- Westwood Middle
- Syllabus
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Course Name: English Language Arts
Instructor Name: Mary Leigh Harr
Contact Information: Feel free to email me with any questions or concerns.
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School Phone: 434-797-8860
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Room location: E105
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Email address: mharr@mail.dps.k12.va.us
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Planning Period/Office Hours: 1: 10 - 2:20 PM
Course Description: In seventh grade, students continue to build upon skills previously taught in earlier grades. There is a continued emphasis on reading comprehension by comparing fiction and nonfiction texts. In fiction texts, students will identify elements of a variety of genres while focusing on an author’s style. In seventh grade, there is an increased emphasis on nonfiction reading, and students will identify the source, point-of-view, and purpose of texts. The student will continue the study of word origins and roots and begin identifying connotations. The student will also plan, draft, revise, and edit writing in a variety of forms with an emphasis on expository and persuasive writing. Students will write to develop and modify a central idea, tone, and voice to fit the audience and purpose. Students will continue to deliver multimodal presentations individually and in collaborative groups. Students will also interpret information presented in diverse media formats. Students share responsibility for collaborative work, as both a contributor and a facilitator, while working for consensus to accomplish goals. The student will apply research techniques to quote, summarize, and paraphrase research findings while properly citing sources. As in earlier grades, the meaning and consequences of plagiarism will be stressed.
Course Competencies/Learning Objectives:
Throughout the course of study, students will demonstrate skills for reading in the areas of communication, word analysis skills, vocabulary, comprehension of fiction texts, and comprehension of nonfiction texts, writing, and research. Spiral review expectations include communication skills, multimodal literacy skills, word analysis skills, and vocabulary skills daily.
Student Evaluation:
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Student Conduct/Behavior
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(Gold) Assessments, Test, Projects 40 %
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(Silver) Quizzes and Minor Assignments 35 %
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(Bronze) Classwork, Homework, and Participation 25 %
A = 90-100% | B = 89-80% | C = 79-70% | D = 69 -60% | F = 59 -0%
Attendance Policy:
Regular and prompt class attendance is an essential part of the educational experience. Westwood Middle School expects students and guardians to exercise good judgment regarding attendance and absences. Students will accept full responsibility for ensuring their work does not suffer because of absences. All students are expected to attend every scheduled class on time. Exceptions may be made for illness and valid emergencies.
Course Requirements:
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All homework should be completed as assigned.
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All students should be ready to participate in all class activities.
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All students will be expected to use appropriate classroom etiquette.
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All students are expected to respectful, responsible, and ready to learn on a daily basis
Class Supplies:
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Two Composition Notebooks
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A one- inch binder
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Loose leaf paper
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Pencils
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Highlighters
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Colored Pencils
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Large glue sticks
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Pair of safety scissors
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Pencil case/ storage container
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A smile!
Parent and Student Resources
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All homework will be posted on my teacher webpage. My teacher webpage can be found on the ‘About Us’ tab and the ‘Teacher’ tab on the school website.
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All parents are encouraged to check the Parent Portal. The Parent Portal can be found on the district website.
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