Language Arts Syllabus
Seventh Grade Language Arts
Welcome to language arts at the Seventh Grade Center! I have prepared this syllabus as an overview of expectations I have of you and things you can expect of me. I am excited about this year and I am looking forward to sharing it with you. Please read these pages carefully and store this in your binder for reference the entire year.
Teacher: Mrs. Friend
Email: [email protected]
Planning Period: 10:08-11:08
Parent Portal: Check Owasso Public School website under the “Parents” tab for information.
Textbook: Pearson Literature
Novels: Selections will be based on meeting the Oklahoma Standards.
Supply List
The seventh grade center has one school supply list for the year.
Class Website
My website is through the Owasso Public Schools. This will be a great way for you to stay informed of what is happening in our classroom on a weekly basis. It is a wonderful means of communication for both the student and the parent. In addition, you may want to sign up for reminders through Remind. Directions for doing so will be sent home within the first few days of school.
Class Rules
#waystobesuccessful
Be on time, on task and prepared to learn EVERYDAY. #nofreedays
Respect the teacher, the classroom, other students and
yourself. #benice
Be responsible for your own learning. #workhard
#nocheating
Clean up after yourself. #notyourmom
Keep all personal electronics put away. #onlywithpermission
I set high expectations for myself and my students. You are all excellent 7th grade students. Please enter my classroom with an attitude we can all enjoy. I will expect all students to be sitting up with their eyes on whoever is speaking and listening attentively. Take pride and responsibility in your assignments, words, actions, and who you are.
Classroom Procedures
Assignments: All assignments will be posted on the assignment board in our classroom. Students may choose to use a student planner to record the daily assignments. This is the total responsibility of the student.
Supplies: The students should have their folder/binder and all needed supplies everyday in class.
Make-up Work: If a student is absent, he or she is responsible for making up the work by checking the assignment board in the classroom and gathering any handouts from Mrs. Friend. As our Owasso Public Schools handbook states, students will have one day for each day missed, plus one additional day to complete absent work. Make-up work is given to Mrs. Friend. Work not completed by the time outlined in the handbook will be considered late unless special arrangements have been discussed with me ahead of time.
Late Work: As a seventh grader, it is necessary to understand the importance of turning work in on time. However, I understand that we all have “those days”. I will go over the procedure in class, but an assignment may be turned in the following day for a late grade. If the assignment is not turned in the following day, the assignment will only receive half credit when it is submitted. An assignment not turned in will result in a zero. I will work with you as long as you communicate with me so we can make a plan. If this becomes a pattern, then we will need to meet and develop a plan to break the habit.
Homework: All daily work that is not completed in class becomes homework and is normally due the next day. In addition, our No Red Ink weekly lesson will be homework on most weeks.
Literacy: Students will be reading and writing a lot this year. Students will be required to read and pass a Reading Counts test on a book once a month, for most months. Students are encouraged to read each evening at home. Books read independently may have an assignment associated with them. Most days there will be some time allowed for reading and periodically we will have a relaxed reading hour. Bringing a book to my class every day is required.
Bonus/Extra Credit: The way for a student to be successful in my class is to do the work assigned, turn it in on time, and prepare for quizzes and tests. When bonus is offered, you don't want to skip the opportunity.
Grades: Grades are recorded as points rather than percentages.. As a seventh grader, you are responsible for your grades and we will learn how to monitor them using parent portal.
Discipline: Students are expected to treat other class members and me with respect. This element of respect provides a healthy environment for learning. Discipline matters will be handled by me as often as possible. I will evaluate each situation and apply discipline to encourage a change in the behavior. My goal is to alter an undesirable behavior rather than simply punish a student.
Cell Phones: At the Owasso Seventh Grade Center cell phones are expected to remain in the classroom phone “locker” or in the backpack the duration of the school day. From experience, I have found that this is a difficult expectation for students to follow. Though phones can be used as a tool, more often than not, they become a distraction. Because each of our students have been issued a Chromebook, access to the phone is not needed. Therefore, I provide a “locker” for each student’s cell phone. As an incentive to students, I will offer monthly bonus points each day that their cell phone is placed in the assigned slot. If I see a phone out after roll is called, then it will be placed in "phone jail" until the end of class on my desk. My goal is for the students to get the most out of my class with the instruction time we have available.
Communication: I am looking forward to a great year. If you or your parents need to visit with me, at any time, please let me know. Remember, I am always here if you need extra help, all you have to do is ask. Communication is vital to success.
**“Set your goals high and don’t stop until you get there.”
Bo Jackson