8th Grade Language Arts
This course is designed to enable students to develop growth in reading comprehension, writing skills (including text types and responding to reading, flexible communication and collaboration), and language skills (including conventions, effective use, and vocabulary development). Requirements include, but are not limited to the benchmarks from the Florida Standards that are most relevant to this course. Grading Scale: 100 – 90 A (Excellent) 89 – 80 B (Above Average) 79 – 70 C (Average) 69 – 60 D (Below Average) 59 and below F (Failing) Classroom Expectations: ECMS Stingrays focus on Respect Accountability Your best effort Safety Classroom and school procedures and consequences for not following these procedures are discussed thoroughly with your child and he/she is given the opportunity to clarify and ask questions about any uncertainties. Emerald Coast Middle School and Walton County School District’s Code of Conduct will be strictly enforced. In the event of serious or consecutive offenses you will be contacted. Requested Materials: 3 ring binder (may be shared with other classes) 2 packages of loose leaf notebook paper Black or blue pen and / or pencil Highlighters Text: Springboard: English Textual Power level 3 In addition to the text and books we read in class, students are required to read independently on a daily basis and to have reading material in their possession every day. Failures to bring reading material will adversely impact their grades. Reading Material: Books to be read in class this year will include, but not be limited to the following: The Giver by Lois Lowery Night by Elie Wiesel The eighth grade reading goal will consist of your child reading two additional books per nine weeks. An Accelerated Reader test is required at the completion of each book and a grade based on 100 points will be given. Movies: In following the Springboard language arts curriculum, our classes we will be incorporating movie clips, movies, and documentary videos that are rated PG-13. These movies and documentaries may include, but may not be limited to, dystopian movies, documentaries on War World II, and the Holocaust related films. If you would prefer your child not watch the movies or documentaries, an alternative assignment and setting will be provided. Important Information: Parents, if you look at your child’s grades on Focus, please keep in mind that the grade book is a living document which is subject to change as students submit and modify work. It is possible that the grades you see will be subject to change and may not be an exact indicator of your child’s current grade. Please allow ample time for grades to be entered and adjusted. Also, please check your child’s planner daily. Your child will use this planner as an organization tool to document assignments and important information, and as a form of communication between school and home. Your child will be required to have a planner with them every day in every class. Parents, in order to keep lines of communication open, please make sure I have your current preferred method of contact. |
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