Welcome to Seventh Grade Language Arts!Mrs. Worgul. Room 208

worgul@nvnet.org

Class DescriptionIn Language Arts, we will use our time wisely and critically to cover many aspects of the English language. You will become stronger readers and writers by expanding your knowledge and skills on grammar, writing and mechanics, vocabulary, and organization, while also focusing on personal growth and development.

Materials:Computer Composition notebookFolder Binder section with paperPens/pencils Post-its

In Class Expectations and Behavior Protocol Mrs. Worgul’s number one expectation is always work hard. The famous educator Harry

Wong states, “The one who works is the one who learns.” Your class participation grade will reflect your individual performance and behavior. Mrs. Worgul’s also expects you to show respect for yourself and your peers. Please refer to the seventh grade team’s behavior contract for expectations and consequences.

Computer Use

Computer use is permitted, but when deemed appropriate by Mrs. Worgul. The computer is a beneficial asset to the learning environment when used properly. If a student is found using the computer inappropriately, then that individual will lose computer privileges during language arts.

Grading Your grades throughout the year will be divided into four sections. Listed and explained below are the percentages that each category is worth, along with the expectations:

1) Major Grades: 50%; this will include tests, final unit essays, or final unit projects/ other forms of assessment.

2) Minor Grades: 25%; this will include quizzes, projects, and smaller unit projects. 3) Homework: 15%; homework is expected to be completed thoroughly to one’s best effort,

while also completed daily. A homework grade will be inputted at the END of a marking period on RealTime. However, missing assignments will be listed on RealTime. Late assignments will count for half credit and are due the very next day. At the end of the marking period all homework is averaged together for a grade.

4) Class participation/behavior: 10%; this is where class performance is monitored. If a student is not following along in class appropriately, behaving inappropriately, or using the computer inappropriately, class points will be deducted from this category. If the situation goes beyond the teacher’s first class warning, class participation points will be lost, along with the appropriate consequence listed in the seventh grade behavior contract.

Absence and Homework/Test Policy 1) If are absent: it is your responsibility to make up any missing classwork and homework, which is due the following day upon return. You can do this in one of the following ways:

1) Contact Mrs. Worgul via email (worgul@nvnet.org)2) Visit Mrs. Worgul in the morning or after school to discuss what was

missed (please send an email to set up an appointment prior to coming in) If you are absent the day of a quiz or a test, you must speak with Mrs. Worgul and discuss a day to make it up. Word Wisdom Throughout the school year you will discover the meaning of unknown words and phrases, use context clues, analyze meaningful word parts, and consult reference materials. In turn, you will be able to demonstrate understanding of word relationships and nuances in word meanings and then apply these into your own vocabulary and writing. Each Word Wisdom unit is comprised of three sections; 10 words in each. Before each section you will receive a pretest, which will test your knowledge of the words. After each section, you will be given a posttest. All three posttests will be a minor grade averaged together. At the end of each unit, you will have a test on all 30 words.

T.G.I.F.R. Thank.Goodness.It’.Friday.Reading.A nice way to end each week is to spend a period reading. We will be reading a class novel together as a class. You will not be required to read this book at home, however, you will receive some at home assignments that pertains to the novel. You will learn new reading strategies during this time.

Book TalkAfter you have completed reading an independent reading book, it is time for a book talk. A book talk is usually between 2 – 5 minutes long. Each book talk you complete will count as extra credit. Two points will be added to your homework grade at the end of the marking period. A maximum of three book talks per marking period are permitted.