Long Weekend! Yeah!

Okay, well we're done our second week and so far everyone has survived. Before you have too much fun this weekend, here are some reminders of what we have done this week:
-We did more DOL (B days DOL 2A, 2B, and 2C; A days 2A and 2B)
-We took our first vocab test and did the 2nd vocab lesson. The vocab test was hopefully a wake up call for you -- you NEED to study the words throughout the week. Remember how to spell them, their definitions, and how to use them in a sentence properly. The words for next week are:
1. chastise
2. disappear
2. ritual
4. indulge
5. attentive
6. congregate
7. concentrate
8. innocent
9. influence
10. tragedy
The test on these words will be Thursday for A day and Friday for B day. Please remember to study these words! Really indulge yourself in these words; I don't want to have to chastise you when we congregate together next week. That would be great tragedy.
-In most 7th Grade classes, we also started reading (or rather, listening to) The Giver.
-Remember your Reading Record is due on Tuesday for A day and Wednesday for B day.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

I will give a candy to whoever can tell me what movie I watched over the weekend: "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. "

First Week of School!

Well, I know that the first week of school was a little hectic, but it's over; we conquered it! Here is an overview of what we did the first week:
-I handed out a Disclosure Document and Syllabus. You needed to go over these with your parent/guardian and were supposed to hand the last page of each document to me by the end of the week. If you did, great! If you have not, I need them as soon as possible. You will not receive full points for the assignment, but I still need them.
-We did a Directions Quiz and I hope each of you learned that your ability to listen and adhere to class instructions is vital (VOCAB WORD) to your success in my class.
-We started our DOL (Daily Oral Language). We did 3 sentences the first day and 4 sentences the second day. You also handed these in for points.
-We played the Name Game, which hopefully helped us learn each others names. I will have complete satisfaction (VOCAB WORD) when everyone will be able to name everyone else.
-We also did our first vocab lesson which is due this next week (A day=Tuesday, B day=Monday). The test will be on Thursday for A day and on Friday for B day. You should be continually studying these words throughout the week. The words are: serene, appropriate, satisfaction, complicated, vital, apprehensive, sleek, capacity, anxious, and adequate.

Syllabus -- for students -- I need last page filled out and returned to me

ENGLISH SEVEN SYLLABUS

MRS. MERRILL

COURSE POLICIES and REQUIREMENTS

Homework / Assignments

This is a comprehensive English course and requires a significant amount of time and effort at home. The key to success is to avoid procrastination. Please use an agenda and the classroom blog to remind yourself about upcoming assignments, especially if you are absent. You are expected to contact your study partner when you are absent to catch up on missed work.

Class Blog

A classroom blog is available with reminders and explanations of assignments as well as other features. Student writing and book reviews also might be posted. You can access the classroom blog by typing the URL www.rockwellenglish7.blogspot.com or by finding it through the Rockwell Charter High School Web site. It is expected that students and parents will access this site frequently. To my knowledge, he computer lab at school is available for those who do not have Internet access at home.

Textbooks

Because of the broad range of topics in English, sets of all books will be kept in the classroom. These books will be available for use after school until 3:15. Some readings or books might be temporarily assigned to you for use at home. You are responsible for the return of any books you take out of the classroom.

Late Work

You may hand in missing assignments or take missed tests within one week after the original due date. All make-up and late work must be taken care of before or after school, rather than during class. If you were had an excused absence, you will receive the full credit earned; otherwise, you will receive 70% of the score within one week. (Of course, that won’t happen because you will all study hard the first time.) THERE WILL BE NO LATE WORK ACCEPTED OR RETAKES OFFERED AFTER ONE WEEK FROM THE ORIGINAL DUE DATE! If turning in late work becomes habitual for a student, I will modify this policy as necessary. If you have an extenuating circumstance that prevents you from turning in an assignment on time, come talk to me as soon as possible and we will work something out.

Grades

Grades are based on a straight percentage of all points accumulated. The grading scale will follow the RCHS grading policy (see Student/Family Handbook).

Work Ethic / Integrity

A major emphasis of the class will be on group discussion and problem solving. Students will often be asked to work in groups or with partners to accomplish various tasks. This type of discussion and assistance to one another is desirable and appropriate; however, all assignments that are turned in for grading must be the student’s own, individual work. Students are not allowed to copy work or responses. Plagiarism is a serious offense; students and parents should note that students should properly cite sources they might quote for assigned papers, etc.

Quality of Work and Presentation

While much work will be completed in class or in a traditional pencil/paper format, there is an expectation for quality in appearance as well as content. Work that is illegible or difficult to read will be returned for re-work and docked points. Additionally, several major assignments each term will be required to be typed. Students without computer access at home may come in and use the computer labs at school or at local libraries.

Reading

In addition to in-class reading assignments, you will be responsible for reading 100 minutes outside of class each week. This time can be done over a period of three to seven days. Reading that takes place in class cannot count towards the 100 minutes, unless otherwise directed by me. Although reading in newspapers, magazines, scriptures, and text books is important, the home reading requirement must be from a novel or appropriate work of literature at the student’s reading level. This reading will be recorded on a form requiring a response (which will focus on a specific literacy strategy) and a parent’s signature. The reading record is due every Monday or the first day of school in a given week. A list of the literacy strategies assigned by week will be posted on the class blog in case students misplace the provided form. In addition to the reading record, you will be asked to complete a project on one of your books that will be presented to the class approximately two-thirds through each term. A list of project options will be provided and your project must be completed on a book you have not read before.

Vocabulary

We will complete a vocabulary/spelling unit every week. Each unit consists of ten words with exercises and a writing assignment. A test will be given the last class day of each week (typically Friday).

Grammar and Usage

We will complete grammar and usage exercises at the beginning of class each day. These exercises will be on the overhead, so if you are absent you will need to get the exercises from your study partner. These will be turned in during class every week. Grammar and usage exercises will include Daily Oral Language, which emphasizes proofreading (punctuation, capitalization, sentence structure, etc.), identifying and using basic parts of speech, and occasional dictation.

Participation and Citizenship

Outstanding citizenship marks will be earned by those students who show courtesy or honesty above the “expected” level. These marks can also be earned by those students who are consistently pleasant and optimistic or who go out of their way to help peers, or make our class better.

Satisfactory marks are given to the majority of the students. These are students who exhibit the expected levels of courtesy, honesty, cooperation, and respect.

Unsatisfactory citizenship marks are given to those who have five or more tardies, are chronically visiting/disruptive, who won’t stay on task, and demonstrate a poor attitude.

Participation in this class is crucial. I expect you to be on task and involved in class, contributing to discussions and group activities, and including those around you. Participation in class requires you to be present in class. Attendance is vital to your success in this class; this means avoiding tardies and unexcused absences.

Students with Disabilities

If a student has any disability which may impair his/her ability to successfully complete this course, please let me know and contact the main office. Academic accommodations are granted for all students who have qualified, documented disabilities. Services are coordinated with the student and instructor through the main office.

Professional Behavior and Expectations

v Respect the teacher, yourself, others, and the learning material. We are all adults and should display respect, civility, and good manners to each other. Negative comments have no place in this classroom.

v Be honest. Cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of dishonesty will result in a failing grade.

v Come prepared and ready to learn. This means do your homework before (not during or after) class. Bring a notebook, paper, pencils, and pens to each class.

v Attendance: you need to attend class. If you need to miss a class, talk to me about it at least a week in advance, and we will see if we can make an alternate arrangement.

v Personal items, including cell phones, iPods, and other technologies, should be turned OFF during class. Items that disturb the classroom will be confiscated and will need to be picked up by a parent/guardian.

**I reserve the right to add to or modify these policies, procedures, and expectations according to classroom settings and dynamics.

Name

Period

1. What is your favorite thing about English, and why?

2. What is your least favorite thing about English, and why?

3. What is the last novel you read? When did you read it? Would you recommend the book to your peers or myself? Why?

4. What did you do this summer?

(Check line) ___

Yes, I have read the Syllabus and Disclosure Document for 7^th Grade English with my parent/guardian; I agree to abide by classroom rules and to contribute my very best to the class.

________________________________________

Student Signature and Date

Disclosure Document -- for Parent/Guardian, I need signed sheet

August 16, 2008

Dear Parent/Guardian:

Welcome to the new school year! I am really excited to have the opportunity to teach your student. I love English and believe it is a medium through which we can learn to be better citizens, better individuals, and better human beings. We learn about ourselves and those around us, developing identity, foundation, and purpose.

English covers a very broad range of topics and the extensive subject matter requires the cooperation of parents, students, and the teacher. Your support at home enhances the education your child will receive and ensures better grades. Support to students from inside and outside the classroom helps facilitate learning, understanding, and progress. I encourage you to support your student’s academic efforts. Please be aware that regular homework will be assigned in addition to nightly reading and vocabulary study. There is always something that your child can be doing to prepare for English.

Attached is a copy of the course requirements and policies for my class. Please go over these with your student and discuss them together. If either of you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at school from 7:30 - 3:15 by calling the school number ((801)-789-ROCK (7625)) or via e-mail. For parents, it will probably be easier to communicate with me via e-mail. My address is mmerrill@rockwellhigh.net and I check my messages regularly. (Disclaimer: Please be patient for these first couple weeks as the teacher e-mails are still being set up). Please make use of the classroom blog (www.rockwellenglish7.blogspot.com) to stay informed regarding class progress.

Please fill out the back page and return it to school with your student (no later then Friday August 22), retaining the course requirements for future reference. This will count as one of your child’s first homework assignments of the school year. Thank you for your support. I’m looking forward to a productive and successful school year; I am sure I will not be disappointed.

Sincerely,

Megan Merrill

English 7

Mrs. Merrill

School number: (801) 789-ROCK (7625)

E-mail address: mmerrill@rockwellhigh.net

Objective:

Taken from www.uen.org, “the overarching intent of language arts instruction in grades 7-12 is for students to value, appreciate, and demonstrate literacy through expressive and receptive language skills, and to understand and investigate the self, others, the culture, and the environment.”

Textbook:

§ Prentice Hall Literature, Penguin edition

§ various novels

Homework/Assignments:

Students will have weekly assignments including Reading Records, Vocabulary/Spelling tests, and grammar assignments. As this is a comprehensive English course, there will be many writing and reading assignments. Students will also be required to write in journals and complete at least two main papers, which will focus on persuasive writing.

Grading:

Grading will follow the RCHS Grading Policy (see Student/Family Handbook).

Class Blog:

A classroom blog is available for students and parents to be aware and up-to-date of classroom assignments. You can access the classroom blog by typing the URL www.rockwellenglish7.blogspot.com or by finding it through the Rockwell Charter High School Web site.

Supplies Required for Class:

§ Pencils, pens, lined paper, a binder, a dictionary

While this document gives you basic policies and procedures of the classroom, a syllabus being sent home with your students gives a more comprehensive and detailed description of policies and procedures. I ask you to please read this over with your student.

PARENT INFORMATION SHEET

Thank you for taking the time to complete this form. This information will be very helpful in promoting communication and understanding. Please return this form by August 22^rd 2007.

Thank you – Megan Merrill – E-mail is the best way to contact me (mmerrill@rockwellhigh.net)

Student Last Name____________________________ First Name_____________________

Parent/Guardian Last Name_________________________ First Name_________________

I will occasionally need to contact a parent/guardian to discuss grades, behavior or concerns. Please provide the following contact information:

Phone: ________________________________________________________

E-mail ________________________________________________________

Mailing Address _________________________________________________________

If you have any special concerns, requests or questions, or additional information you would like me to know about your child, please put them here:

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

(Check line) _____

Yes, I have read the Disclosure Document for 7^th Grade English with my student.

(Check line) ___

Yes, I would be willing to volunteer for this class if asked (grading objective assignments, etc).

______________________________________________

Parent Signature and Date