Welcome to 8th Grade Welcome to 8th Grade English!English!Mrs. Fischer

Teaching PhilosophyTeaching Philosophy

Empower students to excel in a rigorous and interesting curriculum.

Instill an appreciation for reading and English Language Arts.

Encourage critical thinking skills.

Create an atmosphere of mutual integrity, respect, and empathy for others.

Overall Goal: To create lifelong learners and informed global citizens.

My goals as an My goals as an educator:educator:

Create a learning environment where my students feel free to contribute without being judged and feel that their opinion is valued.

Show my students that they are cared for and respected.

Allow my students to become the best person that they can be, grades aside.

Classroom RulesClassroom RulesBe on time and in your seat when the bell rings.Have all class materials every day.Communicate respectfully with each other.Demonstrate respect for everyone in our class.Take responsibility for your actions.Be honest! Do your own work for this course. Copying material from another student or the internet is not allowed!

Materials Materials The following materials are to be brought to class daily:

Agenda Book

Pens & Pencils

Highlighters

2 Pocket Folders

Loose-leaf Binder with 4 Sections

Binder Hole Punch

Post-its

A box of tissues (only one box at the beginning of the year)

Daily ProceduresDaily ProceduresTake your seat and copy the homework into your agenda

Begin & complete “Do Now”

Go over homework and/or “Do Now”

Proceed with class activities. These are varied activities that incorporate individual, pair, and group assignments.

Closure and assessment. This is a comprehension check in order to ensure your understanding of the materials presented in class. (So, if you have questions – ask!)

Homework and important announcements reminder.

8th Grade 8th Grade CurriculumCurriculum

Quarter/Unit 1: Culture, Belonging, &

IdentityEssential Question: How does conflict shape

one’s identity?Text(s): Chinese Cinderella

by Adeline Yen Mah, Chinese Poetry, and Informational texts

Quarter/Unit 2: Expectation, Choices, &

ConsequencesEssential Question: Does

technology enhance the human condition?

Text(s): Daniel Keyes‘ Flowers for Algernon, "The Power of the Powerless" by Christopher DeVinck, and Informational texts.

Quarter/Unit 3: Stepping into a Different

PerspectiveEssential Question: What allows some individuals

to take a stand against injustice while others choose to participate in it?

Text(s): The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd, excerpts from Richard Wright's Black Boy, and Informational texts

Quarter/Unit 4:Universal Struggles Against

SocietyEssential Question: When an

individuals choices are in direct conflict with

society, what are the consequences?

Text(s): William Shakespeare'sRomeo and Juliet

*Grammar and Vocabulary are taught throughout each quarter

Department Grading Department Grading PolicyPolicy

Summative Assessments: 40%

Formative Assessments: 55%

Classwork/Homework 15%

Quizzes/Tests 25%

Essays/Formal Writing 15%

Cumulative Exam: 5%

Please Note: This is a mandated department policy

HHH English HHH English Department PoliciesDepartment Policies

Missed homework will be accepted for half credit on the following day, unless we have gone over it already

If a student is absent, he or she is responsible for getting the work and making it up within a reasonable amount of time – lessons do not excuse a student from completing class-work/homework assignments

If a student turns in a summative assignment late, he or she will lose 10 points each day

NO extra credit

How can you help?How can you help?

Keep me informed. If you are having any issues at home or school, please let me know.

Check the portal and class Weebly frequently.

Ask a lot of questions and embrace your own learning experience.

Keep up the good work!!

Extra HelpExtra HelpHours:

Tuesday Afternoons:

2:45-3:45 pm

and

Thursday Mornings:

7:15-7:45 am

Helpful SitesHelpful SitesGrades:

HHH Infinite Campus Student Portal

Homework/Important Information:

Mrs. Fischer’s district Weebly

Homework

Upcoming quizzes & exams

Due dates

Classwork documents, etc.

Thank you!Thank you!Thank you!It has been a

pleasure getting to know

yourchildren over the

past weeks.

I am truly looking

forward to the rest of

the school year!

Jess Fischer(631) 592-3400

jfischer@hhh.k12.ny.us