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English
Casey Selover
Ext 4938 cselover@sevenhillsschool.org
Sixth Grade
Goal
The goal of the English program is to inspire and challenge my English students to become active readers, writers, thinkers, and communicators. Students will practice all of the Language Arts skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) with a goal toward building these skills through developmental levels: active, critical, and fluent.
Textbooks
· Literature and Language Arts, Holt , 2010.
· Daily Grammar, DGP Publishing Co. 2005.
· Daily Reading Program, DGP Publishing, Co. 2005.
· Prefixes and Suffixes, the Learning Works, 2005.
Literature Selections
· Retold Classic Myths
· The Golden Goblet
· Proud Taste for Scarlet and Miniver
· Various poems and short stories
· The Odyssey
· One Thousand and One Arabian Nights
Course of Study
The course of study is an integrated literature-based approach to reading, writing, listening and speaking. The literature selections are integrated with the History course of study. Within this literature-based program, students will cover the five major skill areas while working on:
· spelling and vocabulary
· sentence structure, paragraph and essay writing
· grammar, mechanics, and usage
· literature analysis
· reading comprehension
Literature and Language
Students will examine each work for meaning and apply various analytical tools including plot and character development, point of view, style, and structure. Students will also examine pieces of literature for figurative and sensory language.
Listening and Speaking
Students will engage in a variety of activities to further develop their speaking and listening skills. Students will participate in class discussion, small group discussion, Reader's Theater, write and give oral reports.
Vocabulary and Spelling
Students will study the roots of words through prefixes and suffixes. Students will develop a personal spelling list that they revise and maintain throughout the year.
Writing
Students will learn to use all stages of the writing process (pre-write, draft, response, revision, edit). Emphasis is given to writing whole sentences, avoiding run-on sentences, using proper verb form, quotation, punctuation, and use of transitional words and sentences.
Homework Policy
Homework is practice and not a measure of mastery. Homework will be given after a concept has been taught so that students can practice, reinforce, elaborate, and extend their knowledge. Homework is usually no more than 30 minutes Monday through Thursday.
Occasionally, a reading assignment might involve weekend time. However, it is difficult to put a time limit on reading and writing as each learned does these tasks at different paces. Please let me know if your student is having difficulties with English homework assignments.
Book Reports
Each student will be required to complete two book reports during the summer. During the school year, an essay will be assigned each quarter.
Grading Procedure |
|
| Writing | 40% |
| Tests | 25% |
| Quizzes | 15% |
| Class work and participation | 10% |
| Homework | 10% |
| 94 – 100 = A | 73 - 77 = C |
| 90 – 93 = A- | 70 - 72 = C- |
| 88 – 89 = B+ | 68 - 69 = D+ |
| 83 – 87 = B | 63 - 67 = D |
| 80 - 82 = B- | 60 - 62 = D- |
| 78 - 79 = C+ | - 59 = F |
Ext. 4944 jjones @sevenhillsschool.org
Seventh Grade
Goal:
My goal this year is to encourage, challenge, and inspire my students to become active readers, writers, thinkers, and communicators. Students will practice all of the language arts skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) with a goal toward building these skills through developmental levels: active, critical, and fluent. During the time students spend with me, they will be up on” their mental tip-toes.”
Textbooks:
Literature Selections:
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Rifles for Watie
Narrative Life of Frederick Douglass
To Kill A Mockingbird
Short stories, essays, and poems from various sources
Edgar Allan Poe – Selected Stories and poems – Perfection Learning
Course of Study:
The course of study is an integrated literature-based approach to reading, writing, listening and speaking. The literature selections are integrated with the History course of study. Within this literature-based program, the students will cover the five major skill areas while working on:
Literature and Language:
Students will examine each work for meaning and apply various analytical tools including plot and character development, point of view, style and structure. Students will also examine works for figurative and sensory language.
Listening and Speaking:
Students will engage in a variety of activities that will further develop their speaking and listening skills. Students will participate in class discussion, small group discussion, Reader's Theater, write and deliver speeches.
Vocabulary and Spelling:
Vocabulary and spelling lists will be taken from literature selections.
Writing:
Students will continue to use all stages of the writing process (pre-write, draft, response, revision, edit). Students will develop general writing skills -- grammar, usage and mechanics. Emphasis is given to writing whole sentences, avoiding run-on sentences, subject-verb agreement, quotation, punctuation, and use of transitional words and sentences.
Portfolios:
The compilation of a portfolio, and its assessment by the students, will be an on-going component of English class. Portfolio assessment provides for a variety of approaches to assessment to augment testing. Portfolios provide for the unique products and progress of each individual student and they allow students to evaluate and reflect on their progress.
Homework Policy:
Homework is practice and not a measure of mastery. Homework will be given after a concept has been taught so that students can practice, reinforce, elaborate, and extend their knowledge. Homework is assigned Monday through Thursday and is usually 30 minutes maximum. However, it is difficult to set a time limit on reading and writing as each learner does these tasks at different paces. Please let me know if your student is having difficulties with English homework.
Book Reports:
Each student will be required to complete two book reports during the summer and during the school year – a book report each quarter.
Grading Procedure: |
|
| Writing | 35% |
| Vocabulary | 10% |
Grammar/Punctuation/Usage/Spelling |
20% |
| Analysis of Literature | 15% |
| Reading Comprehension | 10% |
| Projects/Book Reports | 10% |
94 - 100 = A |
73 - 77 = C |
| 90 - 93 = A- | 70 - 72 = C- |
| 88 - 89 = B+ | 68 - 69 = D+ |
83 - 87 = B |
63 - 67 = D |
| 80 - 82 = B- | 60 - 62 = D- |
| 78 - 79 = C+ | - 59 = F |
English
Marianne McBride
Ext. 4970 mmcbride@sevenhillsschool.org
Eighth Grade
Textbooks and Workbooks:
Language and Sentence Skills Practice (Workbook-Holt, Rinehart and Winston)
Holt Handbook (Holt, Rinehart and Winston)
Everyday Words from Classic Origins (Perfection Learning)
Literature
Literature and Language Arts (Holt, 2010)
Macbeth (Shakespeare)
Lord of the Flies (Golding)
Primary Course Objectives:
Reading and Writing
Homework
No outside reading reviews will be accepted after the due date. Students will know these due dates on the first day of school
Grading:
The following percentages represent a guideline, not the gospel, that I use for every quarter but the third, research paper, quarter. There will be a separate hand-out explaining the grading of the research paper.
| Writing | 20 – 25% |
| Vocabulary | 10% |
| Lit. Quizzes | 20-35% |
| Elizabethan Skit (Q2) | 15% |
| Mechanics (Grammar, Punctuation, Spelling, Usage Quizzes) | 10-20% |
| Semester Final | 15% |
| Outside Reading | 5% |
Back to School Night Discussion:
French
Christiane Brinkerhoff
Ext. 4939 cbrinkerhoff@sevenhillsschool.org
Sixth through Eighth Grade
Goals and Objectives of the Middle School French program include fostering an understanding of and appreciation for French and the francophone culture (and, therefore, a respect for all cultures), building confidence in speaking a foreign language, and mastery of the basic vocabulary, grammar concepts, and reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills necessary for entry into a Level 2 French class.
Text, Workbook, CDs, DVDs :
Discovering French Nouveau - (Valette)
Homework is generally assigned to be completed by the following class period unless it is a long-range project. The homework load in French is light (15 ‑ 20 minutes, 2 ‑ 3 times a week) in seventh and eight grade. Sixth grade has a minimal amount of homework as students are beginners and the material is much lighter. Full credit for homework will be given only if it is turned in on time. Late assignments receive only partial credit.
Quizzes are given generally every 1‑ 1/2 to 2 weeks. They are based on portions of the lesson and, eventually, the entire lesson and are always announced ahead of time. Short vocabulary or verb quizzes often precede the lesson quizzes. One day's notice is common for these small quizzes. Ms. McBride separates oral quiz results from written quizzes.
Tests are based on the entire unit (usually four lessons) of study and cover a great deal of material. As one would expect, the lessons are longer and denser in eighth grade than in seventh, and in seventh than in sixth. Students are encouraged to keep all corrected homework, quizzes, and other work related to the current unit in order to be able to properly prepare for tests. Students can expect four to five day’s notice for upcoming unit tests and one to two unit tests per semester.
Grades are based on homework, written and oral quizzes, written and oral tests, oral presentations, projects, and class participation. Making an effort to participate and volunteer in class is essential to the student's success. No language can be learned without relentless practice and frequent mistakes.
History
Scott Espinosa-Brown
Ext. 4997 scotteb@sevenhillsschool.org
Sixth Grade
Ancient History
Theme: To exam the ancient civilizations in the Middle East, Africa, China, and India. To understand the historical connections and foundations of the United States to the Greek World, Roman Empire, and the Middle Ages.
Course Requirements
Grading Policy
Course Sequence
Course Materials
Course Saying
“Not to know what happened before one was born is to remain a child.” Cicero
History
Michael Sandberg
Ext. 4942 msandberg@sevenhillsschool.org
Course Web Page
Sixth Grade
History, Ancient World
Welcome to Middle School History. In sixth grade we will be studying Ancient History from the earliest civilizations through the Middle Ages.
Our textbook for the year will be Ancient Civilizations.
Homework 10%
Tests 55%
Projects 35%These percentages may vary slightly depending on the type of work given during each trimester.
History
Michael Sandberg
Ext. 4942 msandberg@sevenhillsschool.org
Course Web Page
Seventh Grade
US History
Welcome to middle school Social Studies. In seventh grade we will be studying US History. This will be a fun and interesting class and it is up to you to help make it that way. Here are the grading policies and course outline.
These percentages may vary slightly depending on the type of work given during each quarter.
US Geography
North and South
Civil War
Reconstruction and Jim Crow
The Gilded Age
World War I
The 1920’s
The Depression
World War II
The Civil Rights Movement
The Cold War
The Vietnam War
Recent U.S. History
History
Michael Sandberg
Ext. 4942 msandberg@sevenhillsschool.org
Course Web Page
Eighth Grade
World History
Welcome to eighth grade Social Studies. This year we will be studying world history from the Enlightenment through today.
Because our curriculum is thematic we will not be using a textbook but will have lots of other reading material including reading Animal Farm and The Crucible.
Notebooks can be checked with or without warning at any time.
Integrated Expressive Arts
Jason Davis
Ext. 4945 jdavis@sevenhillsschool.org
Sixth through Eighth Grade
Integrated Expressive Arts is a class designed to incorporate multiple disciplines of the arts into a cohesive whole, allowing the students to explore their creativity in a variety of fashions. It would allow for the students to approach the arts through project based curriculum, thereby providing opportunity to find avenues of self expression through the medium of the arts. The class differs from traditional arts instruction, as it applies artistic principles from multiple fields of study into one broad, cross curricular field, as opposed to each subject being studied in and of itself. Areas of instruction include music, art, film and photography, drama, poetry/literature, speech and debate, computer applications, and media literacy. This class provides a unique experience for the middle school students.
At each grade level, students will be provided instruction in the area of integrated artistic disciplines via project based learning that supports and enhances cross curricular subject matter so as to reinforce classroom learning while viewing the subject matter through the lens of the arts.
6th Grade Integrated Expressive Arts
Quarter 1:
Transitions
Quarter 2:
Introduction/Overview/Creative Thinking Exercises (1 week)
Slideshow Project (2 weeks)
Band/Choir Unit (in preparation for Winter Concert) (3 weeks)
"Decades" Project (2 weeks)
Literacy Video Podcast (1 week)
Quarter 3:
One Act Play Unit (3 weeks)
GarageBand Unit (1 week)
"The Greatest Of All Time" unit (2 weeks)
"Set Those Words To Music" Unit (1 week)
Website Design unit (2 weeks)
Quarter 4:
Band/Choir Unit (in preparation for Spring Concert) (3 Weeks)
Medieval Skits Project (4 Weeks)
Rhythm and Art Unit (2 weeks)
7th Grade Integrated Expressive Arts
Quarter 1:
Introduction/Overview/Creative Thinking Exercises (1 week)
"Bebop, The Beats, and a Man Called Jackson" Unit (4 weeks)
"All The World's A Stage" Unit (3 weeks)
The Songs of The Civil War (1 week)
Quarter 2:
Civil War Presentations Preparation (1 Week)
Band/Choir Unit (in preparation for Winter Concert) (2 weeks)
Free Speech Debate (4 weeks)
"A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words" Unit (1 week)
Quarter 3:
"A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words" Unit (2 weeks, lesson continued from Q. 2) "Protest!" Unit (3 weeks)
"A Way With Words" (Shakespeare and his additions to the lexicon) (1 week)
"A Midsummer Night's Dream" Unit (2 weeks)
"Copyright Laws and the Arts" Unit (1 week)
Quarter 4:
Band/Choir Unit (in preparation for Spring Concert) (3 Weeks)
"Art Show With The Masters" Unit (4 weeks)
"Mixed Media" Unit (2 weeks)
8th Grade Integrated Expressive Arts
Quarter 1:
Introduction/Overview/Creative Thinking Exercises (1 week)
"Music In Advertising/Ad For A Cause" (2 weeks)
Media Literacy "Koyaanisqatsi Revisited" Unit (3 weeks)
Computer Applications Elizabethan Skits (3 weeks)
Quarter 2:
"It Was Twenty Years Ago Today" (The legacy of The Beatles) Unit (1 week)
Recording Studio Techniques "Motion Picture Soundtrack" (2 weeks)
Band/Choir Unit (in preparation for Winter Concert) (3 weeks)
Media Literacy /Public Service Announcement Unit (3 weeks)
Quarter 3:
Making the Ordinary Pop (The Work of Claes Oldenburg and Andy Warhol) (1 week)
Migrant Workers Through The Lens of Dorothea Lange (2 weeks)
Cultural Studies Music Video Unit (3 weeks)
Performance Opportunity Monologue Unit (3 weeks)
Quarter 4:
Band/Choir Unit (in preparation for Spring Concert) (3 Weeks)
Performance Opportunity Research Paper Speeches (2 weeks)
Performance Opportunity Revolutions Debate (3 weeks)
| Laura Bramble Ext. 4971 lbramble@sevenhillsschool.org |
Jaime McCarthy |
Program Overview
The Seven Hills math curriculum was developed to concurrently ensure that students have a solid foundation in basic skills as well as develop problem solving skills that help students to reason mathematically and think abstractly. Derived from the California Department of Education’s Standards for Mathematics and the more recently developed Common Core Standards for Mathematics, topics of study for each grade have been carefully selected to provide an articulated scope and sequence to students as they progress through three years of middle school math and prepare for high school enrollment.
The Study of Math
The following key ideas are guidelines for students and parents to consider while studying the topic of mathematics:
How Will My Child Succeed in Math?
In addition to considering the list above, your child can easily succeed in math by following three simple ideas: Prepare, Participate, Persevere.
Sixth Grade: Math
Math in 6th grade focuses on number sense, fraction operations, fraction-decimal-percent relationships, percent operations, ratio and proportional reasoning, integer operations, statistics and geometry. Problem solving and critical thinking are integral parts of this curriculum, and students will also be encouraged to not only solve math problems but also use vocabulary and presentation skills to clearly articulate strategies for approaching problems and finding solutions. Students entering 6th grade are expected to have mastered their multiplication facts and all operations on whole numbers and decimals.
In addition to math skills, 6th grade is the year when students develop math habits such as copying down the problem, showing work, checking work, organizing work neatly on paper, and making sure that answers have appropriate labels as needed. Developing a firm foundation in basic skills will be balanced with hands-on activities to make math both relevant for students and a useful, everyday tool in the life of each student.
Seventh Grade: Pre-Algebra
The 7th grade year will prepare students for Algebra in the 8th grade. Topics of particular significance include: operations using advanced number theory, rational numbers, exponent operations, single and multi-step equations and inequalities, the Pythagorean Theorem, graphing, slope, and intercepts. In addition to maintaining fluency with all 6th grade skills, students entering 7th grade are expected to have mastered operations on fractions, decimals, and operations with integers.
Eighth Grade: Algebra I
The 8th grade year will explore topics within an Algebra I course and fully prepare students for the math content that they will see at the high school level. Algebra topics for the year include: linear equations and inequalities, systems of equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, polynomials, factoring, quadratic and exponential functions, and both rational and radical expressions and equations. In addition to all skills previously mastered in 6th and 7th grade, students in 8th grade are expected to have mastered operations on rational numbers, solving linear equations and inequalities, and operations using positive and negative exponents.
Please note that in any math class, topics of study may be altered to best suit student need and/or interest.
6th through 8th Grade Physical Education Grading System and Policies
Our Physical Education Philosophy here at Seven Hills is to develop and enhance each individual student’s self esteem, leadership, and awareness of the importance of physical fitness. In addition, character education through numerous physical education experiences and activities is an essential part of the program.
Since The Seven Hills School’s physical education program aims to instill the importance of physical activity in both social and personal development, students will be working closely together on cooperative games, socialization, and teamwork. It is important that the student participate each day to gain the most from the experience. This program will also teach the students different ways to stay healthy so that they will be able to continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle into adulthood. Students will learn a variety of team and individual sports.
Grading Policy
Participation/Attitude- 40%
High level of effort, positive behavior, sportsmanship, team play, proper PE attire, and being on time. Meeting all expectations earns students 10 points per day.
Assessments- 30%
Written evaluations, peer teaching, creation of games and activities, group evaluations and performances.
Goal Setting- 10%
Personal, social, short term, and long term goals as well as life long fitness
Fitness Runs- 10%
Completing a mile run once a month for time and graphing your progress of the run and well as your heart rate.
Binder-10%
Organization of unit papers, tests, graphs, and personal and social goals. Will be collected at mid quarter and at the end of each quarter for evaluations.
Grading Scale
90-100
80-89
70-79
60-69
Below 59
Grade System and what they mean.
A Excellent (100-90% of the time)
B Very Good to Good (89-80% of the time)
C Average (79-70% of the time)
D Poor (69-60% of the time)
- Seldom portrays a positive attitude and sportsmanship
- Seldom participates, encourages others
- Seldom wears PE shirt/shorts and appropriate shoes daily
F Fail (below 60%)
Uniform Requirement
Students will be required to wear their Physical Education uniforms, properly labeled, as well as socks and appropriate shoes. Student must be responsible for their Physical Education uniforms and if they are lost, be required to purchase another shirt and/or shorts. There is no sharing your P.E. uniform with another student. Students will be expected to dress in a timely manner and be present for roll call.
Excuses, Medicals, Injuries, Limitations
Anytime a parent wishes their child to be excused from participating in P.E. class due to illness or injury, a note is required. This note is good for 4 days and then a doctor’s note is required.
When excused from P.E. class the student is required to dress in their Physical Education clothes. You will be required to make up your excused absence during PE class, with a Physical Education subject matter assignment. Failure to dress out will result in the same consequence as a non-suit.
What to include on the note:
6th Grade Goals and Objectives
Emphasis: Cooperation and Teamwork
6th Grade Units
7th Grade Goals and Objectives
Emphasis: Decision making, meeting individual and social challenges
7th Grade Units:
8th Grade Goals and Objectives
Emphasis:
Working as a team to solve problems
8th Grade Units:
6-8th After School Activities
Missed Practices
Please discuss possible practice conflicts with your coach at the start of the season. If you need to miss a practice let the coach know of your other commitment. Missed practices are acceptable but please keep in mind, students missing a majority of practices will not play at the expense of other children in attendance.
6th Grade
Sixth grade is an excellent time to begin the after school sports program. During this year teams will practice and develop skills much more then participate in outside competition. This allows for time to introduce the sport, develop and refine skills, create a team atmosphere, and compete in games later in the season. Sixth grade playing opportunities will be approximately equal for all athletes attending practice.
7th and 8th Grade
Seventh and eighth graders will compete at a more advanced level. Coaches will ensure that all who attend practice will get a chance to play, but no promises are made as to playing time. Practices will also focus on team play and improvement of skills, but competitions will take place earlier in the season.
Practices times are set below. In most cases practices will run Monday-Thursday 3:00-4:30.There are no after school sports activities on Fridays, excepting for golf.
Restorative Justice and Conflict Resolution
Scott Espinosa-Brown Ext 4997 scotteb@sevenhillsschool.org |
Alisha Marsh |
Class Quote:
“All learning has an emotional base.” ~ Plato
Overall Goals:
Specific Skill Areas:
Overview of Lessons:
Restorative Justice and Conflict Resolution
Scott Espinosa-Brown Ext 4997 scotteb@sevenhillsschool.org |
Alisha Walker |
Class Quote:
“Trust grows when agreements are made and kept.” Ron Claassen
Overall Goals:
Specific Skill Areas:
Active Listening Skills
Understanding Contrasting and Cooperative Values
Constructive Social Strategy
Patience
Restorative Justice Principles
Collaborative Skills
Cooperation and Cooperative Resolutions
Negotiation Skills
Anger Management
Trust Building
Overview of Lessons:
Science
Matt Shargel
Ext. 4976 mshargel@sevenhillsschool.org
Sixth Grade
Earth Science
Course Description:
This class will cover geology, astronomy, and space exploration with an emphasis placed on a constant examination and use of the scientific method. These branches of science will offer students a deeper understanding of the Earth and its place in the Universe. Major projects will include rocket building, full- scale cardboard boat, trebuchet construction and testing, and several robotics projects.
Grading Policy:
Grades will be determined based on a combination of:
Class Participation Homework Labs Projects - Quizzes - Tests
All homework is to be turned in on time and done to the best of the student's ability. Late homework will be marked down 20% the first day and 30% thereafter. Poorly done or incomplete work will be handed back with no grade and must be redone correctly.
Unit 1 Plate Tectonics
Unit 2 Volcanoes
Unit 3 Earthquakes
Unit 4 Rocks and Minerals
Unit 5 Oceans
Unit 6 Soil Science
Unit 7 Local Astronomy
Unit 8 Deep Space Astronomy
Unit 9 History of Space Exploration
Science
Matt Shargel
Ext. 4976 mshargel@sevenhillsschool.org
Seventh Grade
The Human Body
Course Description:
This class will cover topics in life sciences focusing on the rich diverse biology of our community. Large projects include dissections, robotics challenges, pinhole cameras, and cardboard boats.
Grading Policy:
Grades will be determined based on a combination of: Class Participation Homework Labs Projects - Quizzes - Tests
All homework is to be turned in on time and done to the best of the student's ability. Late homework will be marked down 20% the first day and 30% thereafter. Poorly done or incomplete work will be handed back with no grade and must be redone correctly.
Unit 1 The Study of Living Things
Unit 2 It¹s Alive! Or Is It?
Unit 3 Light and Living Things
Unit 4 Cells: The Basic Unit of Life
Unit 5 The Cell in Action
Unit 6 Heredity and Genes
Unit 7 Genes and DNA
Unit 8 Studying Earth¹s Past
Unit 9 Classification
Unit 10 Natural History
Unit 11 Structure and Function of Plants Unit 12 Structure and Function of Animals
Science
Matt Shargel
Ext. 4976 mshargel@sevenhillsschool.org
Eighth Grade
Physical Science
Course Description:
This class will cover the structure of matter, chemistry, and physics. Through a hands-on curriculum, students will examine the scientific laws and theories which govern our world. Projects will include spectroscopes, high altitude balloon launching, roller coaster physics, advanced robotics projects, remotely controlled underwater vehicles, and solar vehicles.
Grading Policy:
Grades will be determined based on a combination of: Class Participation Homework Labs Projects - Quizzes - Tests
All homework is to be turned in on time and done to the best of the student's ability. Late homework will be marked down 20% the first day and 30% thereafter. Poorly done or incomplete work will be handed back with no grade and must be redone correctly.
Unit 1 Volume and Mass
Unit 2 Mass Changes in Closed Systems
Unit 3 Characteristic Properties
Unit 4 Solubility
Unit 5 The Separation of Mixtures
Unit 6 Compounds and Elements
Unit 7 Radioactivity
Unit 8 The Atomic Model of Matter
Unit 9 Sizes and Masses of Molecules and Atoms Unit 10 The Classification of Elements: The Periodic Table
Spanish
Deborah DeMaria
Ext. 4941 ddeMaria@sevenhillsschool.org
Sixth through Eighth Grade
Learning a foreign language is a unique experience for some students, therefore, the teacher plays a major role in creating an atmosphere of challenge, variety, cooperation, and enjoyment. Although my goal as a teacher is to see that my students communicate, read, write and understand grammatical elements in the second language, by no means would I like these students to feel anxiety while achieving this.
The type of second language program that I wish to convey is filled with exciting practical materials and features that will stimulate young people to WANT to work together toward language proficiency. I will use an integrated approach to language learning, which will be designed to enforce all four main language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing). Integrated to this approach, I will also develop a realistic, up to-date awareness of the Hispanic culture. The medium of instruction, during the majority of the time will be Spanish. English is used to explain difficult grammatical structures. In 8th grade all concepts are taught in Spanish and the students are expected to go into the Spanish only mode after December.
Today's classroom is composed of students who have different learning styles, special needs, and represent different cultural backgrounds. At the beginning of the school year, I intend to determine which of these learning styles suits each student, so that I can have a better opportunity developing their language aptitude to its fullest potential. The use of an intelligence inventory is given to each sixth grader in the fall. This allows me to differentiate my instruction and address each students learning style.
In order to provide the students with a variety of learning experiences I will be using the following resources as part of my curriculum:
In conclusion, the students will have experienced a total language appreciation. I would like to have YOU, the parents, be part of this experience. If you can volunteer your time to any of our activities, please send a note back with your child, with your telephone number or e-mail address. I will contact you as the need arises.
All lessons for grades 6, 7 and 8 are divided into the following sections:
Themes
Functions
Vocabulary
Grammar
Culture
Recycling
Strategies
Online components
Rosetta Stone
In grade 8 the students work on the following:
Themes
Dialogues
Useful Expressions
Buddy Conversations
Group Conversations
Rosetta Stone
*The students take the Spanish National Examination during the month of March or April of each school year.
Grading System
The following categories and percent equivalents will be used to determine your child's grade:
Grade 6
| Class participation | 10% |
| Assignments | 30% |
| Tests | 30% |
| Verb Spreadsheet | 30% |
| Total | 100% |
Grade 7
| Class participation | 10% |
| Assignments | 30% |
| Tests | 30% |
| Verb Binder | 30% |
| Total | 100% |
Grade 8
| Class participation | 10% |
| Assignments | 20% |
| Tests | 20% |
| Dialogues | 30% |
| Verb Binder | 20% |
| Total | 100% |
Organization of Binder Dividers
Grade 6 Label each section as follows:
|
Grade 7 Label each section as follows:
|
Grade 8 Label each section as follows:
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Homework Policy
I believe homework is important because it helps reinforce what has been taught in class, prepares students for upcoming lessons, teaches responsibility, and helps students develop positive study habits.
I will give homework Monday-Thursday each week. Long term projects can be due on a Monday.There will be no homework on holidays.
I expect students to do their best on each homework assignment. I expect homework to be neat. Their name and last name must be written on their paper. The date must be written in Spanish. If it is missing the student will lose 2 points from the assignment grade. All written work should be done in pencil, black or blue pen. No other colored pen will be accepted.
Make up work for absences: for every day the student is absent the same amount of days will be granted to complete and turn in makeup work without penalties.
Consequences
The student accumulates "strikes" during the quarter with the homework box, then resets the clock back to zero and starts accumulating again during the following quarter. Each time a student misses an assignment they also lose 5 points from the class participation grade.
Goals:
The main goals of Student Support are:
Students will use the middle school curriculum to learn strategies to help them with academic success. With its unique small setting, students will not only receive individual attention but will also experience group support to help them become confident with their unique approaches to processing.
Grading Policy:
Course of Study:
Student Support will shadow the other middle school classes and provide academic, skill building, as well as emotional support to help each student be successful within the curriculum in all academic classes. There is ongoing communication between Student Support and the middle school teachers to ensure appropriate support to the students. The class focus will include;
Homework:
There is no specific homework for Student Support, however there may be assigned tasks based on existing homework to apply learning strategies that have been addressed. (For example, a student may be asked to try using two column notes when reading.)
