1. Open House, Fall 2014

2.  Following Core Curriculum again this year. ◦ Reading focuses on reading strategies, while Language Arts focuses on grammar and writing. ◦ End of Grade Assessment has now replaced the CRCT– all necessary standards are incorporated. The expectation is that test scores will drop considerably, so be prepared! 7 th graders will also be tested in beginning Oct. 9th for eight days . These include the Iowa Test of Basic Skills and the CoGat test. ◦ Units are theme based as opposed to genre based. ◦ I do use BYOD frequently. Please read the rules associated with this privilege. They are posted on my blog. BYOD can be revoked with one rule infraction.

3.  Students will read one class novel per semester. First novel will be Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick. ◦ Students are expected to have a book with them everyday in class.  There are NO reading logs this year. We are working on coming up with a system where students will be awarded points for reading books, short stories and articles. Stay tuned!  I do not assign a lot of homework, but I do expect students to be reading each night. Aim for at least 20- 30 minutes. Most work at home will entail long-term projects related to class novels.  This class will focus on reading strategies for both fiction and non-fiction.

4.  Students will focus on grammar and writing skills. Practice makes perfect, therefore we will do a lot of writing in here!  Vocabulary books are an important part of the 7 th Grade LA curriculum this year. Please make sure your child has purchased a book. Your child will be tested on every unit and have some kind of outside assignment to do as well.  Homework will usually be assigned if work is not finished in class.  Your child’s Name Essay is due tomorrow!

5.  Prentice Hall – Reader’s Journey (Reading consumable)  McDougal-Littell – Literature ◦ Class set  Grammar workbook (Language Arts consumable)  Sadlier Vocabulary Workshop Level A (Language Arts consumable)

6.  Language Arts morning sessions ◦ Every Thursday ◦ 1-2 LA teachers are available to help students  Arrive at school by 8:15 most mornings ◦ If student needs to come in, let me know and I will make myself available.  Study sessions when necessary  After-school ◦ If student needs to come in, let me know and I will make myself available.

7.  Blog ◦ http://cobblearning.net/thealy/ http://cobblearning.net/thealy/ ◦ Reading page ◦ AC Language Arts page  Updated several times a week.  Agenda ◦ Students should write down work everyday in agenda. ◦ I attach handouts to the blog if available. ◦ Email me at patricia.healy@cobbk12.orgpatricia.healy@cobbk12.org ◦ If you would like to sign up for my Remind 101 text messages, please text 770-212-9776 with the following message: ◦ AC Language Arts: @aclan ◦ Reading: @0cf5a

8. If you have questions, please email me.