Info for Parents
These are some basics on how my class runs, grading is the same scale for all grade levels. Standards, texts, and activities vary by grade-level.
Grading System
I grade students on mastery of standards in my class. This means that students are graded on a 1, 69, 79, 89, 99 scale. 99- Distinguished 89- Proficient 79- Developing 69- Beginning 1- Not Attempted Please understand that in the beginning of the year it is normal to have several 69's and 79's as many times students are just being introduced to standards and concepts. As the course progresses you should expect their mastery of those standards to improve to 89's and 99's. 1's mean that a student has not been submitting work or the work is not on topic or complete.
Class Readings & Activities
Activities may differ from day to day however students will have essays (narrative, persuasive, argumentative, explanatory), in-class discussions, quick writes, timed writing, in-class and at-home reading assignments, vocabulary and grammar exercises, and projects some will be independent and others with groups. 6th grade will be reading "Holes" by Loius Sachar and "Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky" by Kwame Mbalia. They will participate in National Novel Writing Month (November). 7th grade will be reading "Long Walk to Water" by Linda Sue Park and book club based on several novel options. They will participate in "The Amazing Race Through Literature". 8th grade will be reading "A Long Way Down" by Jason Reynolds , "Bronx Masquerade" by Nikki Grimes, and "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare. They will participate in a Poetry Slam with original poems. English I will be reading " Lord of the Flies" by William Golding and "Julius Caesar" by William Shakespeare, and "The Odyssey" by Homer. They will produce a podcast.
Late Work Policy
My late work policy is that all students have three days to submit a past-due assignment without penalty. After three days I will not accept late work. If students are absent it is their responsibility to look at our class website or Canvas in order to see what they missed and submit any assignments due.
Apps & Websites Used
In my class we use the Learning Management System- Canvas (NOT Canva the artsy website). All assignments, PowerPoints, videos, etc. will be housed in Canvas. All parents will be linked as observers of your student so you can verify if they submit an assignment, see what is coming up in the future, etc. In addition to Canvas we use IXL to supplement our grammar and vocabulary. It is also a great tool to use at home for extra support. Our day-to-day activities are done through PearDeck and our assessments (quizzes/tests) are done through Pear Assessment. However they are all accessed via Canvas. I utilize GoGuardian in my classroom to help keep students on track and to also document how they are spending their time as this is important data for all of us in order to help your student be successful. As a parent you can check in on this website as needed. The only place I highly recommend parents check weekly is Canvas to stay up-to-date on their students progress.