Class+Expectations

  ** Sixth Grade Language Arts: **  ** Class Description, Policies, Procedures, & Expectations ** 

 // I have tried to anticipate some questions you and your parents may have for me. If I have not answered something, please feel free to ask. //   
 * What is needed for class? **

 Since I will provide everyone with the readings, you must only purchase 3 things for class. **I expect you to have these materials in class by //Friday, September 2// at the __latest__**. **You will be graded on whether you have the materials or not.**  
 * 1) One three-ring binder that is //at least// 1” thick. Based on the past few years, I would recommend a binder that is 1 ½” or 2” thick.
 * 2) At least five dividers. We may need more as the year progresses, so it might be good to purchase six or seven dividers. The five we know of now should be labeled:
 * 3) Grammar
 * 4) Readings
 * 5) Vocabulary
 * 6) Writing
 * 7) MCAS
 * 8) Pencils and pens. I don’t care which one, as long as you have them everyday in class. Please do not come into my room without something to write with. I will not provide a writing utensil for you.

 
 * Is late work accepted? **

 I expect all homework to be turned in on time. I will take every situation as it comes, but if there is not a valid excuse, students will only have one extra day to turn it in. The highest they can receive then is a 7/10. After one extra day, I will not give any credit.   <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">
 * What is your grading policy? **

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> I prefer to do grading out of points. For example, if a quiz is given and it is worth 50 possible points, a student may receive a 45/50, which would be equivalent to a 90%. However, the percentage does not go into my grades; it is the points that matter to me. <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> The percentage break down for each **//trimester//** is below: <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> **Homework** 15% <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> **Tests/Essays/Creative Project** 40% <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> **Quizzes** 40% <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> **Class Participation** 5% <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> Of course, there may be other assignments that are not listed above, and I will decide how much they should count in the grading process. <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">
 * Are you ever available for extra help? **

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> I will be available for extra help when students need it. If you are planning to attend extra help, you must let me know by the morning of at the latest – otherwise I cannot guarantee that I will not have a meeting or a prior engagement during that time. Also, please arrive with specific and relevant questions for us to work through together. <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">
 * Will you ever call home? **

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> I will not hesitate to call home if I think there is a problem. I also will email. We are all on the same team and everyone should be equally informed. <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">
 * How may I contact you? **

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> The best way to get in touch with me is to email me at cmoran@framingham.k12.ma.us. I will get back to within 48 hours. <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> // Below is an outline of the different components that make up this class: // <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> I LOVE GRAMMAR!!! It is very rare that you will hear someone say that, but I think grammar is the backbone of the English language, and it needs to be stressed more in school. There will be a humungous emphasis placed on grammar this year, and I will try my hardest everyday to make it interesting (I know you don’t believe me, but it actually can be fun!). <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">
 * Grammar **

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> As a class, we will constantly be reading, discussing, and thinking. We will read novels, plays, poems, letters, short stories, memoirs, and many other forms of literature. With everything you read, you become a more versed individual with more creative ideas and thoughts. The readings we have chosen for this year are all very different and interesting. <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">
 * Readings **

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> Every few weeks a new vocabulary list will be given out. I believe vocabulary is an important part of learning to read better, to write better, and to take state-mandated tests better. <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">
 * Vocabulary **

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> Writing is incorporated into everything we do in English. I will try very hard to dedicate as much time as possible toward writing. We will be working through the 6-Trait Writing Program throughout the year. The best way to become a better writer is simply to practice, and I guarantee you will be a much more experienced writer by the time the year ends. <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">
 * Writing **

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> At least once a term, you will have to complete a creative project with full instructions. These will change every time and you may, in some cases, have a choice. They will range from letter writing to public speaking to play producing. <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">
 * Creative Projects **

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> I will be honest, I am a big believer in homework and there will be a lot. However, I understand that home is for family time as well and I will try my hardest to regularly not give more than 15-20 minutes of homework a night. However, some nights there may not be any work to complete for the next day, and you must acknowledge that that then leaves me an opportunity to assign more work on another night. **//__I will give weekly syllabuses, so you will have the opportunity to plan ahead and accordingly.__//** <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">
 * Homework **

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> You are in middle school now and there is a certain level of respect I expect everyone to show – **respect for one's self, respect for others**, and **respect for one’s work**. This is what is most important to me – that our classroom works as a community. <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> If a student is being violent or extremely disrespectful to me or another student, I will not hesitate to remove him/her from the classroom. I will not tolerate any form of disrespect in my room. <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> Class Participation is going to be 5% of the Class Grade this year. Some of the many aspects of participation I include here are: <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> Again, //many// different aspects will be taken into consideration for this portion of the grade. As you can see from above, this is not a grade that I can put at the top of a quiz or an essay. It is subjective; I will base the grade on my observations and interactions with the students. <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Book Antiqua',serif; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">
 * Discipline **
 * Class Participation **
 * Classroom behavior
 * Willingness to work hard
 * Ability to focus and concentrate
 * Contribution to class discussions about ideas, concepts, and homework
 * Effort