Language Arts
Ann Rooney
2011-2012
Room 3011
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 the Six Plus One Traits of Writing 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)
Organizer
Silent Reading Book
11. Instruction and Directions for Help?
Please contact Mrs. Rooney at 708-499-7913 or arooney@d123.org
The textbook website is http//go.hrw.com
Homework can be viewed on my web page and it should be written down in the student’s
assignment notebook every day.