Class Syllabus
Course Name
English Language Arts
Course Code
23.0130002
School Name
Chamblee Middle School
Teacher Name
Mary Bujak
School Phone Number
678-874-8202
Teacher Email
[email protected]
School Website
http://www.chambleems.dekalb.k12.ga.us
Teacher Website
marybujak.weebly.com
Course Description: In this course we will integrate the different domains of Language Arts (Reading, writing, speaking, grammar, etc.) through the development of basic skills and critical thinking. The course will cover the Common Core Georgia Performance Standards (www.georgiastandards.org) and prepare students for the new Georgia Milestones Assessment. Each semester is divided into 9 week units during which students will learn, practice, and master skills and knowledge that will allow them not only to succeed in Language Arts, but also to see how the subject relates to their life and the world around them.
Curriculum Overview -This is only a guide and is subject to change.
CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
Unit 3: Heroes vs. Villains Focus: Argumentative
Unit 4: The Real Story Focus: Narrative
Writing: Students will write on a weekly basis, focusing on the expository and argumentative essay. Students will also be assigned narrative writing.
Language: Students will study the basic parts of speech and grammar functions. Students will study the difference between active and passive voice and the different verb moods (indicative, imperative, conditional, subjunctive moods). Students will study vocabulary words
Speaking and Listening: Students will participate in classroom discussions, debates, and seminars, as well as presentations to the class of their work.
Novel: Students will need a copy of No Fear Shakespeare: Macbeth. ISBN: 978-1-58663-846-7 by Monday, March 2nd.
BOARD-APPROVED INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Title
McDougal Littell Literature, 2009 Edition
ISBN
978-0-547-07526-6
Replacement Cost
$77.19
Online book and/or resources
http://www.classzone.com
Online student access code
N/A
GRADING SYSTEM: The DeKalb County School District believes that the most important assessment of student learning shall be conducted by the teachers as they observe and evaluate students in the context of ongoing classroom instruction. A variety of approaches, methodologies, and resources shall be used to deliver educational services and to maximize each student’s opportunity to succeed. Teachers shall evaluate student progress, report grades that represent the student’s academic achievement, and communicate official academic progress to students and parents in a timely manner through the electronic grading portal. See Board Policy IHA.
GRADING CATEGORIES
*GRADE PROTOCOL
Formative Assessment (pre-tests) - 0%
Assessment During Learning – 25%
Guided, Independent, or Group Practice – 45%
Summative Assessment or Assessment of Learning– 30%
A 90 – 100 ~P (pass)
B 80 – 89 ~F (fail)
C 71 – 79
D 70
F Below 70
DISTRICT EXPECTATIONS FOR SUCCESS
STUDENT PROGRESS
Semester progress reports shall be issued four and a half, nine and thirteen and a half weeks into each semester. The progress of students shall be evaluated frequently and plans shall be generated to remediate deficiencies as they are discovered. Plans shall include appropriate interventions designed to meet the needs of the students. See Board Policy IH.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Students will not engage in an act of academic dishonesty including, but not limited to, cheating, providing false information, falsifying school records, forging signatures, or using an unauthorized computer user ID or password. See the Code of Student Conduct - Student Rights and Responsibilities and Character Development Handbook.
HOMEWORK
Homework assignments should be meaningful and should be an application or adaptation of a classroom experience. Homework is at all times an extension of the teaching/learning experience. It should be considered the possession of the student and should be collected, evaluated and returned to the students. See Board Policy IHB.
MAKE-UP WORK
DUE TO ABSENCES
When a student is absent because of a legal reason as defined by Georgia law or when the absence is apparently beyond the control of the student, the student shall be given an opportunity to earn grade(s) for those days absent. Make-up work must be completed within the designated time allotted. See Board Policy IHEA.
SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS FOR SUCCESS
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
Classroom rules:
Homework is due when students enter the classroom unless otherwise specified. Late assignments will be worth 80% maximum for the first week and 60% maximum after the first week. Late work must be turned in before the end of the 9-week grading period.
EXTRA HELP
Mrs. Bujak’s official tutorial hours are Wednesday mornings from 8:00-8:25AM. Additional tutorial hours are available by appointment. Extra credit opportunities should not be expected unless in extenuating circumstances.
MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES
-1 inch 3 ring binder
-5 tab dividers
-college ruled notebook paper
-Composition notebook
-pencils and pens (blue or black ink pens only)
-colored pencils
PARENTS AS PARTNERS
Parent participation is crucial in supporting and celebrating the work our students do. Please reach out via email if you have any questions or concerns.
IMPORTANT DATES
First day of second semester- Jan. 6
Report Cards Issued (tentatively)- Jan. 17
MLK Day (No School)- Jan. 20
End of 4.5 Weeks- Feb. 6
Inclement Weather Day (No School)- Feb. 14
Music Department Disney Trip- Feb. 14-18
President’s Day (No School)- Feb. 17
Progress Reports Issued- Feb. 24
Parent Teacher Conferences- Feb. 27
Healthy Lifestyle Fair- March 6
End of 9 Weeks- March 12
Teacher Workday (No School)- March 13
Student Advisory- March 20th
Progress Reports Issued- March 26
Attendance Recognition- March 27
Parent Teacher Conferences- April 2
Spring Break (No School) - April 6-10
End of 13.5 Weeks- April 20
EOG Milestones- April 21- May 1
EOC Milestones- April 30- May 2
Career Day- May 1
8th Grade Savannah trip- May 3-5
Progress Reports Issued- May 4
8th grade Honors Night- May 7
8th grade dance- May 8
Field Day- May 15
Attendance Recognition- May 20
Second semester final exams- May 20-21
Last day of school- May 21
Report Cards Issued- June 1
Please fill out the bottom portion of this syllabus, cut along the dotted line, and return by Friday, January 10th
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Students are scheduled to receive county-issued Chromebooks at some point this semester. As we maneuver through the changes that this technology will bring, students and parents are asked to reflect upon the following:
1.) Copying and pasting information (from online or print sources) and turning it in as your own is plagiarism. Plagiarism will not be tolerated and will result in a 0% grade, parent contact, and possibly other consequences.
2.) Students are expected to stay on task when using personal Chromebooks. If off-task behavior occurs (i.e. playing games, completing assignments for other classes) consequences will be issued. Chromebooks may be taken up by the teacher if students do not remain on task.
3.) Chromebooks should be charged at home.
4.) In the case of digital communication (discussion forums, blogs, etc.) students are expected to give their best personal effort and to interact with each other in a respectful and appropriate manner.
Digital Citizenship Behavior Contract
I understand the responsibilities that come with using Chromebooks in the classroom. I promise to conduct myself as a responsible, respectful member of this new digital learning environment.
English Language Arts
Course Code
23.0130002
School Name
Chamblee Middle School
Teacher Name
Mary Bujak
School Phone Number
678-874-8202
Teacher Email
[email protected]
School Website
http://www.chambleems.dekalb.k12.ga.us
Teacher Website
marybujak.weebly.com
Course Description: In this course we will integrate the different domains of Language Arts (Reading, writing, speaking, grammar, etc.) through the development of basic skills and critical thinking. The course will cover the Common Core Georgia Performance Standards (www.georgiastandards.org) and prepare students for the new Georgia Milestones Assessment. Each semester is divided into 9 week units during which students will learn, practice, and master skills and knowledge that will allow them not only to succeed in Language Arts, but also to see how the subject relates to their life and the world around them.
Curriculum Overview -This is only a guide and is subject to change.
CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
Unit 3: Heroes vs. Villains Focus: Argumentative
Unit 4: The Real Story Focus: Narrative
Writing: Students will write on a weekly basis, focusing on the expository and argumentative essay. Students will also be assigned narrative writing.
Language: Students will study the basic parts of speech and grammar functions. Students will study the difference between active and passive voice and the different verb moods (indicative, imperative, conditional, subjunctive moods). Students will study vocabulary words
Speaking and Listening: Students will participate in classroom discussions, debates, and seminars, as well as presentations to the class of their work.
Novel: Students will need a copy of No Fear Shakespeare: Macbeth. ISBN: 978-1-58663-846-7 by Monday, March 2nd.
BOARD-APPROVED INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Title
McDougal Littell Literature, 2009 Edition
ISBN
978-0-547-07526-6
Replacement Cost
$77.19
Online book and/or resources
http://www.classzone.com
Online student access code
N/A
GRADING SYSTEM: The DeKalb County School District believes that the most important assessment of student learning shall be conducted by the teachers as they observe and evaluate students in the context of ongoing classroom instruction. A variety of approaches, methodologies, and resources shall be used to deliver educational services and to maximize each student’s opportunity to succeed. Teachers shall evaluate student progress, report grades that represent the student’s academic achievement, and communicate official academic progress to students and parents in a timely manner through the electronic grading portal. See Board Policy IHA.
GRADING CATEGORIES
*GRADE PROTOCOL
Formative Assessment (pre-tests) - 0%
Assessment During Learning – 25%
Guided, Independent, or Group Practice – 45%
Summative Assessment or Assessment of Learning– 30%
A 90 – 100 ~P (pass)
B 80 – 89 ~F (fail)
C 71 – 79
D 70
F Below 70
DISTRICT EXPECTATIONS FOR SUCCESS
STUDENT PROGRESS
Semester progress reports shall be issued four and a half, nine and thirteen and a half weeks into each semester. The progress of students shall be evaluated frequently and plans shall be generated to remediate deficiencies as they are discovered. Plans shall include appropriate interventions designed to meet the needs of the students. See Board Policy IH.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Students will not engage in an act of academic dishonesty including, but not limited to, cheating, providing false information, falsifying school records, forging signatures, or using an unauthorized computer user ID or password. See the Code of Student Conduct - Student Rights and Responsibilities and Character Development Handbook.
HOMEWORK
Homework assignments should be meaningful and should be an application or adaptation of a classroom experience. Homework is at all times an extension of the teaching/learning experience. It should be considered the possession of the student and should be collected, evaluated and returned to the students. See Board Policy IHB.
MAKE-UP WORK
DUE TO ABSENCES
When a student is absent because of a legal reason as defined by Georgia law or when the absence is apparently beyond the control of the student, the student shall be given an opportunity to earn grade(s) for those days absent. Make-up work must be completed within the designated time allotted. See Board Policy IHEA.
SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS FOR SUCCESS
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
Classroom rules:
- Respect yourself, others, and the property of others. Respect others’ time.
- Raise your hand for to be addressed in large group/class environments.
- Be prepared for class everyday with necessary materials and assignments.
- Listen and follow directions the first time they are given.
- No cell phones, iPods, other electronic devices, gum or grooming in class. If phones are a distraction in class, they will be collected and returned at the end of the day. Parent contact and additional consequences may be issued if phones are continually a problem.
Homework is due when students enter the classroom unless otherwise specified. Late assignments will be worth 80% maximum for the first week and 60% maximum after the first week. Late work must be turned in before the end of the 9-week grading period.
EXTRA HELP
Mrs. Bujak’s official tutorial hours are Wednesday mornings from 8:00-8:25AM. Additional tutorial hours are available by appointment. Extra credit opportunities should not be expected unless in extenuating circumstances.
MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES
-1 inch 3 ring binder
-5 tab dividers
-college ruled notebook paper
-Composition notebook
-pencils and pens (blue or black ink pens only)
-colored pencils
PARENTS AS PARTNERS
Parent participation is crucial in supporting and celebrating the work our students do. Please reach out via email if you have any questions or concerns.
IMPORTANT DATES
First day of second semester- Jan. 6
Report Cards Issued (tentatively)- Jan. 17
MLK Day (No School)- Jan. 20
End of 4.5 Weeks- Feb. 6
Inclement Weather Day (No School)- Feb. 14
Music Department Disney Trip- Feb. 14-18
President’s Day (No School)- Feb. 17
Progress Reports Issued- Feb. 24
Parent Teacher Conferences- Feb. 27
Healthy Lifestyle Fair- March 6
End of 9 Weeks- March 12
Teacher Workday (No School)- March 13
Student Advisory- March 20th
Progress Reports Issued- March 26
Attendance Recognition- March 27
Parent Teacher Conferences- April 2
Spring Break (No School) - April 6-10
End of 13.5 Weeks- April 20
EOG Milestones- April 21- May 1
EOC Milestones- April 30- May 2
Career Day- May 1
8th Grade Savannah trip- May 3-5
Progress Reports Issued- May 4
8th grade Honors Night- May 7
8th grade dance- May 8
Field Day- May 15
Attendance Recognition- May 20
Second semester final exams- May 20-21
Last day of school- May 21
Report Cards Issued- June 1
Please fill out the bottom portion of this syllabus, cut along the dotted line, and return by Friday, January 10th
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Students are scheduled to receive county-issued Chromebooks at some point this semester. As we maneuver through the changes that this technology will bring, students and parents are asked to reflect upon the following:
1.) Copying and pasting information (from online or print sources) and turning it in as your own is plagiarism. Plagiarism will not be tolerated and will result in a 0% grade, parent contact, and possibly other consequences.
2.) Students are expected to stay on task when using personal Chromebooks. If off-task behavior occurs (i.e. playing games, completing assignments for other classes) consequences will be issued. Chromebooks may be taken up by the teacher if students do not remain on task.
3.) Chromebooks should be charged at home.
4.) In the case of digital communication (discussion forums, blogs, etc.) students are expected to give their best personal effort and to interact with each other in a respectful and appropriate manner.
Digital Citizenship Behavior Contract
I understand the responsibilities that come with using Chromebooks in the classroom. I promise to conduct myself as a responsible, respectful member of this new digital learning environment.