1. 8th Grade Writing Class Rules Course Description Class Expectations
Ms. Ralston’s Class Timberwood Middle School School Year
8th Grade Writing
Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.
-Benjamin Franklin
Class Rules
1. Be on-time, on-task, & prepared to learn EVERYDAY
2. Keep all personal electronics put away
3. Be responsible for your own learning 
4. Respect the teacher , the classroom, and other students 
5. If Assignment does not have your name and date written neatly in the top left corner of assignment, I will subtract 5 points off assignment.
Class Expectations
Be in seat when tardy bell rings.
Sit down, write your I can statement, and write in your journal for 5 minutes.
Put proper heading on all papers.
Do not use electronic devices in class without teacher permission.
Use restroom during passing breaks.
Maintain a clean and orderly work area.
Bring all of your supplies to class daily.
Complete all of your work and turn it in on time.
All TMS rules and policies shall be applied within the classroom.
Course Description
Welcome to 8th Grade Writing! Our focus this school year will be learning and developing our skills to be a better writer. The development and mastery of these skills is a critical component of achieving success in other school subjects, building strong relationships with others, and attaining a flourishing career as an adult.
What do I get if I follow class rules?
Your appropriate behavior in class assures everyone of an environment conducive to learning. Some possible rewards for continuous appropriate behavior are: intrinsic value (satisfaction of learning), improved skills, verbal praise, positive note to parents, tangible trinkets, and special class activities / privileges.
What are the consequences if I don’t follow class rules?
1. Warning: the teacher provides a verbal reprimand/reminder
2. D-HALL: short time spent during Thursday mornings, or after school.
3. Referral to Administration: a student will be immediately referred to administration for severe behavior problems.
Where do I go to find agendas and assignments?
Our agenda and assignments will be written on the side white board in our classroom. You are responsible for writing your “I CAN” statements and homework in your planner each day.
What happens if I turn in an assignment late?
Work not completed and turned in by the assigned date is considered late. If a student is absent on the date work is due, the student has the amount of days absent to complete the worl. COMPLETED LATE WORK will be deducted 10 points off per day late.
phone & ext. (281)

2. What is an Interactive Student Notebook?
Ms. Ralston’s Class Timberwood Middle School School Year
How will I check my grade in class?
Grade Scale
Progress reports and report cards will be sent home with student. If parent has not received progress reports or report card, please feel free to contact me. A
= 100% % B
= 89% % C
= 79% % F
=69% %
What do I do if I am absent?
Check the while I was out folder, ask the teacher, and get missed notes from a friend. If a quiz was administered on a day a student was absent, the quiz must be made up on the first day the student returns or at the teachers discretion. If previously assigned work was due on the day of the absence, the work is due on the first day the student returns otherwise it is considered late.
What will our class look like?
Monday: Introduce Spelling Words
Tuesday: Writing Lesson or Assignment
Wednesday: Writing Lesson or Assignment
Thursday: Spelling Quiz
Friday: Grammar Lesson and Assignment
Grade Breakdown
Assessments/Quizzes = 40%
(3 grades 9 weeks)
*Tests will only be on Wednesdays or Fridays
**Tests can be retaken up to two times in a 9 weeks, no retests for quizzes
Interactive Notebook, Assignments, Homework = 60%
(12 grades 9 weeks)
What will we be learning about this year?
Four Square writing method
The Writing Process
Expository Writing
Descriptive Writing
Persuasive Writing
Narrative Writing
Grammar
Spelling
Sign Up for Remind:
Phone Number: 81010
Text: c2fhh
What is Remind? This is a safe and simple way for teacher to text students and parents about up coming assignments and tests. This is a system students/parents can not reply to.
What is an Interactive Student Notebook?
The Interactive Student Notebook (ISN) is a portfolio of student work. The notebook is organized in a left-side and right-side format. Every right-side of the notebook will house teacher directed notes / activities, while left-side assignments will showcase student understanding of right-side material in a creative and unique manner. The majority of classwork, notes, rough drafts will be completed in the ISN, so it is imperative that it be complete and up to date.
Supplies
Pencil (NO PENS)
Notebook paper
Composition Notebook

3. Ms. Ralston’s Class Timberwood Middle School 2015-2016 School Year
Please Read the course information, sign, and return this sheet to MS. RALSTON
Students:
Please sign below to signify that you have read the course sheet for Ms. Ralston’s class, will keep it in your binder, and will be responsible for the information throughout the year. 
_______________________________ _____________________________________________
Student printed name Student signature
Parents/Guardians:
Please sign below to indicate that you have read the course sheet for Ms. Ralston’s class and that will help your student be accountable for the information. If you have questions about the course or your
student’s work, please do not hesitate to contact me; is the best way to reach me quickly. See the front of this sheet for my address.  
Parent/Guardian printed name Parent/Guardian signature
_______________________________ ______________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Parent/Guardian daytime phone number
(please print)
Parents and guardians, please CIRCLE the best way for me to contact you:
phone
Check all the statements that apply to how you would like to communicate with Ms. Ralston about your student’s progress. I will, of course, call for major concerns or accomplishments, I like to know how you’d prefer to communicate.
_____ I/We have internet access at home, I/We will contact Ms. Ralston about any concerns we have.
_____ I/We do not have internet access at home, but I/we would like to have regular contact with Ms. Ralston I/we would like for a call for an update on a regular basis.
_____ Other: _______________________________________________________________________________