MS. SHERIDAN
LANGUAGE
ARTS
Room A4
WELCOME TO
CLASS
Syllabus
Me - Education
 Graduated
from Hauppauge High School
in 1978 in Long Island, NY
Me - Education
Me - Education
Me - Education

Graduated from New York University
Graduated Brooklyn Law
School in 1988
Same Year
Then,
Finally,
More recently,
Favorite things
Language
Arts
What will we be doing?
What will we be doing?

Focusing on:

Reading
Comprehension
 Strategies
 Higher Order Thinking (evaluation & analysis)


Vocabulary
Roots, prefixes, suffixes
 Strategies to understand unfamiliar words


Writing
Stages of Writing
 Six Traits

SHERIDAN
CLASSROOM
RULES &
PROCEDURES
Big Picture
 Think
about a time you felt disrespected
 What happened? How did you react? Jot
down some notes.
Big Picture
 My


main rule:
Treat other people the way that you would
want to be treated.
Do the same thing for yourself.
The Point:
 We
need an atmosphere of mutual
respect.
 We need an atmosphere that is
conducive to learning (limit outside
distractions).
 What does that mean?
The Point:
 What
is respect?
 Should
you have to earn it?
The Point:
 What
is an “atmosphere that is conducive
to learning (limit outside distractions).”
Responsibility – A way to show
respect for yourself
 Come
prepared.
 Own your learning.
 Get grades that make you proud.
 Do your best.
 Know that your future is in your hands and
no one else’s.

Share experiences.
 My
parents
What to bring to class:





Bring a binder with paper, dividers, pen or
pencil, highlighter and a dry erase marker.
Always have a book to read in case you finish
your work before other students.
We will be focusing on note-taking this
semester, so it is crucial that you have your
binder every day.
The final exam will cover the whole semester’s
work SO, DON’T THROW YOUR NOTES AWAY.
Cornell notes will be used.
How to walk into the room:
 Go
to the restroom or for water before
you enter the room.
 Line up outside the classroom. We’ll walk
in together.
 Go straight to your assigned desk.
What to do after you enter the
room:
 Take
care of your bellwork. All bellwork is
graded!
 Reading Comprehension – Read the

passage and answer the questions.
You earn one point for each correct answer.
What to do when you enter the
room:
 Take

care of your bellwork.
Journal - The journal prompt will be on the
board. Enter the date and answer the
questions including all requirements in your
journal.









Write at least five full sentences.
Indent your paragraph
Start every sentence with a capital letter.
End sentences with correct punctuation.
Use at least 40 words (nonsense words don’t count).
You must address the prompt.
Journaling is worth 6 points.
NOT PRIVATE – Other people will edit your journal entry. Also,
we may share.
If you write something that makes me concerned about your
safety or the safety of others, I WILL report it.
What to do when you enter the
room:
 Take


care of your bellwork.
Grammar Practice – Daily Grams
Usually 3-5 points
How to pass in papers:
 Tests
or classwork – Hand in to me or
place in appropriate basket when you
are finished. Baskets are in the back of
the room. One side is to me, the other is
“return to students.”
 Read or work quietly at your desk until
other students have finished.
 Keep Returned Papers in Case of Grade
Disputes and to study for Final Exams.
What to do when you need a
pencil sharpened:
 Sharpen
pencils before class begins.
 If you need the sharpener on a rare
occasion, raise your hand and ask me.
How to ask for permission to
ask or answer a
question/make a comment/
or get out of your seat:
 Raise
your hand and wait to be called.
How to exit the classroom:
 Stay
in your seat until you’re dismissed.
The class will only be dismissed when
everyone is seated.
 Teachers dismiss classes, not bells.
What to do when you have
paper to throw away:
 Wait
until the end of class. Place in the
can.
 Please don’t ever throw anything in class
(automatic consequence).
What to do when you're taking
a test:
 Take
your test without talking. Turn it in
when complete. Read or work silently at
your desk until other students have
finished.
 If you talk, it is assumed you are cheating.
 Cheating results in a zero and disciplinary
action.
When I need the class to be
quiet:
 I’ll
ring the bell.
If you are absent:
 You
have as many days as you were
absent to make up work.
 Make-up work is located in the “while you
were out” bin in the back of the room.
 It is organized by days and then by weeks.
So, if you were out on Tuesday, look in the
Tuesday folder. Take out handouts or
worksheets.
 Assignments (like page numbers) are
written in the composition book in the bin.
If you are absent:
I
need a volunteer:
 If
it’s Thursday, and you were absent
yesterday, where would you find your
missing work?
If you are NOT absent but
have late work:
 You
cannot submit late work for full credit.
 See me.
Restroom
 You
will need a restroom pass and you
must sign out on the sign-out sheet.
 If you use up your passes, wait for the
class to be over.
Grading
 Your



grade will be computed as follows:
Exams, Quizzes and Projects – 60%
Classwork – including Notebook Check – 20%
Homework – 20%
Willis Junior High
Information
Before School
• You must remain in the center of campus or in
the multipurpose room (cafeteria).
Cafeteria
• WE ARE “C” LUNCH. GO TO LUNCH AFTER 4
•
•
•
•
PERIOD.
LUNCH IS 1:05-1:39. TODAY, GO TO 3RD PERIOD
CONNECTIONS AFTER LUNCH. Normally, go to 5th period
after lunch.
The cafeteria is located on the east side of campus inbetween the M building and the gym.
When you arrive in the cafeteria, make sure that you know
what you want to eat and always have your I.D. ready to
show the lunch lady.
When you get up to the front:
1. Type in your I.D. number
2. Order your lunch
As soon as you finish eating head towards the center of
campus for the lunch break.
TH
Cafeteria
• WE ARE “C” LUNCH. GO TO LUNCH AFTER 4
•
•
•
•
PERIOD.
LUNCH IS 1:05-1:39. TODAY, GO TO 3RD PERIOD
CONNECTIONS AFTER LUNCH. Normally, go to 5th period
after lunch.
The cafeteria is located on the east side of campus inbetween the M building and the gym.
When you arrive in the cafeteria, make sure that you know
what you want to eat and always have your I.D. ready to
show the lunch lady.
When you get up to the front:
1. Type in your I.D. number ****************
2. Order your lunch
As soon as you finish eating head towards the center of
campus for the lunch break.
TH
The Patio
• The patio is located right next to the gym and
the indoor lunch room.
• Outside there are two lunch lines and a few
tables.
Inside Cafeteria
• Inside, there are three lines. The bathroom is
right next to the door that goes to the patio
eating area.
Outside Cafeteria
First Week Menu
Breakfast
Lunch
Student Services
• Student Services is the place to go when you
need a new or temporary I.D. It also provides
students with information on activities and
school forms.
• If student services is closed you can go to the
office for assistance.
Nurse’s Office
• The nurse’s office is for emergencies.
• It is on the west side of the office.
The Gymnasium
• The gym is usually used for P.E. The gym will
be used for assemblies, dances and other
events.
The Library
The library is located in the building behind the office.
In the library there is a check out counter,
bookshelves, and tables.
You can access the library before school and during
lunch
After school, Homework Hub will be in there so you
will be able to study, work, and use the computers
for school work.
•
•
•
After School
• After school students are expected to leave
immediately.
• If you ride the bus you will find the bus with your
route number on it; the number is on your I.D.
• If you need help, some of your teachers will
have after school tutoring. Check with your
teachers to find out when they offer it.
Attendance
• Attendance is mandatory. You are expected to
be at school every day.
• If you are sick, a parent or guardian must let
the school know.
• Unexcused absences will result in punishment.
• Students are responsible to make up all work
that they missed.
Have A Great Year!!!
• Remember, respect your teachers, your peers
and yourselves.
• Make 2012-2013 your best year ever!
• Now meet your neighbor (venn diagram
activity).