7th Grade Reading
Mrs. Custozzo
Welcome to 7th Grade reading! I am looking forward a successful year with each and every one of you. Please
read the syllabus below to gain a better understanding of the expectations for this course as well as my
grading policy. Please email me at ccustozzo@northallegheny.org if you have any questions! We are going to
have a GREAT year!
**Keep this in your reading binder!!! I will spot check it for extra credit on occasion!***
The 7th Grade Reading Focus is:
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Developing and refining all reading skills and strategies
Read critically in all content areas
Literal and inferential comprehension
Exploration of various genres
Reading and comprehending current events
Vocabulary development, literary elements, and understanding propaganda
Required Materials:
You must always be prepared for class. Please bring the following materials to class each day: pencil, binder,
AR book, journal, and textbook/novel.
Grading Policy:
Grades will be determined by the number of accumulated points each 9-week grading period. Students
are expected to keep track of their own grades. Please use the Tyler grade book to keep track of student
progress.
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Homework
Homework completion is vital to success in reading class. It reinforces concepts learned and
discussed in class. I will accept homework that is one day late for half credit. Because homework is
important and given for a purpose, homework turned in beyond one day late will be worth ¼ credit.
Please refer to the homework website for homework questions or handouts. Any student who misses
class must come see me in morning homeroom or Activity Period to get any missed assignments from
the “Ketchup” folder.
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Quizzes
Quizzes will be given on small portions of material covered in class. They may be announced or
unannounced. As long as you pay attention in class and do your homework or reading assignment, you
should be prepared.
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Tests
Tests will always be announced in advance. You must study for tests! Study guides will typically be
given to help you prepare. Please refer to the testing calendar on my website for test and quiz
dates.
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Essays
We will work on several writing assignments throughout the year. These include formal and informal
writing assignments. The informal assignments will be done in your journal. Please refer to the
homework website for due dates.
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Projects and Presentations
Projects and presentations will be a great opportunity for creativity and expressing your talents and
interests. Projects and presentations may be individual or completed in a group. Late essays,
projects, and presentations will be penalized one grade for each day that they are late. Please refer
to the homework website for due dates.
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Extra Credit
Please do not ask me about extra credit. It will be up to the discretion of the teacher and will not
be given on an individual basis. Please do not rely on extra credit to bring up your grade. Extra
credit will require extra work. Any extra credit opportunities will be announce in class and posted on
the website.
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Participation
Participation is worth 20 points each 9-week grading period. In order to earn maximum credit for
participation, you need to pay attention in class, answer questions in class, participate in class
discussion, and complete class work. Participation points will be deducted for failure to complete the
previously mentioned activities.
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Accelerated Reader
You will be required to read books on your own throughout the year. They must be at the
appropriate reading level and on the Accelerated Reader List. Once you complete the book, you need
to take a quiz on the library computers to earn AR points. You will be given more information about
this at a later date.
Classroom Rules/Expectations:
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Be Respectful
Be prompt
Be prepared
Be polite
Be productive
Be positive
***When you enter the classroom go to your seat immediately and begin working on the “Cash Cab” (Focusing
Activity) questions that are on the board with your group. You will earn $ for correct answers that can be
used to redeem privileges.
Positive Behavior Incentive:
Students will balance a “Checkbook” throughout the school year. Each semester students will be direct
deposited $100 and will be able to earn additional $ during our Cash Cab focusing activity at the beginning of
class and also for meeting and exceeding expectations. Students will lose $ when expectations are not met. AT
the end of each month Privilege Coupons can be purchased. This IS NOT tied to grades. This system not only
promotes positive behavior but teaches the real life skill of balancing a checkbook and writing checks.
Grading Scale:
A- 90-100%
B- 80-89%
B- 70-79%
D- 60-69%
E- 59% and below
Student Signature: ____________________________________ Date: _________________
Parent Signature: _____________________________________ Date: _________________