1. Language Arts 2014-15 School Year Ms. Johanna M. Morales Norman S. Edelcup Sunny Isles Beach K-8

2. Welcome to my classroom! If you need to contact me at any time throughout the year, please feel free to send me an email. I will get back to you within 24 hours. jmorales1@dadeschools.netjmorales1@dadeschools.net Parents you must go to the office with a picture identification to obtain your PIN number for access to the Parent Portal. Feel free to take a picture of the slides at any time. I will also attach a link to this Power Point presentation on my website.

3. Expectations Every student is expected to follow the School Code of Conduct as well as my classroom rules (posted on the bulletin board). Students are responsible for missed work when they are absent. They have two buddies they chose the first week of school. In addition, my e-mail is readily available for any questions and I also have a website. http://teacherweb.com/FL/NORMANSEDELCUPSunnyIslesBeach K-8/Morales/apt1.aspx Every student has a copy of the syllabus in their binder or you can access the document at my website. An acknowledgement form was sent home with students. All information pertinent to absences is on the syllabus.

4. Format of the Class Throughout the year students will be studying literature, poetry, grammar, and an assortment of writing styles, public speaking, listening skills, and creative thinking. We will be reading several novels, including Taming of the Shrew by Shakespeare, Animal Farm by George Orwell, and Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan in 6 th Grade. ELA is the name of our new standards. The new assessments are called Florida Standards Assessment http://www.fsassessments.org/ Reading and writing skills will be assessed. The shift contains more grammar. Also, it requires students to use more “text evidence”. Visit http://www.dadeschools.net/testing_calendar/index.asp for testing dates.http://www.dadeschools.net/testing_calendar/index.asp

5. Format of the Class Each day students begin with “Bell work.” This may include a journal prompt, a free write, or a grammar exercise. Example: What does the saying “Ignorance is bliss” mean? Some students volunteer to read and we discuss for a short while. We review home learning, read, take notes, or have class discussions after the bell work is complete. Students are assessed on every skill, story, or vocabulary taught. Assessments vary from multiple-choice, to oral response, to essay response.

6. Format of the Class On Fridays students take weekly vocabulary quizzes. I will give out new words on Monday, which will be based on the week’s reading. It is very important students complete the home learning associated with the vocabulary. I will notify you, the parent, if there are any novels the students need to purchase by sending a letter home.

7. Independent Reading Students are encouraged to read independently. The school really stands behind the Accelerated Reader Program. Students are given points for every book read when they complete the Accelerated Reader quizzes. 8 th grade needs 25-30 points. 6 th grade needs 15 points. These points are required by the end of every marking period.

8. Reading Plus Program Reading Plus is a district enforced, computer-based reading intervention system that provides silent reading practice. It is a “beyond the bell” program. This means… The school is adamant about student participation. Again, this program is another opportunity to gain rewards and academic grades. 8 th grade must complete 10 sessions every week. 6 th grade must complete 9 sessions every week.

9. Parent Involvement I encourage parents to enforce reading and writing at home. Students should also practice activities that will allow them to use problem solving and critical thinking skills. (Puzzles, word games, Sudoku, etc.) Spelling and handwriting should also be practiced. Please correct spelling and/or grammar mistakes when you see them (especially in text). Enforce daily attendance, uniform policy, and homework completion.

10. Adopt-A-Classroom What does it mean to "adopt" a classroom? By adopting a classroom, you serve as a community partner to a classroom providing financial and moral support to the teacher and students. It may you be you or you may refer my classroom to an individual or a company. Visit www.adoptaclassroom.com Click on donors. Select Florida on the U.S map. On the following screen simply put my first name, Johanna, my last name, Morales and select Florida from the drop menu. My name and the school will appear on the right, simply click and you may read my entry.

11. Thank You! I would like to thank you for your continued support. I am very open to comments and concerns so please keep my e-mail handy. I am looking forward to a great school year! jmorales1@dadeschools.net

12. Becoming a Volunteer Parents we really need your support with school activities. All volunteers must complete, sign, and date a Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ School Volunteer Program Registration Form (FM 1764E) before being placed, in a school, or beginning service as a school volunteer and successfully complete a background check. You may find this information at www.dadeschools.net, click on the Parents tab, and then click on the School Volunteer link, under the Parent Toolbox list.www.dadeschools.net

13. PTSA Support your PTSA by becoming a member! The PTSA has a wonderful site at the address below:http://worknotes.com/FL/SunnyIslesBeach/SIBPTSA Visit the site for updated information, buy a Spirit Shirt and other great ways to contribute to our school. Please purchase a spirit shirt for your child if you have not done so. Spirit Shirts may be necessary to attend certain field trips. Wall of Giving

14. Uniforms We are a uniform school and students must adhere to the school uniform policy. Daily use of school uniform is mandatory. Students who excessively break this rule may be excluded from school activities. Navy blue, appropriate t-shirt or polo shirt. Khaki bottoms No short shirts No tight pants/shorts No short skirts No baggy pants

15. Parent Conferences Call or Email to schedule a conference 8:00 am – 8:20 am Office Number: 305-933-6161 Email address Jmorales1@dadeschools.net Use the parent portal to track your child’s performance.

16. Home Learning According to school board rules, students may be given a minimum of 30 minutes of homework/ home learning daily, per subject. Students should read for a minimum of 30 minutes daily, in addition to any assigned homework. Students may receive help for their homework through the Dial-a-Teacher program. 305-995-1600

17. Attendance Policy There is probably no factor more important to successful academic progress than consistent school attendance. The faculty and staff of this school are committed to the philosophy that every student should attend every class every day. Regular attendance and promptness are expected in all classes. Forming the habit of regular attendance is a legitimate objective for any course. The learning and experiences that are lost due to absence can never be replaced adequately. Miami-Dade County Public Schools has the affirmative obligation to improve student attendance through a monitoring process that will classify all absences as excused or unexcused, to inform parents of student absences, and to see that attendance laws are enforced. This obligation will be satisfied through the implementation of an attendance review procedure that monitors both the type and number of student absences. Students may not be able to attend school activities if there is excessive tardiness or absence.

18. Tentative Field Trip Criteria No 3 in effort No D or F in conduct No more than 5 unexcused absences No more than 5 unexcused tardies Cannot be failing (D or F) more than 2 classes

19. 8 th Grade Yearbook Please contribute to the book by buying an ad for your child and/or to advertise your business. Ads vary from $25.00 for a business card size ad to $200.00 for a full page ad. Please contact me for an order form or further information.

20. Final reminders Free breakfast for every student is provided everyday starting at 7:45 am. Remember to join the PTSA if you haven’t done so already. 8 th grade Committee meeting to discuss activities September 30 th at 6pm in the school cafeteria. School insurance is available. I would like to thank you for your continued support. I am very open to comments and concerns so please keep my e-mail handy. I am looking forward to a great school year!