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    Welcome to 8th Grade English Language Arts!

     

    Dear Parents and Students,

     

    Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year! I am looking forward to a fun and productive year in 8th-grade Language Arts. We will be focusing on preparing for high school and the Ohio State Test (OST) in reading using the key components of English Language Arts: Reading, Writing, Language, and Speaking and Listening. Below, you will find a few extra pieces of information that you might find helpful.

     

    In order to build a community, promote productivity, and foster collaboration, I have adopted bees as the theme for my classroom. During the first weeks of school, students will learn how bees are genetically programmed to work together as a colony to eliminate anything that hinders productivity and ignore the toxic behaviors of others. Students will also learn about how bees are loyal, work together for the common good, and always give their best effort. There is much to learn from the behavior of bees that can positively affect both classroom behavior and academic performance.

     

    Classroom Rules and Discipline:  


    The NUMBER ONE rule in my classroom is: to treat others with respect and kindness at all times.  Following this rule will make our classroom a calm and comfortable place.


    Other rules to remember: 

    1. Be seated in the classroom ready to begin class when the bell rings (ready also means technology is put in its correct place)

    2. Heads up during the entire class period, including during reading time  (No sleeping allowed!)

    3. Stay on task until the bell rings, unless I tell you otherwise.

    4. Heads are to remain uncovered for the entire class period (no hats or hoodies).

    5. Food and beverage in the classroom are limited to small snacks and water 


    All rules outlined within the student handbook apply in my classroom. Above all, remember that YOU are responsible for yourself and your actions


    Discipline Consequences:

    1. Verbal warning 

    2. Home will be notified via email or a phone call 

    3. Office referral. 


    *Severe discipline infractions will result in an automatic office referral

    **Please note: reports of misbehavior when there is a substitute teacher or visitor in the classroom will result in automatic disciplinary action


    Technology


    Upon entering the classroom each day, phones and any other electronic devices will need to be muted and powered down until permission is given for devices to be used. Violation of this policy will result in confiscation of the device and disciplinary action.  


    Respectful adherence to both the technology rules and recognizing that phones are a privilege in the classroom, not a right, will result in greater phone freedom in ELA.

    Charged Chromebooks:


    Fully charged Chromebooks are expected to be brought to class daily. Failure to bring a charged Chromebook to class will affect classroom participation points. 

    Earbuds:


    Earbuds are a required supply for 8th-grade ELA. Make sure to have a set of earbuds compatible with your Chromebook with you daily.


    Corrections: 


    Students will have the opportunity to correct most failed tests/quizzes/assignments for a passing grade. Due to the necessity of resetting assignment grades, students must request the opportunity to make corrections. Please note: Students may only request to make corrections if they have failed a test/quiz/assignment. 


    Sustained Silent Reading (SSR):  


    In an effort to strengthen reading skills and interest, students will be encouraged to participate in sustained silent reading daily. By 8th grade, students are expected to be reading chapter books related to their skill level and areas of interest. Students may choose to bring their own book, find a book from the local library, or use a book from my classroom library. Reading the same book repeatedly and reading books well below grade level will not be tolerated!  Books are expected to be school-appropriate, grade-level chapter books. Students should be prepared with an SSR book every day. Reading books online is always acceptable.

     

    Absences and Late Work: 


    There will be an agenda posted on Google Classroom every week. If you miss school, please check Google Classroom for the agenda when you are absent, and the absent box for paper assignments immediately upon returning. This is your responsibility. Any handouts or worksheets you have missed will be in the appropriate folder in the absent work box. For example, if you are absent on the 18th of the month, check the #18 file for any paper assignments you may have missed–your name will be on your copies. Please check this bin before asking me what you missed. 


    Due Dates:


    Due dates for projects and assignments are not suggestions. Work is expected at the beginning of class on the due date.  Late work will NOT be accepted for full credit with the exception of extended time as detailed in an IEP or 504. Please note that “extended time” is specifically stated on IEPs and 504s and is the limit of the extension that will be allowed. Please make sure your student is aware of their extensions for both assignments and assessments.


     If a student misses three assignments in a quarter, home will be notified via email.


    It is important to understand that I DO NOT ACCEPT LATE WORK for any reason after the established late policy. Assignments are given based on the skills we are learning at the time. Turning in assignments/projects weeks after the lessons have been taught and the skills that have been the focus of class defeats the purpose of the assignment. If there are extenuating circumstances related to your inability to complete an assignment/project, please speak to me immediately and we can work something out. I strive to be fair and flexible. Do not wait until after the due date to try to explain why the work is incomplete.


    Vacations:

    It is expected that vacations will be planned during times when school is off for a scheduled break, but it is understood that this is not always possible. In the event that a student is out of school for a planned vacation, please make sure to get a signed vacation form from the office. Assignments scheduled during the time the student is expected to be absent will be gathered for the student to complete while absent. All assignments will be due upon the return of the student. Any assessments given during the absence of the student will be administered upon their return.


    Food and Beverages in Class:


    Students are welcome to eat a small snack in class provided there are no crumbs or trash left behind. Water is the only acceptable beverage permitted in my classroom. Beverages other than water will be left on a desk outside my classroom door to prevent accidental spillage, distraction, and potential sticky messes.

     

    Extra Credit/Busy Bee Bonus Points:


    Opportunities for extra credit are rare in my class. Students should be very successful in my class if they complete all assignments and take advantage of making corrections. However, I do provide Busy Bee Bonus Points to all students each grading period. All students can earn ten (10) Busy Bee Bonus Points each grading period by making sure to complete their assignments, follow classroom rules, and keep their Chromebook charged for the class. Students will start each quarter with their ten (10) Busy Bee Bonus Points in place. Each time a student misses an assignment, breaks a class rule, has to charge their Chromebook in class, borrow earbuds, etc. they will lose two (2) of their Busy Bee Bonus Points. At the end of the quarter, any remaining points will be applied to their final grade for the quarter.

     

    Supplies:


    All students will need to have the following items available for their daily use:


    earbuds (must have every day)

    composition/notebook specific for ELA

    2-pocket plastic folder (any color) specific for ELA

    1 pack of paper (regular or college-ruled)

    pens (blue or black) 

    pencils (regular or mechanical)


    *This list is not meant to be exhaustive for the year. Supplies will need to be replaced as the year progresses and other items may need to be purchased for special projects or activities.


    The following classroom donations would be greatly appreciated:

    • large boxes of Kleenex

    • a roll of paper towels

    • disinfectant wipes 

     

    Contact Information:  


    I am available in the classroom before and after school and during my planning period to provide assistance or answer class-related questions. Please feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, or concerns. Email is the fastest way to reach me and receive a response.  My email is sp_putt@springfieldspartans.org

    I will try to return phone calls within 24 hours.

     

    I look forward to working with all of you this year! 


    Dr. Lisa Putt

    sp_putt@springfieldspartans.org

    330-798-1002 ext. 545244

    8th Grade ELA/ 8th Grade Adv. ELA

    Room #111