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August 2011
Dear Richmond Heights Parent/Guardian,
I would like to take the opportunity to welcome you to the 2011-2012 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 twelfth year of teaching, I have the privilege of continuing my duties as the team leader of the Jaguars, I sit on the Educational Excellence School Advisory Council, and I'm the liaison between Richmond Heights Middle School and the South Florida Community Blood Center.
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, and 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. Furthermore, the student must illustrate comprehension of the readings by completing teacher-issued book reports. All students will participate in the Reading Plus program by completing two sessions per week as mandatory home learning. The student will be responsible for completing one passage on FCAT Explorer once every two weeks; FCAT Explorer and Reading Plus can both be accessed from the computers at school, the public library, or a personal computer at home. 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.... TECHNOLOGY HOME LEARNING IS DUE WEEKLY. PLEASE REFER TO THE CHART BELOW. Required Technology Home Learning Language Arts I - Mrs. M. Roberts
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, advanced classes: minimum 150 pages). ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ August 29th - September 2nd 1. All forms and contracts are now due (new arrivals, please bring your paperwork in as soon as possible). 2. Students MUST bring their materials daily; this includes a binder exclusively for language arts. 3. Reading Plus RPA is due on Friday, September 2nd. Students will have the opportunity to complete this placement appraisal in the computer lab. 4. Reading Plus sessions one and two are due Friday, September 9th. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ September 6th - September 9th 1. Reading Plus sessions one and two are due on Friday, September 9th. 2. Reading Plus sessions three and four are due on Friday, September 16th. 3. FCAT Explorer reading passage number one is due on September 16th. ALL STUDENTS MUST have a binder exclusively for langauge arts divided into the following sections: Daily Challenge, Word(s) of the Day, Journal, Notes and Activities, Home Learning, and Data. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ September 12th - September 16th 1. Reading Plus sessions three and four are due on Friday, September 16th. 2. FCAT Explorer reading #1 is due on Friday, September 16th. ALL STUDENTS MUST have a binder exclusively for language arts divided into the following sections: Daily Challenge, Word(s) of the Day, Journal, Notes and Activities, Home Learning, and Data. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ September 19th - September 23rd 1. Reading Plus sessions five and six are due on Friday, September 23rd. 2. FCAT Explorer passage #2 is due on Friday, September 30th. ALL STUDENTS MUST have a binder exclusively for language arts divided into the following sections: Daily Challenge, Word(s) of the Day, Journal, Notes and Activities, Home Learning, and Data. *************************************************************************** September 26th - September 30th 1. Reading Plus sessions seven and eight are due Friday, September 30th. 2. FCAT Explorer reading #2 is due on Friday, September 30th. 3. Binder and Reading Log Check is on Monday, October 3rd - Tuesday, October 4th. 4. Hispanic Heritage Projects: Monday, October 10th - Tuesday, October 11th. Candidate Selection and Poem Selection are due on October 3rd & October 4th. ******************************************************************************* October 3rd - October 7th 1. Reading Plus sessions nine and ten are due on 10/7. 2. FCAT Explorer passage #3 is due on 10/14/11. 3. Hispanic Heritage projects are due 10/10/11 (periods 4, 6, 2) 10/11/11 (periods 3, 5, 1) ********************************************************************************* October 10th - October 14th 1. Reading Plus sessions 11 and 12 are due on 10/14. 2. FCAT Explorer passage #3 is due on 10/14/11. 3. Word(s) of the Day Quiz--->10/12/11-10/13/11. 4. Hispanic Heritage Projects are due 10/10/11 (even classes) & 10/11/11 (odd classes). 5. Literacy Circle (BookIt!) 10/24/11-10/25/11--->Please bring your reading to discuss. ************************************************************************************* October 17th - October 20th 1. Reading Plus sessions 13 & 14 are due on October 21st. Sessions 15 & 16 are due on October 28th. 2. FCAT Explorer reading number four is due on October 28th. 3. Literacy Circle (BookIt!) 10/24/11 (even classes) and 10/25/11 (odd classes) YOU MUST HAVE YOUR READING BOOK WITH YOU ON THE DATE THAT WE MEET! 4. Create a sentence that demonstrates pronoun and antecedent agreement for a sweet treat! ************************************************************************************* October 24th-October 28th 1. Reading Plus sessions 15 & 16 are due on October 28th. 2. FCAT Explorer reading number four is due on October 28th. ************************************************************************ October 31st - November 4th 1. Reading Plus sessions 17 and 18 are due on November 4th. 2. FCAT Explorer reading number five is due on November 11th. 3. BookIt! is due November 28th-29th November 28th: 5,1,3 November 29th: 6,2,4 ************************************************************************ November 7th - November 11th 1. Reading Plus sessions 19 and 20 are due on November 11th. Take your time, focus, use the reread button and SOAR! 2. FCAT Explorer reading number five is due on November 11th. 3. BookIt! is due November 28th-29th November 28th: 5,1,3 November 29th: 6,2,4 **************************************************************************************** November 14th - November 18th 1. Reading Plus sessions 21 and 22 are due on November 18th. Take your time, focus, complete the sessions in an area of minimum distractions, use the REREAD button and SOAR! 2. FCAT Explorer reading number six is due on November 25th. 3. BookIt! is due on November 28th: 5,1,3 and November 29th: 6,2,4 ********************************************************************* November 21-23 1. Reading Plus sessions 23 and 24 are due November 25, 2011 2. FCAT Explorer reading number seven is due on December 9, 2011 3. BookIt! is due on November 28th: 5,1,3 and November 29th: 6,2,4 ************************************************************************ November 28th - December 2nd 1. Reading Plus: This week will be used to catch up on sessions that you are missing. 2. FCAT Explorer reading number seven is due on December 9th, 2011. 3. Notebook and Reading Log check will be conducted next week. 4. BookIt! is due on December 12 - December 13. Advanced Classes: Triorama with WIN strategy Standard Classes: StoryBoard 5. Youth Fair Entries are due on December 12 - December 13. ENTRIES MUST BE TYPED! *********************************************************************** December 5th - December 9th 1. Reading Plus Sessions 25 & 26 are due on December 9th. 2. FCAT Explorer reading number seven is due on December 9th. 3. Notebook Check and Reading Log Check will be conducted this week. 4. Triorama and Story Boards are due on December 12th (odd classes) and December 13th (even classes). 5. Youth Fair entries are due on December 12th (odd classes) and December 13th (even classes). **************************************************************************************** December 12 - December 16 1. Reading Plus sessions 27 and 28 are due on December 16, 2011. 2. FCAT Explorer reading eight is due on January 6, 2012. 3. Begin your reading for your January BookIt! Standard classes: 100+ pages, Advanced classes: 150+ pages. 4. Please use your holiday recess as an opportunity to make up missing sessions for Reading Plus and FCAT Explorer. The students who complete the most sessions (just during the recess, not overall) will receive a prize!
Warmest wishes for a wonderful holiday season and a happy and healthy 2012! Mrs. M. Roberts ***************************** January 3rd - January 6th 1. Reading Plus sessions 29-30 are due on 1/6/2012. Sessions 31-32 are due on 1/13/2012. 2. FCAT Explorer reading #8 is due on 1/6/2012. Reading #9 is due on 1/20/2012. 3. Word(s) of the Day Assessment will be given on 1/5 (even classes) and 1/6 (odd classes). 4. BookIt! is due on 1/24/2012 (odd classes) and 1/25/2012 (even classes). We will conduct a literary circle. Use the strategy of WIN to determine the main idea of your reading and use your QTC card to construct three questions (one must be from your area needed for improvement) with responses. **************************************************** January 9th - January 13th 1. Reading Plus Sessions 31-32 are due 1/13/2012 Sessions 33-34 are due 1/20/2012. 2. FCAT Explorer is due 1/20/2012 3. BOOKIT! is due on 1/24/2012 (odd classes) and 1/25/12 even classes *Two grades will be issued for this assignment. ************************************************************ January 17th - January 20th 1. Reading Plus sessions 33-34 are due on January 20, 2012. 2. FCAT Explorer reading #9 is due on 1/20/2012. 3. BookIt! is due on 1/24/12 (odd classes) and 1/25/12 (even classes). **This assignment is worth two grades! ********************************************************** January 24th - January 27th 1. Reading Plus sessions 33-34 are due on January 27th (an extension has been given due to the closing of the gradebook). 2. FCAT Explorer reading #10 is due on February 3rd. 3. BookIt! is due on January 24th-25th. 4. Black History projects will be issued Wednesday-Friday. These projects are due on February 27th-28th. THE PROJECTS WILL BE ACCEPTED ON THE DUE DATES NOTED ABOVE. Standard classes: "Reinventing the Invention"-Prototype & Essay Advanced classes: African-American Hero Cards ********************************************************* January 17th - January 20th 1. Reading Plus sessions 33-34 are due on January 20, 2012. 2. FCAT Explorer reading #9 is due on 1/20/2012. 3. BookIt! is due on 1/24/12 (odd classes) and 1/25/12 (even ********************************************************** classes). **This assignment is worth two grades! January 24th - January 27th1. Reading Plus sessions 33-34 are due on January 27th (an extension has been given due to the closing of the gradebook). 2. FCAT Explorer reading #10 is due on February 3rd. 3. BookIt! is due on January 24th-25th. 4. Black History projects will be issued Wednesday-Friday. These projects are due on February 27th-28th. THE PROJECTS WILL BE ACCEPTED ON THE DUE DATES NOTED ABOVE. Standard classes: "Reinventing the Invention"-Prototype & Essay Advanced classes: African-American Hero Cards ********************************************************* January 30th - February 3rd 1. Reading Plus sessions 35-36 are due on 2/3/2012. 2. FCAT Explorer reading #10 is due on 2/3/2012; reading #11 is due on 2/17/2012. 3. Black History projects are due on February 27th-28th. PROJECTS WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED ON THE DUE DATES! Please see me if you need any assistance in completing your multi-grade project. ***************************************************** February 6th - 10th 1. Reading Plus Sessions 37-38 are due 2/10/12. 2. FCAT Explorer reading #11 is due 2/17/12. 3. Black History Projects are due on February 27th (odd classes) and February 28th (even classes). Standard: Reinventing the Invention Advanced: Hero Cards (minimum eight) Please see me if you need any assistance completing your multi-grade projects. ****************************************************** February 13th - February 17th 1. Reading Plus Competition
On Tuesday, February 21st and Wednesday, February 22nd, those students who have reached forty sessions with 70% or higher comprehension level will receive admittance to the SUPER TREAT BUFFET!
I will check your scores on Sunday, February 19th late in the evening so you have time to meet the criteria.
All those students with a sweet tooth….START YOUR ENGINES!
Mrs. M. Roberts Reading Plus sessions 39 - 40 are due on Sunday, February 19th. 2. FCAT Explorer reading #11 is due on 2/17/12. 3. Black History Projects are due: Advanced Classes (Hero Cards) 2/27 (odd) 2/28 (even) Standard Classes (Reinventing the Invetion) 2/27 (odd) 2/28 (even) ******************************************************* February 21 - February 24 1. Reading Plus sessions 41 - 42 are due on 2/24/12 2. FCAT Explorer #12 is due on 3/2/12 3. Black History Projects are due on 2/27 (odd classes) and 2/28 (even classes). Projects will be accepted only on the due date assigned. PLEASE SEE ME IF YOU LOST YOUR DIRECTIONS OR YOU NEED ASSISTANCE! ************************************************************ February 27th - March 2nd 1. Reading Plus Sessions 43-44 are due on March 2nd. 2. FCAT Explorer reading #12 is due on March 2nd. 3. March 2nd and March 5th: Affix Quiz (Bring your notes!). ************************************************************** March 5th - March 9th 1. Reading Plus Sessions 45-46 are due on March 9th. 2. FCAT Explorer #13 is due on March 23rd. 3. Book Report/Visual Characterization is due on March 26th (even classes) and March 27th (odd classes). ************************************************************** March 12th - March 16th (Spring Break!!!!) 1. Reading Plus Catch-Up Competition: Students who complete the most sessions over the break with a 70% comprehension rate will receive a tasty treat. 2. FCAT Explorer reading #13 is due on March 23rd. 3. Book Report/Visual Characterization is due on March 26th (even classes) and March 27th (odd classes.). ************************************************************** March 19th - March 23rd 1. Reading Plus sessions 47-48 are due 3/23/12 2. FCAT Explorer reading #13 is due on March 23rd. 3. Book Report/Visual Characterization is due on March 26th (even classes) and March 27th (odd classes). *************************************************************** March 26th - March 30th 1. Reading Plus sessions 49-50 are due 3/30/2012 2. FCAT Explorer reading #14 is due on April 6th. 3. Book Report/Visual Characterization is due on March 26th (even classes) and March 27th (odd classes). FRIDAY, MARCH 30TH IS A TEACHING PLANNING DAY! ************************************************************** April 2nd - April 6th 1. Reading Plus sessions 50-51 are due 4/6/12 (An extension has been given due to the closing of the grading period, and the 50 Laps Competition.) 2. FCAT Explorer reading #14 is due on April 6th. Friday, April 6th is a teacher planning day; this is a great opportunity to catch up on your Reading Plus and FCAT Explorer sessions. ***************************************************** April 9th - April 13th 1. Reading Plus sessions 51-52 are due on April 13th. 2. FCAT Explorer reading # 15 is due on April 20th. 3. Read the FCAT STRATEGIES handout with your parent or guardian; have them sign it and return by Monday, April 16th for a grade of 'A'. FCAT Testing begins Monday, April 16th. Please get enough sleep nightly, eat a healthy breakfast each morning to promote good comprehension, and arrive with a positive testing attitude and FOCUS! TEST-TAKING STRATEGIES: *Read and follow directions closely. *Read the passage carefully and highlight important information. *Read each question carefully to make sure you understand what it is asking. *Pay special attention to emphasized text (bold, italics, uppercase, underlined). *Look back or reread the passage to find the correct answer to the question. *ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS ON THE TEST; DO NOT LEAVE ANY ANSWER BLANK! *Study any pictures, charts, graphs, tables and captions presented. *Check answers carefully. *Read all answer choices first before choosing your response. *Think about the answer before selecting the answer from the choices, and choose the BEST answer. *When testing on the computer, make sure to click on the bubble next to the answer you select. *Before exiting the computer-based test, check the screen which lists items that are answered, unanswered, and marked for review. *BELIEVE in yourself! You are a Richmond Raider; reach for the stars! *************************************************************** April 16th - April 20th 1. Reading Plus due date for sessions 51 and 52 has been extended to Friday, April 20th. 2. FCAT Explorer reading #15 is due on Friday, April 20th. Reading #16 is due on May 4th. **************************************************************** April 23rd - April 27th 1. Reading Plus sessions 53 and 54 are due on Friday, April 27th. 2. FCAT Explorer reading #16 is due on May 4th. 3. Holocaust projects will be due on May 24th (odd classes: 3,5,1) and May 25th (even classes: 4,6,2). *************************************************************** April 30th - May 4th 1. Reading Plus sessions 55 and 56 are due on May 4th. 2. FCAT Explorer reading #16 is due on May 4th; reading #17 is due on May 18th. 3. Holocaust projects are due on May 24th (odd classes) and May 25th (even classes). These are the only dates that the projects will be accepted. ************************************************************* May 7 - May 11 1. Reading Plus sessions 57-58 are due on May 11th. 2. FCAT Explorer reading #17 is due on May 18th. 3. Holocaust topic selection is due on May 7th - May 8th for a grade; write your heading and topic choice on a lined paper. The Holocaust projects are due May 24th (odd classes) and May 25th (even classes). PROJECTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED LATE! *************************************************************** May 14th - May 18th 1. Reading Plus sessions 59 & 60 are due on May 18th. The 2+ Competition: Complete two sessions with an 80% or higher and receive two A's! 2. FCAT Explorer reading #17 is due on May 18th. 3. Reading Assessment: Students will be tested on Four Perfect Pebbles once chapter five is completed (reading and activities). This test is worth two grades. 4. Holocaust projects are due on May 24th (odd classes) and May 25th (even classes). *************************************************************** May 21 - May 25 1. Reading Plus Sessions 59 - 60 are due on May 25th; an extension has been given due to the 2+ Competition. These two are the final sessions which will be given as home learning. Students SHOULD spend their home learning time making up missing sessions. 2. FCAT Explorer reading # 18 is due on June 1. This is your final session for this program. Students SHOULD use their home learning time to make up missing sessions. 3. Holocaust projects are due this week. May 24th (odd classes) and May 25th (even classes) *************************************************************** | ||||||||||||||||||||
- FCAT Explorer Extra Credit Practice!
- Links4Youth Educational, Civic, & Cultural Pathways
- Scholastic Learning made fun!
- Townsend Press Books Discounted/free books & online reading
- Brainchild FCAT practice
- Grimm Twisted Tales
- Virtual Middle School Library Reference made fun!
- Mysterynet Become a detective and solve the mystery!
- Time for Kids Current events for students
- Teen Reads Awesome book reviews and great forums for book chat
- Awesome Library 22,000 resources in 14 languages! Read a novel online!
- Who is? Identifies who is behind the websites that you use.
- Battleship (game using metaphors) Play Battleship as you incorporate metaphors.
- Readquarium Play games/activities and print them out for extra credit!
- RELA RESOURCES AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT A wide assortment of word games
- English Plus Practice grammar, print your work, and receive extra credit!
- Bannerbooks Read novels for free online!
