Classroom+Expectations

** __ 7th Grade Reading and Language Arts Expectations __ **
 * __ Miss May’s __ **

sarah.may@dmps.k12.ia.us 515-242-8447

Welcome to 7th grade! Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Sarah May, and I will be your Reading and Language Arts teacher for the 2010-2011 school year. This will be my eighth year teaching at McCombs Middle School. I have previously taught 8th grade Reading and Language Arts as well as 6th grade Reading and Language Arts. If you have had me for class before, things have changed a bit, so please carefully read through the information provided. I am looking forward to an exciting and productive school year with “Everyone Expecting Excellence Everyday.”

Guidelines and Expectations

I expect each 7th grader to be successful here at McCombs and more importantly later in life. My guidelines for this success and the principles by which my classroom will operate are that each student should be caring, respectful, and responsible. I intend to foster a learning community in which these ideals can be reached. The connection between school and home is extremely important and I look forward to working closely with parents and guardians this year.

__Be Prepared:__ You are expected to arrive on time to class with a planner, spiral notebook used only for Reading and Language Arts class, pencil, independent reading book, folder, and completed assignments.

__Daily Assignments:__ You are expected to enter the classroom quietly, sit in your assigned seat, fill out your planner, and begin your daily warm-up activity. You are required to be in the classroom by the time the bell rings or you will be counted tardy. If you are counted tardy, you will owe me detention.

__Planners:__ You are expected to fill out your planner every day for Reading and Language Arts. You should record what we complete in class, as well as homework assignments and due dates for projects. I will be checking your planner every Friday for completion.

__Late Work:__ If an assignment is not complete when the student enters the classroom, it is considered late. You should write LATE at the top of your paper and turn it in as soon as possible. There may be consequences, such as half credit or staying in for recess or after school, depending on the circumstances.

__Absent Work:__ In the case of an excused absence (sickness, family emergency, appointment, etc), it is your responsibility to copy a friend’s planner and check the “Make-Up Folder” in the classroom for missing assignments. Be sure to ask questions after class if you do not understand the expectations.

__Pass to Leave Room:__ You will receive few passes to the bathroom, drinking fountain, and locker per week in all of your classes. You will need to write a pass in your planner on that date and ask the teacher for a signature and permission to leave. You must sign out on the sheet provided at the back of the classroom whenever you leave and sign-in when you return.

__Reading Logs:__ You will be required to complete a reading log each week. You will complete your reading logs in class.

Grading:

Time spent in Reading and Language Arts will be based on 4 important components:


 * Fluency- the ability to read text aloud with appropriate speed, accuracy, expression, and phrasing
 * Comprehension- understanding what one reads
 * Word Work- the way that words are formed as well as spelling and vocabulary
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;">Writing- communicating ideas with others through written forms

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;">All activities and assignments will fit into one or more of these components/categories.

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;">__Scholastic Book Orders:__ Scholastic book orders will be offered to you, usually on a bi-monthly schedule. Participation in the book orders is completely voluntary. Once book orders are sent in, delivery usually takes place within 7-10 days. Payment is due when the order form is turned in.

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;">__Classroom Library Book Checkout:__ In addition to the school’s library, you are welcome to check out books from my classroom library. Only one book may be checked out at a time, and for a time period of two weeks. Classroom library books are the property of me (Ms. May), and students who lose or otherwise “damage” a classroom library book will be asked to pay for a replacement copy or provide a replacement. You will not be allowed to check out books from my library without a signed and returned Lending Library Agreement.

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;">__Contacting Ms. May:__ I am available to meet with you anytime after school from 2:30-3:15pm. If you need help or have questions, please see me after class to set up a meeting time.