Dear Parents and Guardians,
Welcome to the 2015-2016 school year! My name is Katie Schwartz and I will be your child's 8th grade English Language Arts teacher. This is a pivotal time in your child's school experience as their years in middle school come to a close. It is my goal to push your child to reach their maximum potential and prepare them to feel confident entering high school next year. This letter includes some basic information about the structure of this class.
Goals
During the first week of school your child was asked to respond to the writing prompt “What was your biggest struggle in ELA last year? What do you hope to get better at in ELA this year?”. Using their writing as a guide, I conducted one-on-one “goal conferences” where your child and I collaboratively created one ELA goal. These goals set high, but attainable, expectations for your child in this class. The goals will be progress monitored and adjusted as needed throughout the year to remain purposeful and guide instruction.
“Entry” Journals
The first 15 minutes of class will be dedicated to independent writing time. Your child will be presented with a prompt and must then respond in their journal (kept at the back of our room). These journals are meant to promote the practice of good writing habits and thoughtful reflection. At this point in the year a complete journal entry includes 1 topic sentences and 3 supporting sentences. As the year continues, the minimum requirements for a complete journal entry will increase. During this time students are encouraged and welcomed to ask for help formulating ideas or organizing their thoughts.
Grades
I will be using a point system in this class in order to place more value on major assessments/projects and less value on Classwork, participation, and homework. While the latter items mentioned are worth less points, if your child forms a habit of not completing homework or class assignments it will majorly affect their grade. I am always available to assist your child so they complete their work and remain successful.
Homework
I estimate giving two homework assignments each week that will enhance your child’s understanding and ability to create inferences pertaining to the text we are reading, “Inside Out and Back Again”. Assignments will be due two days after they are assigned to allow extra time to clear up confusion or ask me for additional help.
Reading Log
Within the next month I will be sending your child home with a packet that includes their individual lexile level and books which are on this level. I will allow at least two weeks after I send home this paper to begin collecting reading logs. This time is to allow you to obtain a copy of the book you and your child have selected from the list or let me know if you need my help in getting this book. These logs will require your child to read 15 minutes each weeknight (or 1 hour and 15 minutes each week). The weekend is a great time to make up any days skipped during the week. On Mondays I will check logs for the times and your signature.
Website
Once we begin reading our first novel my website will be updated frequently as to keep everyone on the same page. This is a great way for you to get an idea of what's going on in class.
Http://missschwartzsclass.weebly.com
ClassDojo
The entire 8th grade team will be utilizing Class Dojo as a means to track your child's behavior during class time as well as communicate with you. Your child was sent home with a sheet that will allow you to create an account on the Class Dojo website. Once your account is created and you have joined my class, you will be emailed a daily report of your child's behavior throughout the entire day. Additionally, we can make direct contact through a messaging feature on the site as a substitute to email. It is our goal to constantly keep you informed of your child's behavior so we can work together to troubleshoot any problems that may arise.
Best,
Ms. Katie Schwartz
8th Grade English Language Arts Teacher
Gateway Lab School
[email protected]
Welcome to the 2015-2016 school year! My name is Katie Schwartz and I will be your child's 8th grade English Language Arts teacher. This is a pivotal time in your child's school experience as their years in middle school come to a close. It is my goal to push your child to reach their maximum potential and prepare them to feel confident entering high school next year. This letter includes some basic information about the structure of this class.
Goals
During the first week of school your child was asked to respond to the writing prompt “What was your biggest struggle in ELA last year? What do you hope to get better at in ELA this year?”. Using their writing as a guide, I conducted one-on-one “goal conferences” where your child and I collaboratively created one ELA goal. These goals set high, but attainable, expectations for your child in this class. The goals will be progress monitored and adjusted as needed throughout the year to remain purposeful and guide instruction.
“Entry” Journals
The first 15 minutes of class will be dedicated to independent writing time. Your child will be presented with a prompt and must then respond in their journal (kept at the back of our room). These journals are meant to promote the practice of good writing habits and thoughtful reflection. At this point in the year a complete journal entry includes 1 topic sentences and 3 supporting sentences. As the year continues, the minimum requirements for a complete journal entry will increase. During this time students are encouraged and welcomed to ask for help formulating ideas or organizing their thoughts.
Grades
I will be using a point system in this class in order to place more value on major assessments/projects and less value on Classwork, participation, and homework. While the latter items mentioned are worth less points, if your child forms a habit of not completing homework or class assignments it will majorly affect their grade. I am always available to assist your child so they complete their work and remain successful.
Homework
I estimate giving two homework assignments each week that will enhance your child’s understanding and ability to create inferences pertaining to the text we are reading, “Inside Out and Back Again”. Assignments will be due two days after they are assigned to allow extra time to clear up confusion or ask me for additional help.
Reading Log
Within the next month I will be sending your child home with a packet that includes their individual lexile level and books which are on this level. I will allow at least two weeks after I send home this paper to begin collecting reading logs. This time is to allow you to obtain a copy of the book you and your child have selected from the list or let me know if you need my help in getting this book. These logs will require your child to read 15 minutes each weeknight (or 1 hour and 15 minutes each week). The weekend is a great time to make up any days skipped during the week. On Mondays I will check logs for the times and your signature.
Website
Once we begin reading our first novel my website will be updated frequently as to keep everyone on the same page. This is a great way for you to get an idea of what's going on in class.
Http://missschwartzsclass.weebly.com
ClassDojo
The entire 8th grade team will be utilizing Class Dojo as a means to track your child's behavior during class time as well as communicate with you. Your child was sent home with a sheet that will allow you to create an account on the Class Dojo website. Once your account is created and you have joined my class, you will be emailed a daily report of your child's behavior throughout the entire day. Additionally, we can make direct contact through a messaging feature on the site as a substitute to email. It is our goal to constantly keep you informed of your child's behavior so we can work together to troubleshoot any problems that may arise.
Best,
Ms. Katie Schwartz
8th Grade English Language Arts Teacher
Gateway Lab School
[email protected]