7^thGrade Reading, Language Arts, Debate

Syllabus

Mrs.Kelley

Dear Parents and students, 

I would like to welcome you to a new school year at Somerset Charter School. As an instructor I pride myself in maintaining a structured and productive learning environment I have listed my class syllabus and class procedures.  Please understand that I will be here to guide and support you in your endeavors. I extend a warm welcome and look forward to an exciting school year.    

Teacher Info

Email:akelley@somerset.miramar.com

Officehours: Monday-Thursday 3:45-4:30

Resources:

Assigned Novel Reading/readers log

SuperQAR

Measuring Up Florida Sunshine State Standards

Jamestown 

Book list for the 2009-2010 School Year

Students will be expected to read one novel per quarter. Below I have listed the books that they are required to obtain for class as well as the deadline to purchase them.

Loser By Jerry Spinelli Due by Sept 4th

Number The Stars By Lois Lowry due by Oct 9th

The Watson's Go To Birmingham By Christopher Paul Curtis Due by Nov 3rd

The Phantom Tollbooth By Norton Juster 

Due by Feb 19th

Objective Books give us knowledge,knowledge is power and we gain that knowledge through literacy.  Literacy informs us in so many ways. We learn about government, societies, peoples experiences, and so much more.

“No matter how busy you may think you are, you must find the time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance.”

~Confucius

Homework 

Reading classes will have reading logs three nights per week. The reading logs will start Tuesday Sept 8. Students will be allowed to read any book of their choice. Students will also keep record of their reading (30 minutes max). Parents are required to sign and date the reading logs daily.  Parents please make sure students are reading a novel not a comic book. Reading logs will be checked every Tuesday.

*All other classes will have HW Mon-Thurs.*

Class Procedures

To ensure a productive and structured learning environment students have written down the class procedures for the school year. All students are to learn and abide by the class procedures. The procedures are the first two pages found in the notes section of students binders. 

1.  As soon as you enter the room, you are expected to have a seat, write down your homework and begin work on the assignment listed on the board. 

2. As soon as Mrs. Kelley holds her hand up and states Freeze! you are to stop what you are doing and redirect your attention over to her.  Be ready for instructions.

3. If you wish to speak or need assistance, raise your hand. Do not call out the answer or Mrs. Kelley's name. Please be patient and courteous.

4. When handing in papers wait till Mrs. Kelley asks you to pass them up to the front and over to your right. Students who sit in the front are responsible for keeping the papers in a neat pile and wait till Mrs. Kelley collects them.

5.  If you need to use the restroom you have two passes per week. Once you use them you have to wait till the next week.

6.  If you finish the assignment early please do not let Mrs. Kelley know. You may take out your pleasure book or things to do list. 

7. If you are absent, on the day you return you are responsible for checking the class agenda and writing down the homework.  Depending on how many days you missed you have that many days to make up the work. Make sure to check the out box tray for any checked papers and placing any papers I need from you in the in box.

8.  When we line up for any reason we always walk together and silently. Keep your hands and feet to yourselves.

9.  When announcements come on we must be quite and attentive. Please do not raise your hand to speak to me during announcements. 

10.  You may get up quietly in your class without disturbing anyone to do the following, throw something away, and get a tissue.

11.  If you receive any gifts in class, you have three seconds to say thank you if not Mrs Kelley will take it back.

12.  When the bell rings at the end of the period do not get up. Mrs Kelley dismisses you not the bell.

Class Rules

1 We will be in our seats before the bell rings.

2 We will have supplies on hand.

3. We will keep our hands and feet to ourselves.

4. We will keep our classroom clean.

5. We will raise our hand to speak.

Consequences

1Verbal Warning

2Teacher/ Student contact

3Parent Contact

4Detention

5Administrative Referral

Rewards

No HW pass, sit with a friend,raffle tickets,extra credit, student of the month, stickers,prizes, certificates, and library pass.

Wish List

First Aid Kit

Pens (eraseable)

Dry Erase Markers

Hand wipes (antibacterial)

Clorox wipes

Printer paper

Planners

Upon entering the classroom students are expected to write their homework correctly in their agenda books.  We have helpers that come around at the start of the class and initial to confirm the homework for the evening. Parents please monitor the agendas daily. 

Agendas are also used for teacher/parent communication.  Students are also responsible for writing their homework daily.  Parents should expect to not see No HW written in a student agenda. There will always be something for the student to write down.

Care of agenda books are not only seen as communication tools they are also recordsources.  The agenda serves as proof of everything that is written in it.

Open door policy

Student assistance is offered after school in my classroom. Students are responsiblefor informing their parents when they will be staying for extra help as long asthere is a ride waiting for them immediately when they are done.  Students may also use the office phone to call parents at home or work. 

Attendance/Makeup work

Depending on the number of days a student is absent, they have that many days to make up the work.  It is up to the student to inquire about missed work and tests. Zeros will be given if a student failsto make up work, within an acceptable time frame.  Makeup work will not be given for unexcused absences.  If a student needs to makeup a test, they may do so on Friday mornings or afternoons. 

Testing

Tests are conducted on Wednesdays.

Supplies

Please check your student’s backpack to make sure their supplies are replenished throughout the year. Students are required to have the following supplies on hand.

A Planner.

One inch three ringed binder with five dividers.

Loose leaf college-ruled paper.

Eraseable pens blue or black.

One pocket size dictionary and thesaurus.

Index cards.

Highlighters.

Notebook Check

Notebooks will be checked once per quarter to help students with organizational skills.Parents please check your child’s binder to ensure they have their work readyto hand in the next day.

Whiteout

Not allowed.  Students may use erasable pens instead. We only use pencils unless otherwise instructed.

Paper

Parents please purchase loose-leaf paper. Do not buy student notebooks in which paper can be torn out.  Students tend to waste time by havingto tear out the left over edges and toss it on the floor.  Loose -leaf paper can easily be replenished into student binders.

Restroom

Students are allowed two passes per week. Students are not allowed to go to the restroom when switching classes.  They may go to the restroom ten minutes after the bell rings, and ten minutes before the bell rings.

Class Rules

The classroom rules are posted and students have reviewed each one.  Students also have written down a list of class procedures.  They are expected to follow to ensure an organized and structured learning environment. 

Gum

Three gum infractions will result in an after school detention. 

Detentions

Will be served on Thursdays after school. Lunch detentions may also be administered. 

Donations

Always accepted.  Tissue paper, paper towels, printer paper, hand sanitizer, and dry erase board markers are greatly appreciated. Thank you to parents who have donated.

Notice of student failure

Studentshave been informed that any misbehavior will be documented.  In addition students have been advisedthat parents will be notified if they are failing the class.

Unexcused Tardies

Student may only be tardy to class three times. If a student continues to come late to class they will serve a detention.

Cheating

Students found plagiarizing, copying, or cheating will receive an automatic zero and parents will be notified.  

Text Books

Takepride in the books assigned to you. Students must pay for assigned books that are lost or damaged. 

Grading Scale

Exam/Quizzes                 30%

Classwork                      25%

Homework/Participation   15%

Projects                         15%                                   

PersonalIndependent Work  15%

A=90-100%

B=80-89%

C=70-79%

D=60-69%

F=59%-0

Academic Requirements

Grades are awarded on a percentage scale

Grades of a D or above will receive passing credit. 

Late assignments are accepted if the absence is excused. No make up work will be given to an unexcused absence NO EXCEPTIONS!

Extra Credit work will be provided.

I acknowledge that I have read and reviewed Mrs. Kelley's class syllabus with my child.

Date______________

Parent Name (print)__________________

Parent Signature (sign)_______________

Student Name (print)____________________________

Student Signature:__________________

Parent Cell Phone:__________________

Active parent email:_____________________________

Active student email:____________________________

Parent/Student home:___________________________

In an event of an emergency the best way to reach me is via my___________________________________ 

Are there any physical, medical,or behavior impairments I (Mrs. Kelley) should be aware of?  If yes please indicate on this line__________________________________________ 

Mrs. Kelley

7th grade 

Reading, L. Arts, Debate