Ms. Sorise’s plus 8^th grade U.S. Constitution and Governemnt To Read is to empower To Empower is to write To Write is to influence To Influence is to change To Change is to live - Jane Evershed
August 30, 2007 Dear Parents and Students, All 7^th and 8^th grade Language Arts students will begin receiving a study hall/ study skills period every other Friday. This will occur during the student’s scheduled LA class. This 30-35 minute period is designed to give students an opportunity to get one-on-one (or small group) clarification on material covered that week in class (it will also be used as for student-teacher editing conferences, when essays are assigned). The study hall will also give many students an opportunity to get a head-start or catch up on any school work they may have. It could be used as a study time or for students to organize themselves for the coming week. This is not a time to socialize. If a student does not have “anything to do” (which is a rarity) they can spend the time silent reading or doing a reflective writing entry in their journal. I hope that this work-based, organizational and even reflective study time will be a useful and productive time for all. Thanks Kim Sorise There are a few changes in eighth grade for the 2007-2008 school year: 1) All 7^th & 8^th grade Language Arts will now begin using a vocabulary text book. Each unit will delivery a series of words and exercises to allow students to better learn and incorporate words into their daily vocabularies, as well as better prepare them for the ACT and SAT tests. Students will have regular assignments and a test every 7 to 10 days. 2) Social Studies classes will still be divided into two distinct areas of study, as well as two different classes and texts: Mrs. Tucker will teach the U.S. History Survey focusing on the Revolutionary War, Westward Expansion, Industrialization, and the Civil War. Ms. Sorise will teach a class devoted to understanding the U.S. Constitution, our government, rights and citizenry. Each class will be taught on a semester track. It’s going to be a year of a lot of work, a lot of fun and hopefully one we’ll all remember. I hope this website allows you to keep up with regularly assigned homework and long term projects. Looking forward to another great year! Ms. Sorise I’d like to outline some of the basics for all classes taught in room 21 Language Arts: 7^th and 8^th grade. COURSE DESCRIPTION: There are six primary goals of this course: 1) To improve writing and reading skills. 2) To improve on basics already learned in English grammar. 3) To advance verbal and written vocabulary. 4) To learn to better express opinions and ideas through critical thinking and writing skills. 5) To take skills learned in language arts and transfer them to other educational disciplines and to life. 6) To have fun and laugh while learning. COURSE OBJECTIVES: To help establish organizational, multi-tasking and time management skills To expand the student’s ability to read, comprehend, write, think and translate ideas verbally and on paper. Various readings: novels, essays, poetry, short stories, plays, and articles Grammar Vocabulary, word usage and choice To identify and perform various writing styles: o Descriptive o Expository o Creative o Journal o Persuasive o Narrative o Forms of Poetry o Informational and research-based writing STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY: You are expected to begin taking responsibility for your own education; this is the foundation of academic success. If you miss class, do not understand the material or have any other issues, it is up to you to come see me. I have an open door policy for all students, please use it. My greatest wish for you is to succeed beyond your own expectations. AN AVERAGE WEEK IN LANGUAGE ARTS: Each class, except Friday, will begin with either a short grammar lesson. MONDAY Introduction of a new unit of vocabulary words Writing/ grammar lesson Vocabulary homework assigned for the week TUESDAY Literature lesson on selected readings or novels Discussion Possible critical writing assignment will be given WEDNESDAY “Journal Days” Writing/ grammar lesson THURSDAY Literature lesson on selected readings or novels Discussion Reading assignment will be given, due the following Tuesday FRIDAY This day will be used to expand on ideas and concepts taught during the week; it may also be used to correct vocabulary homework. TEXT AND MATERIALS: Students will need the following supplies for class Write Source text and Skills Book Sadlier-Oxford Vocabulary Workshop text A folder or binder dedicated to Language Arts Index cards to help study for vocabulary tests Composition notebook (which will be kept in class) Please bring the following everyday (unless advised otherwise). Write Source text and Skills Book Sadlier-Oxford Vocabulary Workshop text Assigned reading material: novels, essays, etc. Language Arts binder or folder PENCILS: you should bring at least 2 sharpened or mechanical pencils to class each day. If you MUST sharpen pencils, please do so before class begins. PENS: please bring a pen, any color other than black or blue, to class each day. This will be used for correcting homework. I prefer homework, drafts, and test to be done in pencil or typed. You may only use pen if it is erasable ink or if you employ the use of White Out. Literary Sketchbooks/Journal will be kept in class and should be only taken home because of an assignment or test. 8^th Grade Social Studies: The Constitution and U.S. Government COURSE DESCRIPTION: 1) To examine the purpose of government. 2) To learn the meaning and philosophy behind the Constitution as a document. 3) To examine our system of government, establishment of rights, amendments and the interpretation. COURSE OBJECTIVES: Semester Plan Principles of Government Early traditions Colonial Governments Articles of Confederation Declaration of Independence Federalists vs. Anti- Federalists John Locke Conflicts of representation Conflicts between North and South The Constitution Basic Principles Structure Bill of Rights Amendment Process Articles Balance of power Opinions of the Constitution Using the Constitution to establish government Development of political parties Political Parties Examining the Branches Congress Presidency Judicial The Bill of Rights Protection of rights Freedom of expression Religion Right to vote – expansion Equal protection Due process Elections Public Opinion/ Media State and Local Governments TEXT AND MATERIALS: Please bring the following everyday (unless advised otherwise). American Government text We the People text Notebook for notes Folder for handouts Pencils Pens General information grading, behavior, and homework: STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY: You are expected to begin taking responsibility for your own education; this is the foundation of academic success. If you miss class, do not understand the material or have any other issues, it is up to you to come see me. I have an open door policy for all students, please use it. My greatest wish for you is to succeed beyond your own expectations. GRADING: A 100 to 93 % B 85 – 92 % C 77- 84 % D 70 – 76 % F 0 – 69 % There will be no extra credit given. Students may be given opportunities to earn extra points during quiz or test reviews. ATTENDANCE: All students are expected to be on time, with the necessary materials needed and in their seat when class begins. If a student is late, he/she will receive a tardy unless the student arrives with an excused tardy or absence signed by either a teacher or administrator. If you arrive without the necessary materials for class (i.e. text book, pencils, notebooks), you will receive a tardy. PARTICIPATION: Students will receive a maximum of 10 participation points per week. Students will begin the week with all 10 points, but will lose points for any of the following: Missing class materials Missing homework Not taking notes during a lecture Not completing in-class assignment during in class work time Any disruptions in class Failing to participate in class discussions HOMEWORK: NO LATE HOMEWORK IS ACCEPTED FOR CREDIT. For example: if the student was in class to receive the assignment and in class when it is due and still does not have it – it is late. I am happy to accept the assignment merely to evaluate a student’s progress and give feedback, but the student will not receive credit for the assignment in the grade book. Homework is given regularly; you can expect that in any five-day school week you will have vocabulary homework, along with a reading assignment and most likely a writing or grammar assignment. Make sure to check the website daily to clarify that the correct assignment is being completed, because not every class is given the same task. I do update the website daily. PLEASE remember no late homework is accepted. If you do not have your homework on the day it is due you are required to fill out a “Missing Homework Accountability Sheet”, which will be kept in your academic album for Parent/Student Conference. MAKE- UP WORK : Any homework that is late due to illness or excused absence is due at the beginning of class the day you return from your absence. For example: If you are present for an assignment given on Monday, that is due Wednesday and you are absent the day the assignment is due (Wednesday) it is due the day you return. If you are absent for two days, you will be given two days to make up any assignments that were assigned in your absence. For any assignments you may have missed due to illness or excused absence, please remember it is up to you, the student, to find out what was covered in class. I will provide any handouts upon request; get notes from a friend; and I will be happy to fill in any missing links about the lesson or assignment. You must schedule an appointment to make up a quiz or test on the day you return from your absence. Exceptions may be made for extended, excused absences. GENERAL CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR AND DISCIPLINE: Respect in the classroom is vital to the learning process. Disruptions in class that prevent me from teaching or other students from learning will not be tolerated. The first instance will receive a warning. The second instance will receive a dismissal from class and loss of participation points for the day. A third instance will result in a detention. All students must arrive on time, prepared and organized for class. Each student must be respectful of his or her classmates, teacher, guest speakers, as well as individual time and personal space. No gum chewing. No food or drink will be allowed in class unless it is designated by the school or teacher. No leaning back on classroom chairs. No adjustment of classroom shades. Always clean up after yourself, it is your space and should be treated with respect. WORK EXPECTATIONS: Be curious! Each student is expected to work to the best of their ability and take pride in themselves and their academic accomplishments. All completed homework is to be turn in on time, unless you have a documented, excused absence. Late homework is NOT accepted. Students are expected to participate in classroom discussions; participation grades are given weekly. If classroom assignments are completed early students will be expected to read an additional silent reading book until the end of class. Each student must print their name and date on each assignment for full credit. Each student must write in pencil, blue or black ink or typed for credit on homework or classroom assignments. For longer writing assignments or projects, work must be presented in blue or black ink or be typed. All work must be stapled, no “dog eared” pages will be accepted No assignments are to be turned in from a spiral bound notebook unless the edge has been removed. Have fun while learning, it is key to your success. AVAILABILITY: I am generally available for extra help during break, lunch, recess and sometimes after school. If you need assistance before school, please let me know at least one day in advance. My greatest reward is your continued success as a student. If you are unclear of any thing that is covered or not in the pages or in class, the best policy is to ask. I am reasonably flexible and we will work together to achieve the best results for you. Also if you have any suggestions to help improve the class or the classroom library, I am all ears! Have a great year! Ms. Sorise