1. Welcome to Ms. Smith’s homeroom. Thank you for coming
Welcome to Ms. Smith’s homeroom! Thank you for coming!  Please find your child’s schedule- they are spread out up front in alphabetical order.

2. Welcome to 7th AC Language Arts!
Thank you for coming!
(No, seriously… THANK YOU!)

3. You don’t have to take notes…
…ALL of this will be on my blog!

4. About Ms. Smith
“Beth” is the first name I go by, but official school documents might list my name as “Madelyn Smith” or “M. Smith.”
To find out more about me than you ever wanted to know, please read the “Dear New Student” letter on my blog.
When you send me an , you must put the numeral 1 after my first name:

5. I want you to know that… … I am approachable and understanding;
… just because I don’t give as much homework as other classes doesn’t mean that my class is not challenging;
… I am human; I make mistakes; I welcome direct communication when issues arise;
… I love my job;
… I love your children.

6. Parent Homework
If you wrote Mr. Cappucci or Mrs. Burchette a letter about your child and would be okay with me reading it as well, could you shoot me a quick letting me know?

7. PLEASE utilize my blog! cobblearning.net/bsmith
Daily summary of class activities
Links to helpful websites
Handouts & other attachments
Homework and long-term assignment reminders
Tabs with info that applies throughout the year

8. Independent Reading 1 book per six weeks
Must be 200+ pages, appropriate reading level
Students can choose to complete a Double-Entry Diary OR one of the Creative Response Project choices
All due dates are on blog & handout; can be turned in early

9. Independent Reading
Students are required to have a book for personal reading EVERY DAY in AC LA.
Only exception would be when a student finishes a book & needs to check out a new one
Ebooks are fine with BYOD parent permission

10. Research based methods for learning vocabulary
Focus is on roots, prefixes, and suffixes which will help with SAT and ACT
Can’t really “study” for quizzes– doing the Membean work IS studying
Standing homework assignment: (3) 15-minute sessions per week; best if done every other day; can do more but shouldn’t overload

11. Fall Novel Study
The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer (does not count as independent reading) beginning Oct. 10.
Great if student has his/her own copy, but not required. Students may leave their book with me.
Students should NOT read ahead. It sabotages my use of the text for lessons on predicting, inferencing, foreshadowing, etc. AND students spoil the book for other students. 
Parent letter will be on blog closer to October.

12. Duke Talent Identification Program
Seventh graders must have a qualifying score on a standardized test in order to take the SAT or ACT
Students earn recognition and possible invitation to Duke summer programs based on SAT/ACT score
ALL info & registration details can be found online – Google “Duke TIP seventh grade” or check my blog