Language Arts Memo from

                   Mrs. Bausch

Dear Parents,

I’d like to take this opportunity to tell you how glad I am to have your child in my language arts class.  Throughout the year we will read and study various forms of literature while placing special emphasis on strengthening reading skills through comprehension activities and vocabulary builders.  Listed below are some of the requirements and expectations for language arts this year:

Your child’s language arts grade will be determined in the following manner:

           Tests and Projects – 50%  *Major projects count as two test grades.

           Daily Grades (Class work, Quizzes, Homework Average). - 50%

Homework – Your child’s homework average will go into the grade book as one daily grade.  I will determine the average by the number of assignments completed.  For instance, if your child does all of his or her homework, the homework average will be a 100; if he does 9 out of 10, it will be a 90, and so on. Late homework is accepted only in the case of excused absence from class.

Homework is assigned for practice and reinforcement. It is an opportunity to allow students to learn from the mistakes they make. When I check homework, I am checking whether or not it is done; I am not checking for accuracy.  We check for accuracy and examine misunderstandings together in class.

Late Work – three days per day absent will be given to make up work for excused absences. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain make up work from the teacher.

Extra Credit:  All graded papers will be sent home for parent signature.  It is the student’s responsibility to have their parents sign all graded papers.  Graded work stays in the graded work section of the literature notebook, and when notebook tests are given, signed papers may be attached to the test for one test bonus point per paper.

Language Arts Notebook – Students will have at least one notebook test each nine weeks. Keeping a well organized notebook is a necessity.  The language arts notebook will have 4 sections:

 1) Bright Lights

 2) Notes

 3) Journal

 4) Graded Work

Independent Reading – Students are required under Georgia State Standards to read a minimum of 25 books per year.  In an effort to meet this requirement and engage students in meaningful and entertaining reading activities, students will be immersed in a literature-rich environment and have plenty of opportunities to select materials from a variety of sources. Students are required to read 4 books per 9 weeks, three of which will be independent, of their own choice, and done as a part of homework and in class silent reading.  Your child must pass an assessment on each book read independently, and will be given some choice on the type of assessment. Genre studies, collected works, and novel studies conducted as a whole class activity will count toward the 25 book total.

Independent Reading Grade (Counted as a TEST)

3 books read independently/assessments completed = 100/A

2 books read independently/assessments completed    =   89/B

1 book read independently/assessment completed       =   79/C

BOOK ASSESSMENT OPTIONS:  A handout will be provided in class with a complete list of possible book assessment options.  There is also a copy on my website for you to review or download.  Click on the page for Book Assessment Options.  Most of the suggestions on this handout are special book reports and presentations, but you can always take an AR test if the book is AR. If the book is an AR book, students may take the AR test to count as an assessment.  They must pass each test with at least a 70%.

 My Website – Please visit my website from Blackmon’s main website (http://blackmon.mcsdga.net).  Hit the HOMEWORK button for an overview of my lesson plans as well as upcoming project details, deadlines, and homework. I also have linked some excellent websites for review and homework help.  Frequently, I will attach copies of handouts, rubrics, and additional resources in case students or parents need additional copies for review or replacement.

 Weekly Progress Reports – I will be sending weekly progress reports for students

  whose parents have web access.

Class Rules

1. Be ready to work when class begins.
2. Come in quietly and do Bright Light.
3. Stay seated and quiet during instruction.
4. Respect the rights and property of others.
5. Follow all school rules.

I am looking forward to a successful and happy year with your child in my class.

Student Signature ______________________________

Parent Signature _______________________________

Email address (if applicable) ____________________