Course Description and Expectations
Language Arts (7th grade)
From Mrs Sanyal's desk
Welcome! Because being a good reader and writer is essential to success in high school, college, and the work place, all Language Arts/ Social studies classes at Piedmont Middle School emphasize these important life skills. As a student in this class, you will read widely, write thoughtfully, listen actively, speak more confidently, and think critically. You will be exposed to reading techniques, which will help you improve your
comprehension and understanding. You will also become proficient in the writing process as we practice valuable writing skills.
Writing Objectives:
In this Language Arts course, you will continuously demonstrate your skills and ideas through writing.
Throughout the year, we will work towards the following goals:
� Writing focussed essays with a clear introduction, supporting details and conclusion.
� Applying word origins and context clues to determine the meaning of words.
� Comprehension and Analysis of Grade- Level Appropriate Text
� Understanding elements of literature and poetry
� Identifying and correcting common writing errors
� Using correct grammar and punctuation
Novels we will read: 1) Holes by Louis Sachar.
2) Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor.
Recommended Texts:
Holt Handbook: FirstCourse
Holt Literature & Language Arts: First Course
Dictionary and Thesaurus is a must for every student. The dictionary should be carried in the backpack every day.
Homework:
Homework will be assigned daily and is due at the beginning of the period the following day. Unless there is an excused absence or other special circumstance, negotiated in advance or verified by parent/guardian,late assignments will receive zero points. All assignments should be complete when turned in.
Class Materials:
You must have something to write with and something to write on every day. Students will use a separate note book for Language Arts. Every student will be provided a separate classroom binder to keep all their corrected assignments ( class work and homework). All the assignments should be kept carefully, students will use these assignments at the end of the year to create their final year end project. The final project of the year will be a scrapbook of the year. Students will reflect on all the assignments they have done and the events that have taken place at the school and in the world. Please contact me if you need any support in getting the supplies necessary to be successful in our class.
Independent Reading Book:
You are expected to bring an independent reading book, a book you are reading outside of school, with you to class every day. You choose your own books, but you are to have a book in your possession at all times. If you don�t like a book, abandon it and choose another. Numerous titles are available to check out from the school/classroom library. Students will do a Reading log as they read their books every week. The Logs are checked every friday.
Attendance:
You are responsible for making up all work missed when you are absent. It is your responsibility to find out what you missed and to get any handouts. You have one day for each day you are absent to make up any missed work for full credit. If your absence is unexcused, you will receive a zero for that assignment. The best way to stay up-to-date on all work when absent is by doing one of the following three things:
� Contact me by email. I can be reached at:
sudeshna.sanyal@berryessa.k12.ca.us.
If received before lunchtime, I intend to send a response by the end of the school day.
2. An equally reliable method is finding a responsible friend in class who you can count on.
His/her name is ________________________________, and
his/her phone number is ______________________.
This friend should also be someone who you can call if you need further clarification on
an assignment once already at home. Use your resources!
3. The least convenient, but still effective, method is to call the school. A homework request
will be sent to me, and a response will be sent to the front office. This process requires
that someone physically come to school to pick up the completed homework request.
Supplemental Materials:
Periodically, videos will be shown in class to enhance the comprehension of literature and other class content. Some of these videos may have PG-13 ratings. For your child to have inclusion in these activities,parental consent is necessary. Please sign in the space provided on the signature page to give consent for your child to view these videos.
Classroom Rules/Procedures:
The following rules have been established for the benefit of all students so that we will have the most effective learning environment possible:
� It is essential to treat others with respect. Do not swear or make jokes at the expense of
another. Disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated.
� When you have a question or comment, please raise your hand. Do not talk when others
are talking, including the teacher.
� There will be NO food or drink or gum in the classroom. The only exception is bottled
water.
� Please sharpen your pencil before class begins or when I am not talking to the class.
� Be in your seat when the bell rings.
� We will be sharing this space until June, so respect your surroundings. Keep your area
clean and, of course, no writing on desks, walls, posters, etc.
� Your desk is your responsibility. You will be held accountable for writing that is on your desk or trash that is directly underneath or around it.
� Bathroom passes are only given in extreme emergencies. It is your responsibility to
budget your time effectively in these matters.
� School policies will be followed. (No hats, cell phones, iPods, mp3 players, etc.)
� Come to class with a positive and open mind. Think logically about the choices you make,and take responsibility in the consequences that may result.
This information is to help you so that you will know what is expected of you in our class. With your commitment to being a hard-working student, I am confident you will develop the skills necessary to enter the next stage of your educational pathway. Remember, whenever you need any extra help, come see me at break, lunch, or after school (with parent permission). I am here to help you. Please don�t be embarrassed to get extra help or have something explained a second time. I promise you won�t be the only one. At times this class will move fast or be confusing because it is new. Individual help can clarify an assignment and provide support in completing work. It�s better to get the information you need when you need it than growing more confused or lost later.
Assignment #1
Return Tomorrow
20 points
I understand the procedures and policies explained in Ms. Sanyal's Language Arts Class
Expectations handout, and I will do my best to follow them:
____________________________________
Student�s Signature
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have read the above information and I will assist my child in following these policies.
_____________________________________
Parent or Guardian�s Signature
I give permission for my child to view PG-13 rated videos that enhance the contents of
the course.
______________________________________
Parent or Guardian�s Signature
* Back to School Night is _________________. I hope to see you there!
� Due to our budget constraints we will be having very limited funds to
buy our school supplies. A donation of 10-15 dollars or 3/4 reams of
copy papers will be greatly appreciated.
* If you have any questions or concerns you would like to share with me at this time,
please do so in the space below: