Take responsibility 5. Be polite

Supplies Pencils Blue or Black Ink Pens Notebook Paper Composition Books Notebook/Binder Dividers Index Cards

Absences/Make-up Work It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to find out what work you missed, make it up, and turn it in to Ms. Ramey-Ford or Ms. Watson. This includes both classwork and homework assignments. Students will have 3 school days to make-up work.

Teacher Contact Information Class Webpage: ageName=TeacherPage&Page=1&StaffID=470 11&iSection=Teachers&CorrespondingID= ageName=TeacherPage&Page=1&StaffID=470 11&iSection=Teachers&CorrespondingID=470 11

Language Arts Curriculum

Writing Expectations To write formal and informal pieces of various genres To follow the writing process from pre-write to final draft form (when required) To make a sincere effort to improve your writing through revision To edit final drafts carefully for grammar and spelling errors To meet writing deadlines Students will receive rubrics and assessment list with specific assignment expectations and time lines.

Writing Expectations Developing reading and writing skills is to your academic and personal development. During this school year, you can expect to read and write every day. You will keep a Writer’s Journal (composition book). These Journals will be kept in the classroom. Also, the Language Arts divider/section of your 3-ring notebook/binder will contain grammar notes, vocabulary, Daily Oral Language (D.O.L.), classwork and homework. Great writers are great readers and great readers are great writers. The ability to do both well is an extensive process and we will work on these skills to better prepare you for high school.

D.O.L. (Daily Oral Language) On most days, you will be expected to edit 2-3 sentences with the entire class at the beginning of class. The teacher will go over the correct answers each day, so you will have the correct answers to study from.

Journal Writing A topic will be given by the teacher, but students are welcomed to choose their own topic of interest on Freestyle Fridays. Your teachers will check to make sure the writing meets requirements.

Vocabulary Quizzes Every other Monday, students will be given 10 vocabulary words to learn and know their spellings and definitions. Vocabulary activities will be given to review the words.

Portfolio Students are required to collect their best work and keep it in their portfolio. The purpose of a portfolio is to track writing progress over time and feel accomplished when reviewing outstanding work.

Common District Assessments All Language Arts classes in the Douglas County School System are required take unit CDAs. These CDAs will count as a test grade per DCSS.