Welcome to 8th Grade ELA! Here is my introductory letter...

William Alexander  Middle School 51     350 Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215   (718) 369-7603

Dear 8th-Grade Students and Parents, September 2016

Welcome to 8th-Grade English Language Arts. Please review this letter with your child and complete, sign, and return the following form with supplies by Tuesday, September 13.

CURRICULUM

In 8th-Grade ELA, the overarching theme is Reading and Writing for Social Justice.  We will be reading and responding to a variety of genres concerning 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 effect 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 AND REQUIREMENTS

Students are responsible for bringing their own supplies. Here is what they will need every day:

1 or 2 independent reading books of student’s choice 1 notebook 1 folder Loose-leaf paper Blue or black pens and #2 pencils Markers and/or different colored pens

Several packs of post-its at least 3x3 in size; students will use these throughout the year Mini-stapler If possible, please donate printer and construction paper, tape, markers, post-its, and facial tissues for classroom use.

GRADING - (I will be posting grades on pupilpath.skedula.com)

Assessments 50%: this includes a reading and writing blog, group and independent projects, notebook, and all writing genres written for class.

Homework 15%: students are required to do at least 120 minutes of independent reading each week, complete handouts and other assignments that are extensions of the day’s class work and are fundamental to mastering skills learned in class. Some work will be due the day after it is assigned, and some work will be due on specific dates provided in advance.

Engagement 20%: students must participate in small group and whole class discussions and be present and participate in all tasks and activities; this includes independent reading in class and Project REAL.

Accountability 15%: Students must be organized and prepared with supplies, independent reading books, and homework each day. They must be accountable for their actions and follow the rules of the class and school. For instance, no gum/candy, cellular phones (unless required), late work, and no excuses.

*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, and restrictions on trips and Senior Activities. Rewards for consistent responsibility include class trips.

PARENT-STUDENT-TEACHER COMMUNICATION

The best way for us to communicate is through email: dgalang@k051.org, or send a note with your child. Also, I will use Google Classroom and my blog, msgalangenglish.blogspot.com, to communicate with students and share lessons and handouts.

Thank you for your support and cooperation. I look forward to an exciting year together!

Sincerely, Ms. Galang                       

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

6th Gr ELA teacher: _________________________  7th Gr ELA teacher: _________________________

(For homeroom only: Locker # __________; Combination: __________________________)

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

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

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? Do you have any other questions, concerns, or comments?

____________________________________________________________________________________________

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