English – Grade 7



Mrs. Felicia Pimentel

fpimentel@

Cell: 372-1912

American Preparatory Academy

English Composition 8 Honors

Disclosure Statement

Course Description: American Preparatory Academy provides an academically rigorous 8th grade Language Arts curriculum. We follow the English curriculum outlined in the National Core Knowledge Scope and Sequence, which includes literature, expository writing, grammar, vocabulary, and spelling. Our class utilizes the Wordly Wise Vocabulary program, the Shurley Grammar program, and Warriner’s Grammar and Composition. All work should be kept in order in the binder provided. Good organizational skills are essential for success at APA Jr. High.

Writing Assignments: Students will consistently practice the elements of good writing. Students will be expected to complete a variety of writing assignments. The longer compositions will go through important stages, including a graphic organizer, rough draft, revised draft(s) with editing conferences, and a final, typed draft. After obtaining peer and adult conferences, students will submit ALL drafts and any conference forms with the final typed draft. In addition to expository essays, students will write one Reading University (RU) report and read an additional book from the RU list per term. Students may select RU books from the approved list on APA’s website, and deadlines will be posted in advance on SIS and on our board.

Textbook Policy: Each student will be assigned Wordly Wise and Warriner’s books, for which he/she will be held accountable. If a student allows others to use his or her book, the student is still responsible for any loss or damage to that book. Students will also be issued books periodically based on a literary unit of study. In their Learning Plan, students must record the barcode number, title, and book number of each book they are assigned. Remind your child that book values used in the APA Jr. High curriculum range from $10 to $120.

Communication: To be as responsive as possible to students and parents, I update SIS information on an almost daily basis. The only exception involves major essays, which can take several weeks to assess. It is essential that parents and students check SIS daily for assignment information and grades. Whenever needed, please contact me with any questions or concerns regarding an assignment.

***Late Work***: APA emphasizes the critical importance of submitting all work by the due date. An assignment is late if it is not submitted by the due date during the student’s scheduled class period. If an assignment is late, it may be docked 10% per school day, up to a maximum deduction of 40%. Please note: NO late work can be accepted in our class less than five days from the end of a grading period.

Absences: Absences should be a rare occurrence. If a student is absent the day an assignment is due, the student will need to turn in the assignment on the day that he/she returns. Students are responsible for obtaining any work they missed during an absence. The student must obtain missed work information from a peer’s Learning Plan and then see me during lunch for assistance as needed. When students have been absent, they have as many days to make up their work as they were absent. (Extenuating circumstances, however, will certainly be taken into consideration with a written note or email from a parent.) If a student misses a test, he/she must arrange to take the test on the day they return to class unless other arrangements have been made with the teacher. Students complete missed tests in our classroom during lunch or during study hall by appointment. Students can also make an appointment to come in after school. Tests are subject to docking if not made up within five school days. Please note: NO late tests can be taken less than five days from the end of a grading period.

Classroom Behavior: Students are expected to follow the American Prep Code of Conduct, the CHAMPs program, and our classroom rules. Each student will earn a weekly Participation Grade based on student performance. Students will earn points for excellent behavior, such as being prepared, working diligently, and participating respectfully in class discussions. Students will lose points due to poor performance, such as tardiness or excessive talking.

Grading: The grading breakdown is as follows:

10% Participation/Behavior Grade

25% Class Work and Homework

35% Exams

30% Essays and Reports (including major R.U. reports) **

* Re-takes allowed for most tests (grade averaged with original score)

** Re-writes required for most graded essays and reports

Anti-Plagiarism Policy: Students may not share, assist with, or copy homework or class work from another student unless the teacher specifically grants permission. In that case, CWA (Collaborative Work Allowed) will be clearly written on the top of the paper. As long as the student actually completes the work, parents are encouraged to proof and to offer revising suggestions to their child. Students must also cite any sources used and take particular care not to copy information directly from any type of publications.

Additional Data: I am excited to be your child’s English Composition 8 Honors teacher and look forward to a wonderful, productive year. Please contact me at any time with concerns. To obtain the quickest response, leave messages by email and on my cell number. I care about your child’s academic success in my class.

Kind regards,

Mrs. Felicia Pimentel

***********Please cut and return portion below************

American Preparatory Academy

English Composition 8: Disclosure Signature Section

Student’s Printed Name __________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature_______________________________________________________________

Parent or Guardian phone #’s and emails___________________________________________________________________

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