Class Syllabus

6th Grade Language Arts

Instructor Sherri Holmes E-mail sherri.holmes@sumnerschools.org (preferred)

School Web
Phone 325-8066 (leave a message) http://pwm.sumnerschools.org
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Planning Class Home Found at school web page; go to: Academic tab;
1st Period; 7:55 8:40 am
Period Page 6th grade link; Reading courses;
Student and Parent/Legal Guardian:
Welcome to a new school year at Portland West Middle School! Im looking forward to the year ahead and exploring all the
great literature at our fingertips. The curriculum for English Language Arts is designed to continue students exposure to a
variety of literary texts with adequate understanding, to refine grammar skills, and to improve writing through the writing
process. Comprehension is vital to helping us understand each piece, and we will be connecting what weve learned to
our own lives through responsive writing and classroom discussions. During class time, we will work with a partner, a
group, or individually, and literature Circles will be a part of our learning.

Students will be visiting the school library during our scheduled Language Arts class every week. Check out will be
available during class time, and students are responsible for returning books when they are due. Books returned
damaged will result in damage fees. Please be respectful of any materials checked out.

For class, we will be reading passages from the textbook, Literature-grade 6 (Holt McDougal Literature, Common
Core Edition). U.S.A.: Holt McDougal, 2012. Students will use a class set of textbooks while in class, and
unfortunately, these textbooks MUST remain in the classroom. If a student is absent, it is vital to check out a
reading book to take home over night to complete any reading and/or comprehension assignment. There is an
online option for students that have connectivity at home. Go to website: http://my.hrw.com. The log-in code is
pwms2013, and the password is the same, pwms2013. Make sure to hang on to this code, keep it near your
computer, so you will have it when you need it. We will also use other resources to support our writing mechanics
and grammar.

Each student will be bringing home an agenda with daily assignments and homework listed for each class. This
planner should come home EACH night and come to school EACH day. Should a student misplace their agenda, a
web page has been set up through our school website that will include some homework assignments, weekly
vocabulary lists, suggested reading lists, and more. Homework is kept limited so it is expected to be completed
when students return to school the next day.

Students will need to bring the following materials to my class each day:
*Student Agenda Book
*Three-ring binder with pencil pouch and pocket dividers
*Two pencils with erasers NO PENS MAY BE USED
*Loose leaf paper
*Colored pencils, markers, or crayons (Students will be told in advance to bring these items. Students are
welcome to use classroom supplies as long as they are respectful during use.)

Classroom rules:
*Come to class on time (in your seat when the bell rings) and get to work
*Come to class prepared with the materials listed above (This includes all homework assignments and being
prepared for scheduled tests.)
*Ask for permission BEFORE you speak or get out of your seat
*Treat others with respect at all times (This includes being respectful of all classroom materials.)

Consequences for violating classroom rules:

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It is essential for each student to follow all school expectations. These expectations are taught extensively during
the first week of school. Each infraction has a specific consequence. For instance, if a student comes to class
without their required materials, they will be sent to retrieve the item(s) from their locker. This infraction would
count as a tardy. The first tardy per class for each semester will result in a written warning. Each tardy following
will result in a detention which is served either before or after school. Parents will be notified of detentions by
phone or email.

Cheating and/or plagiarism will not be tolerated and will result in an automatic grade of zero. This includes copying
homework, classwork, test answers, talking during a test or quiz, allowing someone to copy your work, and trying
to pass off someone elses work as your own.

School Grading Scale:

All grades will be posted on parent portal where parents are able to view student grades in real time. Assignments
received late will not be accepted unless it results from a student being absent. All make-up work must be turned
in within five days of a student returning to school. It is the responsibility of the student to request, receive, and
turn in their work without being prompted. Extensions for make-up work can be granted to parent or student
request if the circumstance warrants this request. Missing work will impact student grades significantly. The best
option for students is to stay organized, complete assignments by the due date, and get the assignment turned in
on time. There may be a couple of opportunities for extra credit throughout the year, so I encourage students to
take advantage of them if they are available. Progress reports will be sent home with every student at the mid-
point of each nine week period, and report cards will be sent home at the end of each nine week period.

Special note for class:

*Please understand that at-home reading is expected and is a component of our course. Each student will be held
accountable for at-home reading.

*Each student will need one composition and one spiral notebook for this class. These books will be used during
class time and will remain in the classroom. These books were included on the school supply list. If your student
needs help in getting these books, please let me know. I am happy to help out. Please bring these to class as
soon as possible. Composition books are sold in the Panther Post, our school bookstore, for $1.00, and spiral
notebooks are also sold for .75.

*Each class period will begin with a Problem of the Day known as a POD. Students are expected to come into class
and immediately begin working on this assignment, a Language Review. It is extremely important to keep up with
this paper all week and to turn it in at the end of the week with correct answers to receive full credit. The answers
are discussed each day to aid students in better understanding. Each days POD is worth five points totaling a
twenty point assignment at the end of the week. At the end of the nine weeks, these assignments are worth up to
200 points. Students who fail to complete the daily assignment and turn it in completed at the end of the week,
generally see a minimum of one dropped letter grade. It is crucial to complete this assignment in order to be
successful in this class.

*Each week, students will receive a weekly homework assignment, in which students are expected to complete
daily skills questions. Students are expected to answer each set of daily questions and return the homework sheet

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to class the next day as we will grade it in class. At the end of the week, the homework assignment will be taken
up for a grade of 28 points. It is important to stay current with the completion of this assignment and turn it in
each week to receive full credit. Please note: Some students may prefer to complete the questions daily or all at
once at the beginning of the week. This is a personal preference and can be done either way. Regardless of the
manner in which this assignment is completed, it is important for the homework paper to be brought to class each
day in order to receive full credit.

I am excited about another school year and working with you and your child. I understand that all students learn
in a different style and on different levels, and I will make every effort to meet you and your childs needs this
year. In order for your child to be successful, we must actively work together. You may contact me with any
questions or concerns at school or email at any time. Again, I look forward to a great year.

Cut here and return this section to Mrs. Holmes for credit.

I understand all information discussed in this class syllabus for the 2017-2018 school year.

____________________________________________ ______________________________________________
Student Name Parent Name

____________________________________________ ______________________________________________
Student Signature Parent Signature

Is there an email that could be used for communication if needed? If so, please provide it below.

Parent Email

Please Note: If you would like to receive classroom notifications, please follow the instructions on the Remind
101 handout to get signed up. If you have any questions with this process, please let me know.

Cut here and leave this section at home near your computer so you will have it when you need it.

Online Textbook is available for students if you have internet

Go to website: http://my.hrw.com
Log-in code: pwms2013
Password is the same: pwms2013

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