Week of August 17, 2009
Quote of the week:
"If you can dream it, you can do it!" Walt Disney

Supply list for English:
One box of tissue (like Kleenex) for first period only
1) 2" binder (just plain, no zippers etc.)
Loose leaf paper
Dividers (six)
1) Spiral notebook (wide rule)
1) pack (100 cards) 3 x 5 white index cards
1) 2 pocket folder
pencils

All students will be given a literature book on Thursday to take home. These books will be returned at the end of the year.

8th Grade English:
Always come to class prepared.

We will be concentrating on vocabulary this year. Students will be given a prefix, suffix, and three root words every week to help build their vocabulary. Quizzes on these words will be given on Thursdays.

Students will be given spelling words each week that support their root words, prefixes, and suffixes. Spelling tests will be given on Fridays.

A letter grade is lost for each day that work is late unless the student has received an extension. After the third day, work can only receive an "F". However, an "F" is better than a zero. Students can recover from an "F". It is difficult to recover from a zero. No extra credit points will be applied to zeros earned from not turning in work.

Any student who receives a "D" or "F" on a spelling/vocabulary test can raise the grade to a "C" by writing all missed spelling words ten times and all missed vocabulary words and their definitions five times. The original quiz must be returned with these. The student may write the words (and definitons if required) on the back on the quiz sheet. The make-up work MUST be turned in the day after it is given out. No credit will be given for work turned in late.

Eighth graders are required to read one novel or book every six weeks. These books should be accelerated reader books, but it is not a requirement. Studens should not read books that are more than two levels below their reading level. However, if the student is reading at 10th grade level or higher, they may choose books that are at a 6th grade level because there are not that many interesting books at their level in the library. If a student wishes to read a book below their reading level, or a book that is not an accelerated reading book, they must run it by me first to receive credit for it. If an accelerated reader book is read, the student must take the AR test. If they do not pass the test, they may write a letter to Mrs. Mooney and tell her about the book. If a student reads a book that is not an AR book, they will also be expected to write a letter to Mrs. Mooney to receive credit.

No extra credit will be given when a student has a zero for not turning in work.

All typed writing assignments must fit this format:
Name
Date
Period in upper right corner

12 pt. Font
Times New Roman or Comic Sans
Indented paragraphs
Double spaced
Titled

English 1,3,4 and 7 periods

Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Pass out 8th Grade rules, English Syllabus, and Student survey. After students fill out the survey, discuss them in class and collect them.
Homework: Return all papers.

Thursday, August 20, 2009
Pass out books, go over class requirements, do writing survey.

Friday, August 21, 2009
We will be setting up the binders. Go over what constitutes a good paragraph. Pass out a sheet of paper and give students a writing prompt. Allow enough time to write to the prompt. Collect all papers.
Homework: Bring supplies on Monday.