2016-2017 INTENSIVE READING MS. VALENCIA ROOM 230 HAMMOCKS MIDDLE SCHOOL Website: http://hammocksmiddleschool.org Phone Number: 305-385-0896 Inside Reading Program (Language, Literacy, & Content)Sre to be Students, the school year begins with much enthusiasm and great pleasure. I look forward to working with you this year. Through this reading series you will explore the world in the classroom with authentic, multicultural literature and National Geographic informational text. You will become stronger readers with well-known authors and National Geographic Explorers. As you begin this new reading journey you will experience a variety of genres. You will also build academic vocabulary and language, build fluency with more complex texts and develop skills in comprehension, literary analysis, and writing. Together, we will explore the world around us by reading, thinking critically, and writing! I am here to guide you through your journey. It is also imperative for you to be responsible for your own academics and behavior. Parents, as we embark on this journey I encourage your participation and cooperation. We are the role models for your child s future. **Please utilize the Hammock Middle School website for assignment information, deadlines and handouts and the MDCPS Portal to keep up with academic progress**
Supplies: * a blue or black ink pen *red pens for correcting * white out * three ring binder, 1-2 inches * Plain, white, lined, loose leaf paper *5 Dividers (Vocabulary, Grammar, Class Notes, Handouts, Writing) *ear bud headphones *Different colored highlighters *Assigned class Novel *colored pencils *glue sticks *scissors *Please note additional supplies may be requested throughout the year.* TEXTBOOKS In-class Text & Practice Workbook: INSIDE by National Geographic Learning/Cengage Learning 2014 SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: i-ready computer-based program is to be worked on at school and at home. The i-ready program has been proven to help students make real gains in reading. It combines a valid and reliable growth measure and personalized instruction into a single online program. The more a student utilizes this program, the better chance of success he/she will have throughout this school year. Novels for the first nine weeks: Freak The Mighty by Rodman Philbrick for 7 th Grade and The Outsiders by S.E Hinton for 8 th Grade. THESE NOVELS NEED TO BE PURCHASED. (Each student will need to have his/her own novel no sharing!)
Computers and Usage You will be required to complete assignments in and out of class which require computer and internet access. We will visit the computer lab and work on class assignments on a regular basis. You must have your own set of headphones and follow all computer lab rules. Failure to have your headsets may result in an incomplete grade. Students who do not have computer access at home are still responsible for any work which is assigned. Computers are available in the schools Media Center before and after school. You are responsible to keep up with all computerized assignments. Class Room Guidelines 1. Be in your seat and ready to work when the tardy bell rings 2. No electronic devices of any kind will be permitted. If you are found using an electronic device it will be confiscated. 3. Be prepared for class daily with required materials. 4. Raise your hand for permission to speak or leave your seat. 5. Respect one another, their belongings, and school property. 6. No food, drinks, or gum chewing in class.
Procedures & Policies 1. Entering the room: Upon entering the classroom, pick up your textbook and student workbook, then proceed directly to your assigned seat. Take out any necessary class supplies and begin the Warm Up/Bell Ringer activity posted on the board. All students should be quiet and ready to work at the ringing of the bell. 2. During class : you are to remain seated, ready to learn and respectful of each other s opinions. 3. End of period: Do not pack up before you are dismissed or instructed to do so. The class is dismissed by the teacher; not the sounding of the bell. At the end of class; you are responsible for the cleanliness of your work area. Make sure to pick up any trash, books, and papers surrounding your area. 4. Heading of papers: Head all of your classwork/home learning (homework) in the upper right-hand corner of your paper. Your heading should include your first and last name, the date, the class name, and class period. 5. Makeup Work: Only students with excused absences will be permitted to make up missed assignments. It is YOUR responsibility to show me your admittance slip in order to be issued an excused absence in the grade book. YOU need to ask me what work you missed and make up the assignment(s). You will have three days to complete any work, tests, or quizzes. Again: It is your responsibility to find out what you have missed. 6. Tardiness: Under no circumstances will I allow unexcused tardiness. If you are late to my class without a pass it will result in a detention. 7. Hall Passes: Bathroom, clinic and phone passes will only be administered in cases of emergencies. 8. Cheating/Plagiarism: To plagiarize is to steal and pass off (ideas or words of others) as one s own (Webster s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary). Every assignment that you turn into me MUST be your own work. If you plagiarize, you will receive an automatic zero. 9. Cell Phone & Electronics: The use of cell phones during school hours (unless specified otherwise) is not allowed and is against School Board policy. 10. You are also responsible for behaving in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Failure to comply with the policies set for the by the
A Rewards and Consequences policy is a part of this classroom. By following these rules we can all enjoy an efficient, productive and positive learning environment. The goal is to make this classroom a space in which everyone will reach their greatest potential, and have a desire to learn and grow. Compliance with the rules and procedures will result in rewards. As well, the following consequences will be implemented when the procedures and policies are not followed: 1. A verbal warning 2. Relocation in or out of the classroom/parent notification 3. Referral and request for parent/teacher conference Grading Policy There is NO EXTRA CREDIT in my class. If you do the assigned work, there will be no need for extra work to bring up your grade. Academic grades will be based on the following scale: A= 90%-100% 3.5-4.0 B= 80%-89% 2.5-3.49 C= 70%-79% 1.5-2.49 D= 60%-69% 1.0-1.49 F= 0-59% 0.99 and below Effort Grades will be impacted by you completing assignments to the best of your abilities, class participation and teacher observations. Conduct Grades are determined by your class participation, attitude, degree of cooperation, and general behavior. Your successful participation in the maintenance of a creative and considerate classroom environment where optimum growth and learning can take place will also be a factor when determining conduct grades.
Home Learning Assignments will be posted on a weekly basis in the classroom and on the school website. It is your responsibility to write down each assignment, ask any questions ahead of the due date, complete the assignment, and bring it to class when due. Neatness will be counted. Assignments may be given back to redo if incomplete or sloppy. Home learning activities are for a grade and will not be collected if they are incomplete or turned in late. Home learning activities will include but, are not limited to computerized programs (i-ready & NoRedInk), vocabulary practice, reading passages, and independent reading (novel). Students are required to complete at least 30 minutes of sustained silent reading per night. Research has shown that by doing so, student vocabulary and comprehension will increase. Note for Parents It is my goal that all my students be successful in my class. I will assist your child in any way that I can. However, I alone cannot assure success. Please ensure that your child is prepared for class everyday with the proper materials. Please note that it is the student s responsibility to purchase the necessary materials for this class. I suggest that you continue to encourage your child throughout the school year in accepting responsibility for his/her learning. Please urge your child to study every night and check to make sure that their homework is completed. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated, looking forward to a great year. Ms. Valencia
Affidavit Please sign below to show that you agree to abide by the procedures and policies outlined within this syllabus. (You will receive a grade for returning this signed page.) Keep the first page for future reference. **PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY** Ms. Valencia Period Intensive Reading Date Student Name: Student Signature Parent Name: Parent Signature Best Phone Numbers to Reach You: Parent s Name Phone Number Email Address(es): (please print legibly) Parent s Name Parent s Email
Film Consent Form Dear parent/guardian, Students will be viewing/reading a few award-winning films throughout the course. All films will be relevant to the class material and offer additional insight. Some of these films may be rated PG-13 for mature content. If you would prefer individual notification for any of the films viewed in class, please let me know. Otherwise, please sign the form below, indicating that the student has your permission to view the films associated with this class. The student needs to return this signed form before seeing these films. Only students who have a signed permission form will be permitted to view the films and participate in the lessons. Please feel free to email me at cvalencia@dadeschools.net with any questions or concerns you may have regarding these screenings. Parent Name: Date: Parent Signature