1. Ms. Schmitt Language Arts Smitha Middle School 2012-2013

2. Begin filling out one of the index cards in your basket. I would like to know: o 1. Name o 2. Favorite activities o 3. Do you like to read? o 4. Your favorite part about reading o 5. Do you like to write? o 6. Your favorite part about writing o 7. Your favorite things to do o 8. How long have you been learning English? o 9. Who do you live with? If you have any brothers and sisters, list their names and ages. o 10. Do you have access to the Internet at home? Welcome!

3. Language Arts Class READING WRITING CRITICAL THINKING Do not complain when you are required to do these things! You will think, read, and write a lot in this class. Frequent complaining will result in distracting behavior to others and will be documented.

4. Ms. Schmitt A few things about Ms. Schmitt… This is my second year teaching at Smitha Middle School. I LOVE working with students! I am always here to help you. 1 st, 2 nd, and 3 rd period: 6 th grade 5 th period: 8 th grade I have HIGH expectations for ALL of my students! Be confident ; you will meet them because it is your responsibility to do well.

5. Rules 1.Always be respectful and kind to yourself and to others. 2.Always follow the routines and procedures of the class. 3.Talk when permitted – NEVER when the teacher is talking! 4.Try your hardest. Give your best effort in all situations.

6. Routines/Procedures Readers’ Workshop and Writers’ Workshop Monday, Wednesday, Friday: Writers’ Workshop Tuesday, Thursday: Readers’ Workshop

7. Routines/Procedures Organization of Class Time 1. “First Fifteen” reading/writing warm-up: 15 minutes 2. Mini-lesson connected to “First Fifteen” and theme: 10-15 minutes 3. Workshop time: 45-50 minutes 4. “Last Five”: 5 minutes

8. Routines/Procedures First Fifteen “First Fifteen” is a time to copy down assignments, turn in homework after permission is given by the teacher (see board), write down concerns or questions and place them in the mailbox, and begin reading/writing warm-up. If homework is not turned in by the “First Fifteen,” students will lose ten points per day that it is late!

9. Routines/Procedures Mini-lesson and workshop rules Always be prepared by bringing homework and supplies to class. If you did not bring supplies to class, fix the situation immediately and quietly. (Borrow from a neighbor or from the supply table.) Do your best every day!

10. Routines/Procedures Last Five 1.Turn in assignments. 2.Fill out reflection sheet and turn in. 3.Put notebooks away. 4.Clean area. 5.Talk time if permitted.

11. Procedures You should know: Turning in work o -- NEVER touch the microwave, coffee pot, or anything on my desk! This is for YOUR safety and the safety of others. IF YOU ARE ABSENT: During the First Fifteen, ask for permission to look in the drawer for the work for the day(s) that you were absent. o Example: You were home sick on Monday, but came back to school on Tuesday. Look in the drawer marked “Mon-Tues Work” and find the work with the Post- It note that says “MONDAY” on it. Read the directions I wrote for you and turn in your work by the following day. o Place all late work in “Late” drawer.

12. Bathroom breaks: 15/15 rule applies; students will be allowed to have a restroom pass once a week in each academic teacher’s classroom. Students MUST have their agenda to leave the classroom. They cannot present a torn out pass from the agenda or someone else’s agenda.

13. Now… Read the letter from me placed in your basket (for groups in 1 st, 2 nd, and 3 rd period) or that I have handed to you (5 th period). Begin writing your OWN one-page letter to me, explaining who you are. This is your first writing sample for me! Do your best!