Rules/Policies/ Parent Letter
Fremont Junior High School General Eighth Grade English
Mrs. Cronin
(480) 472-8357
Dear Parents/ Guardians and Students,
Welcome to the 2009-2010 school year! I am excited to begin this year of study and look forward to working with you. Let me begin by saying that education is a partnership between the student, teacher, and parents. We must each do our part to ensure that optimum learning takes place this school year. I will do my part by making lessons relevant, standards based, and as interesting as possible. I ask that students come to class prepared on a daily basis, complete all assignments on time, and ask for help as needed. As parents, I would like you to check planners on a daily basis to verify that assignments are complete, sign planners on a weekly basis, and insist that students have the materials they need each day. Together we will make this school year a successful one!
English focuses primarily on writing and the six traits. This year our emphasis in composition will include, but not be limited to, personal narratives, summaries, essays, research reports, formal communication, poetry, and literary analysis. In addition to these writing assignments, students will be give "cold prompts" throughout the year.These unexpected prompts will fit the format of what students will see on the AIMS in April. Repeated practice will ensure that students know what to expect and are successful on the AIMS test in April.
Our literature study will cover folktales, nonfiction, short stories, drama (Anne Frank), poetry, and the novel. The focus will be to analyze pieces of literature, with a focus on comprehension and the elements of literature themselves.
Class discussions, oral reports, vocabulary, grammar, and formal speeches will also play an important part of the course of study throughout the year. These skills are aligned with state standards, and necessary to ensure success on the AIMS test at the end of this school year.
The following is a list of suggested items recommended to help ensure success this year:
*A folder for note-taking and organization of English materials
*One single subject spiral notebook for daily oral language
*A blue or black ink pen
* Two #2 pencils
*Loose- leaf, college ruled paper
*Fremont planner
WRITTEN WORK GUIDELINES
1. All written work is to be done on college ruled, white loose- leaf paper.
2. Untrimmed spiral notebook paper will NOT be accepted.
3. Please use the school heading for all papers: (in the upper right hand corner)
First and Last Name
Date Period
Assignment Name
4. Write only on the front side of the paper.
Papers which do not meet these guidelines may be returned for correction, or points may be deducted for not following directions.
Make-Up Assignments: Daily assignments are written on the Assignment Calendar. Handouts given are located in the bins below the above mentioned calendar. Assignments turned in after an absence should be handed directly to me, and have the word “Absent” written at the top. Students have two days for every day absent to make up work. In the case of a suspension, it would be beneficial for that student to complete all necessary work while at home so that he/she does not fall behind. Writing assignments which span one week or more do not qualify for make-up days, and are due on the assigned day. Late assignments will not be accepted. Students will need to make arrangements to have the assignment delivered to class on the due date. Extreme circumstances will be taken into consideration, but any exceptions will be made at the teacher's discretion.
Homework: Homework in this class varies. Some weeks there will be homework every night, and other times we will have none because students are in the process of a writing assessment. Some assignments may be long term, due days or weeks later. Students are responsible for meeting the requirements of the assignments by the given due date. Students, please use your Fremont planner to keep track of assignments. Parents, please check planners so you are aware of your child's progress in English at all times. Homework is given for practice and reinforcement of concepts taught in class. It is imperative that homework be completed when assigned. To not do so will negatively impact your grade in my class. Again, no late work will be accepted. (Work completed after an excused absence is not considered late work.)
Planner: Students must bring planners to class everyday to write in daily assignments. I will sign planners every Friday with students’ grades. Students will receive ten points each Friday for having their planner filled out for the week, and for having a parent/guardian signature verifying the previous week’s grade was seen. Doing this assures me that parents are aware of their child’s progress in English at all times. This will also allow for better communication between student, parent, and teacher.
Grades: Grades are based on points. Each week these points accumulate, making grades “heavier” and more difficult to improve if allowed to deteriorate. Everything in class earns points. Missing one assignment can have a serious affect on the overall grade. Very little extra credit work is given in this class, so be sure to complete all work assigned. Remember, doing well on daily assignments is just as important as successfully completing tests and compositions.
Grades are determined by the percentage of points accumulated using the standard grading scale:
90-100% =A
80- 89% = B
70- 79% = C
60- 69% = D
50- 59% = F
Tests: Tests are given over units of study. Frequency and points vary. Compositions count as tests of the writing skills we have studied, and are worth 100 points each. Therefore all major writing assignments are completed in class and will not be homework.
Notebooks: It is suggested that students have a single-subject notebook to be used solely for daily grammar. These notebooks will be collected each Friday, and are worth 25 points a week. In addition to the notebook, a folder with college-ruled, loose-leaf paper is suggested for English notes, in-class assignments, and writing assignments.
Need Extra Help?
I will be available for extra help before or after school by appointment. I am committed to students’ success at Fremont in all areas, not just English. Please do not hesitate to call, email, or visit with any questions or concerns.
Again, I look forward to working with you. Let’s make this school year one to remember!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Cronin