Introduction to 8th Grade ELA

William Alexander Middle School 51

350 Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215 z (718) 369-7603

Dear 8^th-Grade Students and Parents, September 2011

Welcome to 8^th-Grade English Language Arts. I would like to inform you of what the class entails and what is expected of the students. Please review this letter with your child and complete, sign, and return the following form with supplies by Monday, September 12.

Curriculum

In 8^th-Grade ELA, the overarching theme is Reading and Writing for Social Justice. We will be reading and responding to a variety of literature concerning different social issues and writing and thinking through a lens of fairness and justice. Students will be looking more closely at issues that are important to them and finding ways to use their writing to affect change concerning these issues.

Another focus of the year is independence. The students will learn and apply skills that will help them become stronger, more independent readers and writers, skills that will help them in high school and life in general.

Materials & Requirements

This year, there will be no Teacher’s Choice money for supplies, so it is important that students have their own supplies. Students must have the following:

q 1 or 2 independent reading books of student’s choice (must have in class every day) q 1 notebook (any kind) q 1 folder q Loose-leaf paper q Blue or black pens

q Markers and/or different colored pens q White-out, tape and/or mini stapler q Box of tissues q If possible, please donate printer and construction paper, markers, post-its, and/or books for our classroom

We are also requesting an ELA fee of at least $20 to purchase books for the classroom library and obtain other supplies for projects and in-class activities. Please pay by cash or check. On your check, pay to MS51 and in memo, write ELA, name of student, and class. If there are issues regarding payment, please email me.

Grading criteria

Reading: Independent reading at home at least 5 days a week and in class, Project REAL, reading responses, reading logs, tests, and projects

Writing: Published pieces, informal writing assignments, language study, tests, blog

Accountability: Class work, homework, being prepared for class, focus, participation, cooperation/behavior

RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

I expect every student to be on time, do the work that is expected, and take responsibility for his/her actions. I also expect that each student will conduct him or herself with the proper behavior needed to maintain the ideal learning environment for all students. Please read and refer to the agenda book for expectations and rules of the school. Failure to comply with rules will result in notes on the Section Sheet, detention, and/or N’s/U’s on the report card.

I hope you found this letter helpful as an introduction to 8^th-grade ELA. All the 8^th Grade ELA teachers are very enthusiastic about the curriculum. We look forward to an exciting year together!

Please contact me if you have any questions, concerns, and/or feedback; the best way to contact me is denise.galang@gmail.com. Also, check my blog, msgalangenglish.blogspot.com for updates in ELA. Your communication and involvement are integral to making this year successful. Thank you for your support and cooperation.

Sincerely,

Ms. Denise Galang

Student(last name, first name): ____________________________ CLASS: __________

Email (gmail) address: ______________________________________________

For homeroom only: Locker # __________; Combination: __________________________

Dear Parents/Guardians:

After reading the letter with your child, please keep it for future reference. Also, complete and sign this form and return it by ______________________________________.

We have read and understood the requirements, rules, guidelines, and procedures outlined in the letter and agree to work together to follow them.

(Please print neatly.)

Student’s Name & Class: Signature:

_______________________________________ ________________________________________

Parents/Guardians’ Names (First and Signatures:

Last) and Relations:

_______________________________________ ________________________________________

_______________________________________ ________________________________________

Home Address: ___________________________________________________________________________­

Contact Information

Parent/Guardian Name	Home #	Mobile #	Work #	E-mail Address (necessary for communicating about grades)

What is the best way to reach you? ________________________________________________

When is the best time to reach you? _______________________________________________

Does your child have any special needs or requirements that I should know about?

__________________________________________________________________________________

Comments/Concerns: ________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________