Welcome to English!
Mrs. Rice, room 340 – jrice@washoeschools.net
For weekly homework assignments and class activities, go to Infinite Campus and click on your schedule, then click on ELA and click the blogspot link at the top. Or visit http://bdbrice.blogspot.com
The focus in middle school English is on improving reading comprehension and vocabulary levels, working with the writing traits and various writing genres, and analyzing both literary and informational text. The curriculum will be a combination of textbook and supplemental materials and will include both individual and group projects. Textbooks will be used in class only.
Tracker
You must bring your tracker to class every day. It will remain in your binder at all times. As soon as you are seated, copy the homework information from the agenda board into your tracker EXACTLY as you see it. When you finish, take out your highlighter and highlight the due dates. Even if you have already finished an assignment, please write it in the tracker for reference. Your tracker must be filled out properly if you would like to use a pass during class. You are also receiving credit in Advisory for completing your tracker.
Composition Book
A wide-ruled composition book is required for English. The composition book will remain in the classroom except for rare occasions when you need to finish class assignments at home. The comp book is set up very specifically and we will do this in class. It is your responsibility to make up warm-ups, journals, notes, and other in-class assignments if you are absent. I will keep a running table of contents on the homework bulletin board, and will give you one week notice before comp books are graded for you to make up any missing assignments and complete unfinished work.
Revising Work/Retaking Tests
You have the opportunity to revise or redo most assignment as many times as you wish until you are satisfied with your performance. Quizzes may be retaken, but unit tests are a final grade. My classroom is open at lunch on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays for test retakes and help with class work or homework. Make the most of this opportunity!
Grading Policy
I use a standard point grading system which means that some projects and assignments are worth more points than others. The following grade scale will be used in every core class: 90-100 = A, 80-89 = B, 70-79 = C, 60-69 = D, 59-0 = F. Grades will be posted in the classroom, and assignments and scores will be updated on Inifinite Campus every week. I do not typically offer extra credit as a means to improve grades. You can improve your grade by redoing/revising any assignment so that I know you are working on the skills required for the class. I am always generous with the extra credit, however, when I receive work from a student who has gone above and beyond the requirements. J
Late Work Policy
Late work will be accepted for 75% credit of the earned score. Missing assignments at the end of the quarter will be accepted for 50% credit of the earned score. Book projects will not be accepted late. You are given the same number of days you were absent plus one day to make up missing assignments at no penalty. Work Ethic grades are lowered ½ grade for each missing and/or late assignment per quarter.
Book Projects
One book project will be assigned per quarter. Books can be checked out from the school library, or you may check out a book from my class library, bring one from home, or purchase one through the monthly Scholastic Teen Reader book order. The book project will focus on one or two major literary elements, and will be due one week before the end of the quarter. Book projects are primarily done at home and any written requirements must be typed. The library computer lab is available every day at lunch. The book you choose for English can also be read during SSR in Advisory on Tuesdays and/or in Language Arts. I will provide a weekly break-down of work to be done at home for the book project. Following my weekly break-down will guarantee your project will be completed on time. However, you may choose to create your own homework schedule that best fits your needs.
Reader’s Journal (RJ)
A reader’s journal is due for English every week. You will be required to read 25 minutes, 3 nights per week. You may read more than 25 minutes, but it must be a minimum of 3 nights per week. The reader’s journal must be completely filled out and signed by a parent in order to receive credit. Reader’s journals will not be collected without parent verification. You may use the same book for SSR, your book project, your reader’s journal, and anything required for out-of-class reading in Language Arts. Reader’s journals are worth 10 points per night; 30 points total per week. Reader’s journals and book projects make up the majority of homework points in my class.
Multimedia Critique
For one week during the school year, you will take home the multimedia journal. Your job will be to write a critique on one of the following: a movie, video game, book, or music album of your choice. Examples of how to write each type of critique will be provided for you, as well as a model of an actual book critique. The following Monday, you will present your critique to the class using one visual aide. During the grading period in which you have signed up, you will earn 100 points for completing the activity.
Spelling/Vocabulary Tests
In addition to the vocabulary you will be studying from various stories, we will focus on one Latin or Greek prefix/root and a corresponding word each week. After four weeks, you will be tested on both spelling and definitions. Each quarter, a unit test will be given of all words studied so far. Knowledge of common prefixes and root words help us figure out the meaning of new words we encounter.
Please detach and return to Mrs. Rice by _______________________
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I have reviewed the information for Mrs. Rice’s English class. I understand that my son/daughter will be required to read a book of his/her choice at his/her reading level for 25 minutes per night, 3 nights per week. I also understand that I must verify the time spent on independent reading by signing the weekly Reader’s Journal. I am also aware that my son/daughter will be assigned one book project to be completed at home every quarter. Finally, I am aware that a weekly homework schedule for the book project is provided by Mrs. Rice; however, my son/daughter can create his/her own homework schedule for completing the book project on time.
Student Name ______________________________________ Period ____
Parent Signature _______________________________________________
