1. Welcome to Curriculum Night
Ms. McKusick
Eighth Grade English
What I’m Currently Reading

2. How to get along during a
A Little Bit About Me
Grew up in Rochester
Went to Nazareth College
Family: the husband, the children
Summer activities
How to get along during a
16 hour road trip

3. Thematic Units
1. Overcoming Barriers Core Text: Okay for Now by Gary Schmidt 2. Understanding Perspectives Selected texts read in a book club format 3. Power Core Text: Night by Elie Wiesel 4. The Hero’s Journey Core Text: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

4. Reading
Units--core novel and related texts from other genres, such as short stories, poetry, and non- fiction
Next Generation Standards
Bring a book each day

5. Writing
Range of formats--short, personal response journals, poetry, persuasion and literary analysis
Practice developing a clear idea and supporting with it with specific, relevant text evidence

6. Assignments
* Nightly
* Students can schedule a time with me before the unit assessment to make up assignments
*Check OneNote for assignments and copies of handouts

7. Grading
Student proficiency in the areas of written expression, reading comprehension, listening, speaking, and language will be evaluated using the CCLS and daily learning targets.
Practice work serves as a formative assessment. Formative assessments serve as a check-in on progress towards mastery of the content.
Formative Assessments (quizzes, homework practice) = 20%
Summative Assessments (tests, essays, projects) = 80%

8. Great way to check for completion and scores of assignments
Parent Portal=SchoolTool
Great way to check for completion and scores of assignments

9. Keys to Academic Success
Self-advocacy!
Check OneNote for assignments
Check Parent Portal for assignment completion and grades
Make appointments for missed work
Look for enrichment opportunities
Demonstrate resilience, have a growth mindset, and be present

10. Mindfulness

11. Mindset

12. Important Dates Night at the MAG: December 5, 2017
NYS ELA Exam: Week of April 10, 2018

13. Contact Information and Resource
(counselor)