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Mike Smith
228-4978
mismith@cvsd.org

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Mike Smith
Daily Stuff

  

8th Grade Language Arts/Social Studies Notes

 

In addition to the Team Policy letter that was sent out to you, I would like to send home a few notes that will hopefully make the school year a successful one.

 What we’ll be covering in Social Studies….

 

***2003 Edition internet textbook access: http://www.tarvol1.glencoe.com/

***User: TAR1     ***Password: Fr6prEvahE

  • Washington State History
  • The Constitution
  • The Civil War
  • Reconstruction 

 What we’ll be covering in Language Arts….

  1. Jane Schaffer writing program
  2. EMC Text and Write-In Reader
  3. Six major writing assignments
  4. Grammar, punctuation (PPS), vocabulary, etc.
  5. AR and AR test

Texts…..

Washington State and the Pacific Northwest

The American Republic

EMC Text and Write-In Reader

Because this is a block class, students will be working independently at times and in collaboration at other times. A majority of the assignments will be cross-curricular and so there will be freedom to use class time as necessary. We’ll be busy, but I like to make class varied and enjoyable so that everyone can find their own path to success. The main point to keep in mind is that staying on top of things will be essential, so don’t bury your binder under your bed!

 I always have the assignment due dates written on the board (along with the related EALRs) and a monthly calendar prepared well in advance so that students will be absolutely clear on the issue of turning assignments in on time. As a rule, I don’t give full credit for late work UNLESS it has been arranged. Experience has taught me that a failure to turn in assignments is BY FAR the biggest reason for students not meeting their academic goals. Assignments are clearly explained and printed out for student binder use so please take a peak if you would like to see what we’re up to in class! It should also be noted that AS AN 8TH GRADE BLOCK POLICY ALL ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE TURNED IN ON THE DAY THEY ARE DUE. 60% CREDIT WILL BE GIVEN IF THEY ARE A DAY LATE, BUT NO CREDIT WILL BE GIVEN AFTERWARDS. STUDENTS WILL COME IN 30 MINUTES AFTER SCHOOL OR BEFORE SCHOOL EVERY DAY UNTIL THE ASSIGNMENT IS COMPLETED, BUT NO CREDIT WILL BE GIVEN IN THIS SITUATION. This is not an attempt to punish students, but rather a lesson in life that we all have to learn.

 Make –up work……

Students are responsible for making up all subject material missed and must complete all assignments and/or tests. This will be done on student time before or after school. Students have the equivalent number of days absent to complete missed work, unless the assignment is a long-term one, such as a project. Long-term assignments are due on the day students come back to school. ALWAYS SEE ME IN THE MORNING BEFORE SCHOOL ON THE DAY YOU RETURN!

Grading….

Grades will be based on assignments, projects, AR reading, journal entries, and tests.

LA                                                       SS

Tests/Quiz        20                                Tests/Quiz        40

Participation     10                                Participation     10

Writing Proj.     30                                Classwork        35

Classwork        20                                Service Learn   15

AR                   20

Service Learning……

As a part of the school to work transition, each student will be required to complete eight hours of community service per trimester. A packet of information will be sent home for each student and their parents to review. This particular element of our social studies curriculum has a great impact on our society and gives each student the opportunity to outreach to others.

Finally, I have a request for all of you. If you ever have a concern, question, or comment, please call me directly at 228-4978 or e-mail me at mismith@cvsd.org. I am a reasonable man and I am not afraid to admit my mistakes—and let’s face it, I will make mistakes during the school year. I also find that miscommunication can almost always be cleared up by going directly to the source.

Thanks for taking the time to read these notes. I look forward to teaching your kids and to working with you throughout the school year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  
 

Team Policies
 

8th Grade Language Arts/Social Studies Team Policies

 

Welcome to our 8th grade team at HorizonMiddle School. We look forward to a successful year. In order for everyone to be clear on our team policies and the expectations we have for all students, we kindly ask that you read the following notes.

Our Goals

  1. To prepare students for entrance into high school
  2. To prepare students for academic success and meeting state standards.
  3. To maintain high achievement and expectations.
  4. To emphasize organizational and study skills.
  5. To enhance learning through technology.
  6. To connect real world applications with daily school activities.
  7. To emphasize the importance of good listening skills.

General Team Expectations and Student Responsibilities

  1. School-wide attendance procedures are specified on the Horizon website.
  2. Students are expected to be on time every day.
  3. Supplies must be brought to class.                                                        
  4. Textbooks must be covered all year.
  5. All school rules will be enforced in our classrooms.
  6. Substitute teachers are to be treated as special guests at all times.
  7. Field trips and assemblies are a privilege and not a right. Participation in the Triple Play activity at the end of the school year will be contingent upon students having no failing grades, a completed career project, and having satisfactorily completed service learning projects as of June 1st, 2009.

Academics

  1. See school information packet or web site for district grading scale.
  2. Homework assignments are given as an integral part of learning.

 

Communication

  1. Teachers will provide grade updates on mid-term grades or upon request.
  2. Friday quick-checks can be requested via the school office at anytime.
  3. Teachers are available before and after school by phone, or by email anytime.

Absences

  1. Making up homework is the sole responsibility of the student on the FIRST DAY after an absence. If the student fails to follow through on this act they will be held accountable.
  2. Late work turned in due to absences will receive full credit if done within the allotted time, with the exception of projects that have pre-determined due dates. In the case of known, planned absences please make arrangements with the teacher before leaving.

Thanks for reading through these policies. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our team teachers. We hope that your child finds Horizon a positive place to learn, and that the expectations we have of them will result in their success.