Language Arts Mrs. Larson 2013-2014 Room 3012 1. District 123 Vision: “Create a Dream, Make It a Reality” 2. District 123 Mission The mission of Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123, as a district striving for excellence, is to ensure that each student learns the skills, acquires the knowledge, and develops the behaviors and attitude necessary to succeed in the future as a caring, responsible, and productive citizen; this mission accomplished through a challenging instructional program that is consistent with the state and local goals is provided by a caring and talented staff within a safe and healthy environment in partnership with the entire community. 3. OLHMS Core Values At Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School, we are committed to SUCCESS by providing an educational experience for each of our students that promotes CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT and PROGRESS toward our three “Mustang Musts.” Be Respectful refers to your ability to treat others the way you expect to be treated. OLHMS students exhibit respect by… - being polite and courteous - following classroom expectations - accepting teachers’ decisions - cooperating and encouraging others Be Responsible refers to your ability to take ownership of your actions. OLHMS students exhibit responsibility by… - being prepared for class - following directions the first time they are given - completing tasks - using equipment properly Be Safe refers to the role you play in maintaining a safe learning environment. OLHMS students exhibit safety choices by… - wearing school ID at all times - avoiding harmful situations - honoring personal space and materials - entering and exiting the learning environment in an orderly fashion 4. Rationale The purpose of Sixth Grade Language Arts is to enhance students’ communication through reading, writing, and speaking. Through the improvement and reinforcement of these skills students will be successful in future endeavors. 5. Objectives (3-5 BIG IDEAS) By the end of this course, students will be able to: read with understanding and fluency write and communicate for a variety of purposes listen and speak effectively in a variety of situations 6. Daily Procedures Each day, students will: practice strategies to improve reading skills utilize skills to improve written communication communicate effectively with their instructors and peers 7. Expectations of Student Students will be expected to: demonstrate a willingness to learn and have a positive attitude come to class every day prepared with all necessary materials follow the “Mustang Musts” as they apply to classroom and school rules put forth their best effort every day to achieve established goals 8. Expectations of Teacher The Sixth Grade Language Arts teacher will: provide a high-quality rigorous curriculum follow the “Mustang Musts” as they apply to the school setting maintain a safe learning environment deliver timely feedback of student progress establish high expectations to promote student success 9. Assessment Criteria Homework Policy: Assignments should be completed to the best of the student’s ability. Assignments should be turned in the day they are due. Assessment: Students will be assessed on the content presented in class. Ample time and instruction will be given to prepare for assessments. Retests may be given at the teacher’s discretion. 10. Materials Sixth Grade Language Arts students are required to have the following materials every day: “Elements of Literature” Textbook Binder Notebook Paper Pens (blue or black & red) Pencil Organizer / Assignment Book Silent Reading Book 11. Instruction and Directions for Help? Please contact Mrs. Larson at 708-499-6400 or jlarson@d123.org The textbook website is http//go.hrw.com Homework can be viewed at www.d123.org -Click on teacher webpages. -Find my webpage -Homework is on the main page -Most class documents can be found under “Links”