http://mrsharrisons8thgradelanguagearts.shutterfly.com/

Please use the above link to my new and improved website!

Dear Parent or Guardian:

             Welcome to the Knights of the Round Table (KORT).  The team is comprised of five teachers: Mrs. Brown- Mathematics, Mrs. Bernard-Mark - Science, Mrs. DiStefano - Literature,
Mrs. Suraci- U.S. History, and Mrs. Harrison - Language Arts.  Being part of the team will give students and teachers the feeling of belonging to a small group, which has common goals and whose members are supportive of each other. 

            The following information will help your child to adjust to their third and final year of middle school.  We would like all parents and students to review this carefully together.  Please sign and return the last page of this letter to Mrs. Harrison by Monday, August 29.  Please refer to this document as a reference throughout the school year.  We are confident that by working together, teachers, parents, and students, we will achieve a common goal in having a successful and productive year.  Thank you for your support.

ACADEMICS

            Our team sets high academic standards.  We expect all our students to remain well-prepared for their classes throughout the year and to be motivated, contributing learners. Because the KORT teachers support the concept of “student as learner,” we expect our students to actively participate in the learning process. This places a great deal of the responsibility for learning upon the student. Thus, we ask that all of our students and their parents be aware of the following rules concerning assignments:

            1. Assignments are due on the date given by the teacher and will not be accepted late.  Computer problems are not an excuse for late assignments.

            2. All assignments including essays and projects given before the student is absent are due when the student returns to class.

            3. After an absence, it becomes the student’s responsibility to request make-up work from the teacher. Students are given 48 hours for each day of excused absence to turn in make-up assignments.

            4. If a student has a permitted absence, all make-up work should be acquired ahead of time and is due on the day of return to class.

            5. If a student leaves class due to early dismissal, any assignment due must be turned in  before leaving school.

            It is recommended that students stay in touch with a few of their peers when absent and to try to come back to school as nearly caught up as possible so that the make-up work load might be lessened.

www.new.schoolnotes.com - Mrs. Harrison, Mrs. Suraci, Mrs. Distefano, Mrs. Brown, and              Mrs. Bernard-Mark post their assignments on this website for parents and students to access regularly. Type in the school’s zip code (33028) and then scroll down to the teacher’s name.

EIGHTH GRADE GRADING SCALE

            A         90-100                                                                        C         70-76

            B+       87-89                                                                          D+       67-69

            B         80-86                                                                          D         60-66

            C+       77-79                                                                          F          0-59

PLEASE NOTE: Grades may be accessed on Pinnacle (gradebook.browardschools.com/piv). We encourage all parents to monitor their child’s progress using this tool.

HOMEWORK/ STUDY SKILLS

            Homework requirements are designed to develop and reinforce skills and concepts taught in the classroom to prepare for the next day’s lesson. In order to develop good study habits, we suggest that you set aside a daily study period. All homework assignments should be listed in their planners. Please set aside a place at home where you and your child can communicate through the planner for important messages in case your schedules do not coincide.

TAKE NOTE

            Students should ALWAYS carry a novel to read when time permits and during required leisure reading. The Literature teacher will give a suggested reading list with author recommendations.

INTERIMS

            Interim reports are sent home quarterly to the parents of each student, and are expected to be signed and returned to the teacher on the following day.

TEAM RULES

            In order for us to perform at an optimum level, it is necessary for us to have rules. We must ensure an environment which is conductive to your child’s learning.

1.    Students must be in their seat and ready to work when the tardy bell rings.

2.    Students must have their identification on at all times.

3.    Students must be in the appropriate attire for school. If the student is in violation of the dress code, he/she will receive the following consequences:

1^st Offense- Violation form will be signed by parent.

2^nd-3^rd Offense- Afterschool Detention- Parent signature required on detention form.

4^th Offense- Referral

RESTROOM PROCEDURES

            Students should use the restroom between classes.   Students will not be given a restroom pass during the first ten (10) minutes or last ten (10) minutes of each class.

SUGGESTED SUPPLY LIST

            The following items are suggested and would be highly beneficial to your child’s education.

General: A box of tissues and a packet of printing paper can be turned in to the first KORT teacher of the day.  In addition, students should have two blue or black pens, 2 red pens, sharpened no. 2 pencils, a package of highlighters, loose-leaf paper, flexi ruler, graph paper, glue stick, 1 package of  3 x 5 index cards, and erasers. A thumb drive (USB) is strongly suggested for use in several of our subjects.   In addition, supplies for projects in all classes may be required during the school year.

     Additional Specific Requirements:

            Home Room:  Composition book

Language Arts:  1”  3-ring binder  (to be shared with Mrs. Brown’s math class), 1 packet   plastic 3 ring page protectors,  and 1 packet  of  dividers.                                                

            Literature:  Novel and spiral notebook.

Science:  3-subject spiral notebook and a 2”-3 ring binder.

History:  Duotang folder with pockets, 1 five- subject spiral notebook, 1 box of colored pencils.

Math:  Regular -  1” 3-ring binder and packet of dividers ( to be shared with Mrs. Harrison’s language arts class), paper and graph paper, four function calculator.

GEM – Protractor and compass in addition to aforementioned supplies and a scientific calculator (specifications will be given by math teacher)

*If your child does not have Mrs. Brown they should ask their math teacher for the suggested supplies.

Thank you for your cooperation in observing these rules and guidelines. The Knights of the Round Table teachers look forward to a rewarding year.

Student’s Name ________________________________________________________________

Address ______________________________________________________________________

Home Phone _________________________________Cell Phone ________________________

Parents’ Names _______________________________________________________________

Mother’s Work Phone _______________________ Father’s Work Phone ___________________

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Student’s Signature ________________________________________Date _________________

Mother’s Signature _______________________________________ Date __________________

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 8/23 -  Vocabulary Diagnostic test

hw:  get suggested supplies and return paperwork.  Please return KORT team letter to Mrs. Harrison by 8/29.

8/26 -  Begin Wanted Poster.  See rubric below.  Please attach copy of rubric to project.

 Wanted Poster Rubric

_____/10         Each wanted poster should contain a picture or sketch of the “suspect”.  The picture, sketch or snapshot should be large enough to be seen from a short distance and should display the offense.

_____/5           Find an offense to be accused of and write it under your picture.  This offense may be one of your bad habits. (You will describe this offense in your paragraph)

_____/10         Write your name and alias (A.K.A. = also known as).  Make sure the alias has something to do with your offense.

_____/20         Write a paragraph describing your offense and what trouble it has caused you and others.  You may wish to use such phrases as: 

“She/he can be seen…”

“Use extreme caution because…”

 “She/he is usually found…”

_____/20          A second paragraph should be included that gives a physical description of the suspect. Be sure to list age, height, weight, hair and eye color, and other noticeable physical characteristics.

_____/10           The reward should be something consistent with the rest of your crime.  Be sure to include the contact information if you are found.

_____/10         Project displays creativity, neatness and humor.

_____/5           Class Presentation (eye contact, strong voice, entertaining, etc.)

_____/5           Proper grammar, spelling and punctuation.

_____/5           This rubric turned in with your wanted poster.

_____/100        Total score

Wanted Poster due 8/29/11.

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8/25 - Return Vocabulary Diagnostic and record in portfolio.  Decorate outside of writing portfolio.

hw:  Wanted Poster, due 8/29.  Must include rubric.

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8/26 -  Diagnostic Essay prompt.

hw:  wanted poster, due 8/29 along with rubric.  KORT team letter signed by parent and returned by 8/29.

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8/29 -  Warm Up Journals.  Students present Wanted Posters.

hw:  None

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8/30 -  Warm Up Journals.  Students present Wanted Posters.  Finish decorating writing portfolios if time permits.

hw:  None

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8/31 -  Warm Up Journal #3.  Grammar Diagnostic.

hw:  None

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9/1 -  Pass out textbooks, pick class jobs, grade grammar diagnostic.

hw:  None

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9/2 -  Journal Warm Up # 5.  Review potential hooks/zingers for introduction paragraph.  Create three (3) introduction paragraphs using the previous thesis statements.

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9/5 -  No School

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9/6- Journal Warm up relating to story.  Brainstorm qualities of a hero.  Share answers aloud and place in Inspiration Program for all to review.  Listen to Raymond's Run, p.33 in Literature Textbook, via audio cd (20 min.).

hw:  none

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9/7 -  Journal activity- reviewing adjectives, nouns and verbs for diamonte poem.  Review Raymond's Run story and have class discussion.  Model diamonte poem, then create one based on story.

hw:  Wear NFL jersey for tomorrow.

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9/8 -  Raymond's Run grammar/vocabulary worksheet.  Create final draft of diamonte.  Pass out diagnostic expository essays to per. 3,4,6 to enter into writing portfolio.

hw:  Wear Red, White and Blue for tomorrow.

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9/9 -  Persuasive Diagnostic Essay

hw:  None

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