Student Objectives:

You are here to acquire proficiency in the California State Language Arts Content Standards in reading, writing, speking/listening, and vocabulary/spelling as well as prepare yourself for the next stage of your academic career-high school. The work we do in class and the work you complete after the school day ends is carefully chosen to enhance your basic skills. Students who are successful in this class stay focused on the lesson, participate in classroom discussions, complete assignments to the best of their ability, and finish and turn-in their homework.

S.S.R. and Independent Reading Log:

Students participate in Sustained Silent Reading daily in class. This meas you will need your reading books EVERY day in class. You will be given a grade for S.S.R. and points will be deducted when you do not have a book in class.

Each student is required to read at least 20 minutes every evening and must keep track of his/her minutes on a reading log. Reading logs will be collected weekly and must have a parent/guardian's signature to receive credit. This part of the Language Arts grade and in most cases you will be reading an Accelerated Reader book. Accelerated Reader books can be obtained in the Columbia Middle School Library of the Sunnyvale Public Library.

Spelling Homework:

Spelling Homework assignments will be given at the beginning of the week, for the entire week. All the homework is due on Friday, before the spelling test. A spelling pre-test will be given on Monday and the final test will be given on Friday. Any incorrect spelling words on the pre-test must be written three times each and turned in with the spelling homework on Friday. Missing homework may result in lowered overall spelling score.

Grading Policy:

Make-up work is the responsibility of the STUDENT. Don't wait for me to remind you that you missed work. You will need to make up the work immediately--each day of an excused absence equals a day to complete make-up work. Note: Make-up work is accepted; late work is not.

Be aware that all plagiarized work will be given a zero and may result in futher disciplinary action. The term plagarism means taking words, phrases, sentences or ideas of someone else (including internet, friends, relatives, etc.) and using them as if they were your own. (If in doubt, ask!)

Polices and Expectations:

• All Columbia Middle School and Sunnyvale School District rules will be strictly followed.
• Bring all neccessary materials to class.
• By the sound of the bell, be quietly sitting in your seat and working on the DO-NOW.
• Refrain from chewing gum/eating. (Water in clear bottles is the only drink allowed.)
• Do not ask to leave the room unless it is an emergency. Use the restroom between classes.
• Rembember, this is your place of work and mine. You're practicing for life!

Materials Required Daily:

• A three-ring binder with dividers
• Lined binder paper
• Agenda/planner issued by CMS
• 2 pens (blue or black ink)
• 2 correcting pens (green or red)
• 1 highlighter
• Other neccessary assignments, texts, materials, etc. specific to class period

Need Help?

I am available before school, after school, or at lunch by appointment for help with any assignment. If you are having difficulty completing an assignment, please see me soon as you can. This can prevent further confusion and save your grade.

• Reform our school for the better!
• Empower yourself!
• Success is in all of you!
• Positive thinking reflects on everything you do!
• Encourage others to do "the right thing".
• Communicate with others for better relationships!
• Together we all can make a better life for ourselves!