7th Grade Language Arts: Disclosure Document
Instructor:
Classroom:
E-mail:
Ms. Mecham
150
shannon.mecham@wasatch.edu
Class Description
The main objective of this course will be to strengthen reading, writing, listening and
speaking skills. In the seventh grade, previously learned reading skills and strategies are
revisited, and a greater emphasis is placed on the writing process.
Student Behavior
Students are expected to be safe, kind to each other, responsible and prepared. Students
that are disrespectful, or are habitually unprepared will be referred to the office and will
be docked in their citizenship grade. Parental support in matters of behavioral issues is
crucial to student success. Interruptions due to behavior make an effective learning
environment impossible, and will not be tolerated.
Required Materials
 Pen (blue or black ink) or pencil
 Lined paper
 Folder or binder to organize handouts
 SSR (Silent Sustained Reading) Book (for individual reading). This book should
be something of interest to the student, and can be either checked out from the
library or purchased. For issues or concerns regarding this requirement, please
feel free to contact me at the school.
Grades
Grades are based upon averages of points earned. I am willing and available to discuss
any questions or concerns with students or parents either before or after school.
Unfortunately, because of the limited amount of time allotted for each class, it is essential
to protect instructional time. Also, for those parents who are unable to come to the
school to meet with me regarding concerns, you are welcome to contact me by email, and
I will do my best to reply to you within 24 hours. Grades will periodically be posted in
the classroom, but students should still be checking SIS AND Canvas. SIS will only
have their total percentage transferred from Canvas, so if you’re looking for missing
assignments, you need to check Canvas. Students are encouraged to keep all graded
assignments for the entire term in order to avoid any questions concerning grades or
recording errors. The grading scale (the district secondary scale) will be as follows:
A = 92-100%
B = 83-86%
C = 73-76%
D = 63-66%
A-= 90-91%
B-= 80-82%
C-= 70-72%
D- = 60-62%
B+= 87-89%
C+= 77-79%
D+= 67-69%
F = 59% and below
Plagiarism or any other academically dishonest act will result in a zero for the specific
assignment or test and an automatic “U” citizenship grade.
Independent Reading
We will be doing a significant amount of independent reading this year, and it is
imperative that each student obtain a reading book of their choice for this purpose. There
is no minimum or maximum requirement for numbers of books read each quarter;
students will be held accountable for time spent reading. Students are required to read at
least 15 minutes a day. It is imperative that parents monitor the reading carefully.
Please, do not sign a reading log if you are not sure that your student has actually read
the required amount of time. Independent reading is a large portion (25%) of their
overall grade.
Homework
During most class periods, there will be time given to work on assignments, and the
amount of homework is largely dependent on the effective use of class time. Also, your
child will be required to read in their independent reading book every night; the required
time will vary from 15 minutes to 30 minutes. Again, this is an essential period of time,
and the student should sit in a comfortable location with minimal distraction and read for
the required amount of time. There will also be unit projects and writing assignments
throughout the term that will require homework.
Absent and Late Work
Students will be allowed to make up work for absences for one week following the
absence. After one week, the assignment becomes late. Late work will be accepted until
we have taken the test for that unit (usually a period of two weeks) and will be docked
10% for each day that it is late. I will not accept any late work after the unit has been
completed and tested. Assignments will be posted on my website, and I am also
available to discuss make up work before or after school. I AM EXTREMELY FIRM
ON THIS POLICY. Please do not allow your child to wait until the last minute to try to
“catch up” on missing assignments and raise their grade. I WILL NOT ALLOW IT.
Extra Credit
I do not provide extra credit packets or projects at the end of the term. The only extra
credit available is through additional independent reading. A student must read for 15
extra minutes to earn one extra credit point (which means that they must read 30 minutes
daily).
Hall Passes
Hall passes are granted at my discretion. Students should use the hall pass sparingly.
Those who abuse the privilege will lose the privilege.
Remediation
I am available every morning at 7:15, and everyday after school until 3:00. If you need
additional help with an assignment, if you missed a day of school, or if you need to make
up work, you are responsible for coming in at these times to get the help you need. I
want you to succeed, so please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you
may have.
PLEASE FILL OUT & RETURN
I have reviewed and understand the classroom policies and procedures for Ms. Mecham’s
class.
_______________________________
Student Name
_______________________________
Student Signature
_______________________________
Parent/Guardian Name
_______________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
Because communication between parents and teachers is vital for student success, please
provide me with the following information so that I may contact you as needed.
Home Phone: _______________________________________________________
Work Phone: ________________________________________________________
E-mail Address: _____________________________________________________
**Students who return this slip by Friday, September 4th, will receive 20 points on
the disclosure assignment.
**This will count as the first assignment of this term.