Welcome to English 8!

I look forward to a year filled with expanding upon the knowledge that you have gained in your previous ELA classes. You will also gain new and more in-depth knowledge about English Language Arts, our language, and some amazing literature. Keep this document in your binder as a reference to use throughout the year so you will always be able to be prepared for class.

 Materials

 Please have all of your materials with you at the beginning of class. These include:

Assigned books                                  Loose-leaf paper

Binder (with dividers)                          Homework

Pens and Pencils                                Agenda

 Classroom Policies

1. Be on time and be prepared.
2. Be polite and respectful (of others, of school property, and of yourself)
3. Gum, food, and beverages are not allowed (see student handbook as well).
4. Listen to and follow all directions. Always focus on the speaker.

Grading Policies

 Grades are calculated based on a point system. Your average is calculated by the number of points accumulated divided by the total number of points possible.

1. Homework will usually be worth 1-40 points
2. Tests will usually be worth 20-100 points
3. Unit Exams will usually be worth 70-100+ points
4. Essays will usually be worth 100 points
5. Projects will usually be worth 100-200 points
6. Unit Tasks will usually be worth 30-80 points

            *Formative tasks account for up to 20% and summative assessments account for 80% or more of the average.

Tests/Quizzes

All tests and quizzes will be announced. For this reason, there will not be any make-up tests.

  Assignments must be ready to be turned in or checked when requested.

• It is expected that homework will be completed the night it is assigned.
• This will prevent you from not having the work completed if there is a schedule change or if you are absent on a non-class day.

Projects

• Task sheets are given with all project assignments; use them to guide you in completing the final product.
• They will answer many of the questions you may have about the project.
• Projects take time and effort—plan ahead!
• Be sure to ask about any variations or alternatives you may be contemplating.

Attendance

If you are in school, even for only a short time, you are responsible for all assignments and deadlines.

• This includes absences for music lessons, doctor appointments, field trips for other classes, etc.
•  If you will not be in class, you need to hand in your homework.
• It is your responsibility to tell me if you have a music lesson—Please tell me BEFORE the lesson.

When you return to school, the assignments you missed will be written on a "While You Were Out…” form.

• It is your responsibility to get the form from me, complete the work listed, and hand the work in on time.
•  If you are absent, you will have an adequate amount of time to make up the assignment, but it should be done as quickly as possible and turned in.

• If you are absent or are planning to be absent and you request work, it must be completed before you return.
• If it isn’t done, or an honest attempt isn’t made, the work will be considered late.

Miscellaneous

Homework should be done neatly on LOOSE-LEAF PAPER—NO FUZZIES!!

 All work must:

• have a complete heading (4 items in proper placement)
• be neatly written (blue or black pen, pencil, or typed)
• be doodle-free.

There is an area provided for you with supplies (tape, scissors, staplers, etc.).

• Please do not use or take anything from my desk without permission.

Each time you must leave the room during class time, you must sign out.

• Please write legibly and record the date and time accurately.

Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated. All participants will receive consequences.

Please read and sign the attached form. I will be keeping it for my records for future reference.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child's work this school year, please feel free to contact me by:

[email protected]

Sending in a note with your child.

           Calling the office to make an appointment to see me (265-2000)

We have read the policies and responsibilities for Mrs. Baxter's English 8 class and we understand them. We understand that completing assignments and being prepared for class is an expectation.

(Student)                                                                                              Date                          

(Parent/Guardian)                                                                                 Date