1. Welcome To 7th Grade Language Arts
Springton Lake Middle School
Mrs. Tracey Fritch

2. Who Am I?
Currently in my 24th year of teaching, including 19 in the RTM elementary buildings and 3 at Springton Lake
Mom of two middle
schoolers

3. My Education
Undergraduate: The Catholic University of America – English
Graduate: Teachers College, Columbia U., MA & Certification
West Chester University, M.Ed – Reading Specialist
Certifications: Middle Level English (6-9); Reading Specialist (K-12); Elementary (K-6); and Wilson Reading System

4. Scope of Language Arts Curriculum
LITERATURE:
This course develops the seventh grade student’s literacy skills through a reading workshop model. The workshop model incorporates mini lessons and conferring as a means of instruction to improve student learning.
Students read a variety of novels, short stories, and poetry that align with their study of the elements of literature (plot, character, conflict, theme, and setting).

5. Scope Continued WRITING:
Writing instruction in this course uses the writing workshop model – with a focus on writing narratives and fan fiction/ companion books
Students also write poetry and text-dependent analysis essays throughout the year.

6. Grammar, Speaking, and Listening Practice Throughout
Units of Study
September / October
Launch Reading Workshop
Author Study/Analytical Reading
Text Dependent Analysis Essays
November / December
Writing Narratives – Contemporary Realistic Fiction
January / February
Dystopian Book Clubs
March
Reading and Writing Poetry
April
All Class Novel Study – Historical Fiction
Week of April 9: LA PSSA Testing
Week of April 16: Math PSSA Testing
May / June
Writing Fan Fiction & Companion Books
Grammar, Speaking, and Listening Practice Throughout

7. Required MATERIALs Library card Charged Chromebook
Pens and pencils, colored pencils
Post-its
Marble notebook
Assignment book – hall pass
Independent reading novel at all times
2 two-pocket folders (one for classroom, one for binder)
Donate: disinfecting wipes and tissues (please!)

8. POLICIES Home Expectations:
Students must read a minimum of 30 minutes per weeknight and 60 minutes over the weekend. This can be flexibly moved across days of the week as needed, as log as students are reading regularly
Finished Book Logs in Biblionasium (similar to Goodreads –allows for recommendations, too)
Additional work and practice outside of the school day may be required as part of the teaching and learning process.

9. From Sally Shaywitz’s Overcoming Dyslexia*
07/16/96
Keeping Our Kids Reading
Words they’re exposed to per year
From Sally Shaywitz’s Overcoming Dyslexia *

10. Policies Continued Make-up work:
Students are responsible for making up all work missed due to absence.
Students have two days for each day of absence to make up assignments.
If a student is absent on a quiz or test day, he/she should plan to take the assessment upon his/her return to school.

11. Policies Continued Assessment:
Grades are based on total points (#points earned/total possible points). Students will be assessed using a variety of methods, including classwork, quizzes, tests, and written assignments.

12. Policies Continued Home Access Center (HAC):
Grades will typically be posted no later than two weeks after the assignment is collected.
If a student has a “Z,” this assignment is missing, and has been calculated into the average as a zero.
Retests are available for quizzes, and re-dos of assignments are available under certain conditions.

14. HAC Continued
Please contact Mrs. Trish Kelly at if you do not know your
HAC login information.

15. Communication
Phone/Voic
(610)
Website: Access through SLMS site on the RTMSD website; assignments will typically be communicated through the Schoology website

16. Thank you to all families who have sent in their supplies
Thank you to all families who have sent in their supplies. SPIRIT WEAR TOMORROW!

17. Items Due Tomorrow:
Agreement Signature Page
Handbook Signature Page
School Supplies
Summer Reading Graphic Organizer