August 2009

Dear Richmond Heights Parent/Guardian,

                I would like to take the opportunity to welcome you to the 2009-2010 school year.  My name is Mrs. Roberts, and I will be teaching your child reading and writing under the course title of Language Arts I. My undergraduate degree in education and my graduate degree in reading were awarded from Florida International University.  My career in education began in the private sector at Holy Rosary School in 1992.  In 1999, Miami-Dade County Schools hired me to teach at Charles Drew Middle School in Liberty City.  I spent five rewarding years at Drew teaching language arts, seated on the Discipline Committee, seated on the Administrator Selection Committee, member of the Site Analysis Team, participating in The Mentoring Teacher Program, guiding children in the I Have a Dream program, serving as a sixth grade team leader, and holding the distinguished honor of being nominated four years in succession for Teacher of the Year.  Furthermore, I have taught Adult Basic Education for five years at Ruben Dario.  As I begin my sixth year of teaching at Richmond Heights Middle School, I have the privilege of continuing my duties as the team leader of the Jaguars and a member of Educational Excellence School Advisory Council. 

                I recognize that each child is an individual with a different learning style.  My mission is to work closely with my students and create a classroom atmosphere that fosters both academic and personal growth.  To accomplish this goal, I implement a myriad of methods that complement the many different levels of knowledge that my students bring to the learning environment. 

                The rules of my classroom are based on the word RESPECT.  Your child will show you a contract that must be signed by both the parent/guardian and the student and adhered to throughout the school year.  In addition to the contract, please find a procedures and materials page.  Finally, you have a home learning assignment to complete that is also located in the folder.  Please complete this informative assignment so that I could learn about the wonderful attributes your child possesses. The aforementioned items are housed in a folder that I provided for your child to use to keep home learning assignments and/or correspondence organized.  This will guarantee that the homework, projects, and communications will be easily found when I collect them. I encourage you to visit my website at http://new.schoolnotes.com for important information concerning class issues.  You can also contact me at MRoberts6@dadeschools.net or by calling 305-238-2316.  Please don't hesitate to contact me with any concerns and/or questions.

                I would like to inform you of significant requirements that affect your child's academic success.  Each student must have a three-ringed binder exclusively for language arts.  The notebook must be divided into 6 sections:  Daily Challenge, Word(s) of the Day, Journal, Notes & Activities, Home Learning, Data.  This essential organized tool will be checked four times during the year.  All work must be headed correctly, labeled with the assignment name, and neat in appearance.  Notebook checks generally occur at the time of progress reports.  In addition, it is mandatory that each student has a reading book with him or her daily.  The student may choose the genre of the book; the book must be a minimum of 100 pages (150 pages for advanced classes).  The student will read a minimum of three books (graphic novels are NOT allowed) per grading period.  The books must be on the student's reading level as determined on the Gates-MacGinitie test (a reading contract with your child's level will be forthcoming).  Furthermore, the student must illustrate comprehension of the readings by participating in a short practice quiz on the Accelerated Reader Program and print his or her results to turn in as a home learning assignment once a month. Additional Accelerated Reader quizzes may be taken for extra credit.  The student will be responsible for completing one passage per week on FCAT Explorer; this computer program can be accessed from the computers at school or your personal computer.  Home learning is a crucial part of the student's grade and a tool for the educator to determine if the child understands the lesson.  The student has home learning nightly.  If (s)he misses three or more home learning assignments during one grading period, a detention will be issued.  Students are expected to turn in projects on time.  I hold firm to due dates in an effort to cultivate responsible citizens who will encounter the same expectation as they venture out into the real world.  Your child has the ability to complete extra credit assignments to improve his or her learning and grades. 

                In closing, I am here to help your child to be the best that (s)he can be.  I will stay after school to assist him or her with any challenges that arise.  Your child has the right to speak to me privately about any concerns that (s)he may encounter.  I look forward to working with you and your child.

                                                                                                                       Mrs. M. Roberts

*******************************************************************************************************************************Tools of the Trade....



*Three-ringed binder (for language arts only)

*Home learning/communications folder (provided by teacher)

*Pens (blue or black ink only) and pencils

*Correction pen (any color except blue or black)

*Dividers

*Notebook paper

*Index Cards

*Highlighter

*Small pencil sharpener with catcher for shavings

*Pocket dictionary and thesaurus

*Personal reading selection (minimum length: 100 pages for standard classes and 150 pages for advanced classes)

*A positive attitude to achieve academic success



**CORRECTION FLUID, CORRECTION PAPER, AND CORRECTION TAPE ARE NOT PERMITTED

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HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR NOTEBOOK and READING LOG CHECK



*The student must have a notebook exclusively for language arts(folders are unacceptable)

*The notebook must be arranged and labeled in the following 6 sections: Daily Challenge, Word(s) of the Day, Journal (with a table of contents organizer), Home Learning, Notes and Activities, and Data.

*The student's notebook must have evidence of completed warm-ups, formatted notes and activities, home learning assignments and data.

*All work must have the appropriate classroom heading. A notebook paper that has several entries must show the date for each entry.

*Reading logs must show evidence of daily entries verified (signed) by the parent/guardian or teacher.





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HOME LEARNING IS GIVEN NIGHTLY AND LISTED BELOW

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August 24th - August 28th



1. Parents:  please read, sign, and return all forms.

2. Purchase language arts supplies.

3. Students must bring in their parent/guardian home learning assignment: "In a Million Words or Less...."

4.  Students must have a reading book with them at all times (standard classes: minimum 100 pages, advance classes: minimum 150 pages).

5.  FCAT Explorer Passage #1 is due on Friday, September 4th.  If you do not have Internet access at home, you may come to Mrs. Roberts homeroom AFTER getting permission from your homeroom teacher, you may go to the library, or ask one of your teachers during Silent Reading (second block) to use their computer.


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August 31st - September 1st

1.  Language of Literature textbook page 273:  Vocabulary 1-5 Write each complete sentence and the complete answer.

2. Parents:  please read, sign, and return all forms.

3. Purchase language arts supplies.

4. Students must bring in their parent/guardian home learning assignment: "In a Million Words or Less...."

5.  Students must have a reading book with them at all times (standard classes: minimum 100 pages, advance classes: minimum 150 pages).

6.  FCAT Explorer Passage #1 is due on Friday, September 4th.  If you do not have Internet access at home, you may come to Mrs. Roberts homeroom AFTER getting permission from your homeroom teacher, you may go to the library, or ask one of your teachers during Silent Reading (second block) to use their computer.


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September 2nd - September 3rd

1. Parents:  please read, sign, and return all forms.

2. Purchase language arts supplies.

3. Students must bring in their parent/guardian home learning assignment: "In a Million Words or Less...."

4.  Students must have a reading book with them at all times (standard classes: minimum 100 pages, advance classes: minimum 150 pages).

5.  FCAT Explorer Passage #1 is due on Friday, September 4th.  If you do not have Internet access at home, you may come to Mrs. Roberts homeroom AFTER getting permission from your homeroom teacher, you may go to the library, or ask one of your teachers during Silent Reading (second block) to use their computer.

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September 4th

1.  FCAT Explorer Passage #2:  "The Shadow"  due September 11th, 2009

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September 8th - September 10th

1.  FCAT Explorer Passage #2:  "The Shadow" due September 11th, 2009

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 September 11th - September 16th

1.  FCAT Explorer Passage #3:  "Individual Medley" due September 18th

2.  Identifying Similes and Metaphors (worksheet)

3.  Reading Contracts must be read and signed by your parent/guardian.

4.  First Accelerated Reader quiz is due October 1st.

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September 14, 2009  ADVANCED CLASS P4 ONLY

1.  In your Language of Literature textbook, read the short story entitled "The Circuit (pages 265-271).  Complete the Vocabulary on page 273(1-5) by writing each complete question and each complete answer.

2.  FCAT Explorer Passage #3:  "Individual Medley" due September 18th

3.  Reading Contracts must be read and signed by your parent/guardian.

4.  First Accelerated Reader quiz is due October 1st.

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September 17th, 18th, and 21st

1.  Context Clues (handout)

2.  FCAT Explorer:  "Individual Medley" due September 18th and "The Sky King's Turtle" due September 25th

3.  Accelerated Reader quiz due October 1st

4.  Reading Contract MUST be read, signed, and returned this week!

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September 22 - 23, 2009

1.  Grammar and Language Workbook pages 65-66 (periods: 1,2,5, & 6)

2. Construct five questions/answers using your Question-Task Cards based on the reading:  "Tuesday of the Other June"  (period 4 only)

3.  Accelerated Reader quiz due October 1st

4.  Notebook (binder) and Reading Log check:  Tuesday, September 29th - Wednesday, September 30th.  Instructions on how to organize the notebook are listed above.

5.  FCAT Explorer Passage:  "The Sky King's Turtle" due September 25th.  "Emily's Story" due October 2nd.

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September 24th - September 25th

1.  Notebook (binder) and Reading Log check:  Tuesday, September 29th - Wednesday, September 30th.  Instructions on how to organize the notebook are listed above.

2.  FCAT Explorer Passage:  "The Sky King's Turtle" due September 25th.  "Emily's Story" due October 2nd.

3.  Accelerated Reader quiz due October 1, 2009

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DURING THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER  21ST, INTERIM PROGRESS REPORTS WILL BE ISSUED.  THIS GIVES YOUR CHILD(REN) THE OPPORTUNITY TO IMPROVE HIS OR HER CURRENT GRADE POINT AVERAGE!

September 29 - 30, 2009

1.  Accelerated Reader quiz due October 1, 2009

2.  FCAT Explorer Passage:  "Emily's Story" due October 2nd

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October 1 - 2, 2009

1.  Prefix and Suffix Practice (handout)

2.  FCAT Explorer Passage " An Unknown Land"  due October 9

3.  Accelerated Reader quiz due November 3, 2009

4.  Fiction Book Report due date:  October 28 - October 29

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October 5 - 6, 2009

1.  Grammar and Language Workbook pages 311-312 (Proofreading)  Standard Classes only!

2.  Advanced class only:  Proofreading an Essay (handout)

3.  FCAT Explorer Passage:  "An Unknown Land" due October 9th

4.  Accelerated Reader quiz due November 3, 2009

5.  Fiction Book Report due date:  October 28 - October 29

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October 7 - 8, 2009

1.  Words in Context (worksheet)

2.  AFFIX Crossword Puzzle (extra credit)

3.  FCAT Explorer Passage:  "An Unknown Land" due October 9th

4.  FCAT Explorer Passage:  "Arnum Cove Mystery" due October 16th

5.  Accelerated Reader quiz due November 3, 2009

6.  Book Report due October 28th-29th

7.  Hispanic Heritage projects due October 14th-October15th

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October 9, 2009

1.  Complete the reading and questions in your FCAT Preparation and Practice workbook for the story, "The Sultana".

2.  FCAT Explorer Passage:  "Arnum Cove Mystery" due October 16th

3.  Accelerated Reader quiz due November 3, 2009

4.  Book Report due October 28th-29th

5.  Hispanic Heritage projects due October 14th-October 15th

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October 12th and October 13th

1.  STANDARD CLASSES ONLY:  Grammar and Language Workbook  105-106

2. FCAT Explorer Passage:  "Arnum Cove Mystery" due October 16th

3.  Accelerated Reader quiz due November 3, 2009

4.  Book Report due October 28th-29th

5.  Hispanic Heritage projects due October 14th-October15th

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October 14th - October 15th

1.  Language of Literature textbook page 133 Vocabulary and Spelling 1 - 5 and 1-3. 

2.  FCAT Explorer Passage:  "Arnum Cove Mystery" due October 16th

3.  Accelerated Reader quiz due November 3, 2009

4.  Book Report due October 28th-29th

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October 16, 2009

1.  Accelerated Reader due November 3, 2009

2.  Fiction Book Report due October 28th - October 29th

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October 20th - October 21st

1.  Word(s) fo the Day Quiz--->next class meeting

2.  FCAT Explorer Passage: "Sawadee Krup"  due October 27th

3.  Accelerated Reader quiz due November 3rd

4.  Book Report due October 28 - 29

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October 22nd - October 23rd

1.  FCAT Explorer Passage: "Sawadee Krup"  due October 27th

2.  Accelerated Reader quiz due November 3rd

3.  Book Report due October 28 - 29

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October 26th - October 27th

1.  FCAT Explorer Passage: "Sawadee Krup"  due October 27th

2.  Accelerated Reader quiz due November 3rd

3.  Book Report due October 28 - 29

4.  Please have your library contract read, reviewed, and signed by you and your parent.

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October 28th - October 29th

1.  Standard Classes:  Reading:  "How to Carve a Jack-O'-Lantern"

2.  Advanced Class:  Holiday Analogies

3.  Accelerated Reader quiz due November 3rd

4.  Please have your library contract read, reviewed, and signed by you and your parent.

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CONGRATULATIONS!!!!  YOU HAVE COMPLETED YOUR FIRST GRADING PERIOD!

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November 2nd - November 3rd

1.  In your Language of Literature textbook, read the story "The Southpaw" beginning on page 349.  After the reading, create a final exchange of notes (minimum: eight notes) between Richard and Janet following the first game.  Include the outcome of the game and the status of Richard's and Janet's friendship in your entries.

2.  Have your Reading Plus contract reviewed and signed by your parent or guardian.

3.  FCAT Explorer Passage:  "The Cave"  due November 6th.

4.  Accelerated Reader quiz due November 3rd

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November 4th - November 5th

1.  Thanksgiving Analogies

2.  Book Report due:  November 23rd (periods:  five and one) and November 24th (periods: four, six, and two).

3.  FCAT Explorer Passage "The River Snake"

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November 6 and 9, 2009

1.  Book Report Story Box due:  November 23rd (periods:  five and one) and November 24th (periods: four, six, and two).

2.  FCAT Explorer Passage "The River Snake" due November 13th.

3.  Continue working on Reading Plus (your school identification number is your password).

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November 10-12, 2009

1.  Standard Classes:  Grammar and Language Workbook pages 57-58: Sentence Fragments

2.  Advanced Class:  Read the story "Eleven" in your Language of Literature textbook.  Use the "Open Mind" graphic organizer to describe Rachel's and Mrs. Price's character traits.  On the lines below the head, write a paragraph to compare and contrast the two characters.

3.  Book Report Story Box due:  November 23rd (periods:  five and one) and November 24th (periods: four, six, and two).

4.  FCAT Explorer Passage "The River Snake" due November 13th.

5.  Continue working on Reading Plus (your school identification number is your password). 

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November 13 & November 16

**Publish your Thanksgiving comparison/contrast essay.  If you decide to type it, you receive an extra credit "A".

1.  Youth Fair Entry due:  November 30th (periods: 6, 2, & 4) December 1st (periods: 1 & 5)

2.  Reading Plus:  Complete two sections per week

3.  FCAT Explorer passage:  "The Responsibility of Pet Ownership" due November 20th

4.  Book Report Story Box due:  November 23rd (periods:  five and one) and November 24th (periods: four, six, and two).

EXTRA CREDIT:  BRING IN TWO NON-PERISHABLE ITEMS FOR THE THANKSGIVING BASKETS (THESE BASKETS ARE BEING PREPARED FOR THE LESS PRIVILEGED IN OUR SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY).

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 November 17 - 18

1.  Read the short story "Ta-Na-E-Ka" in your Language of Literature textbook.

Write sentences for the following vocabulary words; incorporate a context clue to clarify each word's meaning.  Vocabulary:  acculturated, loftiest, shrewd,  grimace, and gorging.

2.  Figurative Language worksheet

3.  Reading Plus:  Complete two sections per week

4.  FCAT Explorer passage:  "The Responsibility of Pet Ownership" due November 20th

5.  Book Report Story Box due:  November 23rd (periods:  five and one) and November 24th (periods: four, six, and two).

6.  Youth Fair Entry due 11/30 (even periods) 12/1 (odd periods)

EXTRA CREDIT:  BRING IN TWO NON-PERISHABLE ITEMS FOR THE THANKSGIVING BASKETS (THESE BASKETS ARE BEING PREPARED FOR THE LESS PRIVILEGED IN OUR SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY).

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November 19-20

1.  Differentiated Instruction home learning:  in the back of your FCAT Preparation and Practice workbook (pages 127-135) select ONE page to complete based on your Interim Assessment Data Chat (area in need of improvement).

2.  Reading Plus:  Complete two sections per week

3.  FCAT Explorer passage:  "The Responsibility of Pet Ownership" due November 20th

4.  Book Report Story Box due:  November 23rd (periods:  five and one) and November 24th (periods: four, six, and two).

5.  Youth Fair Entry due 11/30 (even periods)  12/1 (odd periods)

EXTRA CREDIT:  BRING IN TWO NON-PERISHABLE ITEMS FOR THE THANKSGIVING BASKETS (THESE BASKETS ARE BEING PREPARED FOR THE LESS PRIVILEGED IN OUR SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY).

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November 20th

DUE TO EARLY DISMISSAL ON THURSDAY, WE ARE STILL COMPLETING OUR LESSON ON POETRY.

1.  Figurative Language worksheet

2.  Reading Plus:  Complete two sections per week

3.  FCAT Explorer passage:  "An Outdoor Classroom" due November 30th

4.  Book Report Story Box due:  November 23rd (periods:  five and one) and November 24th (periods: four, six, and two).

5.  Youth Fair Entry due 11/30 (even periods) 12/1 (odd periods)

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November 21st

1.  Differentiated Instruction home learning:  in the back of your FCAT Preparation and Practice workbook (pages 127-135) select ONE page to complete based on your Interim Assessment Data Chat (area in need of improvement).

2.  Reading Plus:  Complete two sections per week

3.  FCAT Explorer passage:  "An Outdoor Classroom" due November 30th

4.  Book Report Story Box due:  November 23rd (periods:  five and one) and November 24th (periods: four, six, and two).

5.  Youth Fair Entry due 11/30 (even periods) 12/1 (odd periods)

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FROM THE JAGUARS FAMILY TO YOURS....HAVE A BLESSED THANKSGIVING!