7th Grade Humanities
2010-2011
KEEP IN BINDER ALL YEAR!
September 1, 2010
Dear Parents:
We welcome you and your child to the seventh grade. The humanities department recognizes that
students are unique individuals whose diverse social, intellectual, and academic needs should be
met in the classroom on a daily basis. To affect greater differentiation in addressing and meeting
those diverse needs, we will work hard on those challenges for the coming school year.
As you know, each student possesses multiple intelligences and learning styles. Diagnostic preassessment allows teachers to direct students to lessons and activities that best meet their
intellectual needs. Students who are approaching mastery, or are at the beginning level, will have
teacher directed practice, flexible grouping, and will be afforded every opportunity to improve
their skills, allowing them to meet or exceed the given standard.
Both formal and informal assessment will be used throughout the year in language arts and social
studies to ensure that all students are given the tools they need to be successful. Seventh and
eighth grade humanities will place a continued focus on writing skills. Each quarter, ten
consecutive days will be designated writing instruction days during language arts. These many
opportunities will enable us to recognize each student’s uniqueness and wide range of talents.
We look forward to an exciting and challenging school year. Always feel free to contact us
(email is best) with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
slavene@oakparkusd.org
The Seventh Grade Humanities Team
Humanities Curriculum and Class Requirements
Humanities are core classes of language arts and social studies that meet daily. The curriculum in
social studies covers a timeline from the fall of Rome to the Discovery of the New World.
Language Arts consists of literature, writing, and grammar.
Accelerated Reading Program: Students will be responsible for reading FOUR AR books
during the school year (a minimum of one book per quarter). Students must adhere to the
requirements on the AR form. An incentive program is in place in order to motivate students to
read. This year, students will set individual reading goals, there will be a classroom goal,
students will have the opportunity to read cultural books…At the end of the year, if the
classroom-reading goal is met, a celebratory event will take place. Parent participation for this
activity will be requested toward the end of the school year.
Reading material must be brought to class every day once the quarterly AR test has been taken.
Student Portfolio: For the third year in seventh-grade humanities, students will have the
opportunity to create a portfolio that will allow them to feel a pride of ownership for their work
and enable them to see the personal and academic relevance of the work they have completed.
This Portfolio, in digital form, will be featured at Open House. More information will be
provided throughout the year.
Curriculum Standards: The humanities department will focus on state standards for language
arts and social studies. California State Standards can be found on the “Weekly Schedule,” as
well as described in each unit’s materials.
Grading Policy: Students are responsible for keeping track of their grades. Every five weeks, a
newsletter is sent home (that requires viewing Zangle) to keep parents fully informed. In
addition, updated grades can be found on Zangle. Academic grades include homework, class
work, AR, tests, and projects.
Academic Grades Minuses and Pluses will be used.
90%-100%
A
60%-69%
80%-89%
B
59%/below
70%-79%
C
D
F
Work Habits Grades: Daily homework and class assignments are practice
towards mastery of skills. Receiving less than 70% on an assignment due to “poor work habits”
(lack of effort, etc.) will earn a work habits check. Work must be turned in ON TIME according
to your teacher’s expectations.
In addition, in order to avoid a work habits check, students must have their textbooks and
required materials with them daily. Finally, students must be on task.
Citizenship Grades: These reflect students’ behavior and participation in the
classroom. The following characteristics are considered:
 Arrives on time to class prepared to work
 Respects other students and adults
 Displays a positive attitude
 Follows the Medea Creek guidelines as per the student handbook
0-2 checks= “O”
3-5 checks= “S”
6-8 checks= “N”
9 or more= “U”
Homework Responsibilities: Students are responsible for turning in all work assigned in class
whether absent or not.
 Students may make up class work, homework, and tests, having the number of days
absent plus one to make up the work. When absent, STUDENTS ARE
REQUIRED to CHECK THEIR WEEKLY SCHEDULES (also online) in order to
remain current with assignments. It is also the student’s responsibility to obtain
any necessary handouts/worksheets (check online). Credit will NOT be given
when work is turned in beyond the due date.
 Students must make arrangements with the teacher to make up tests the DAY
THEY RETURN FROM AN ABSENCE!
Missed tests must be made up within two weeks to avoid a ZERO.
Late Work: Because of class discussions/corrections, no credit will be given for
late homework. With long-term projects of higher value, students will lose 10% of
the total points for every day it is late (unless there is an EXCUSED absence).
Supplies: The following supplies are needed in class daily throughout the school year.
Due by Wednesday, September 8
1. Four two-pocket folders. Need
prongs!
2. Three-ring binder with a section for
Language Arts and Social Studies
3. Shabanu: Daughter of the Wind
4. Book Covers: textbooks covered at
all times
5. Index Cards (3x5 lined)
6. 3 x 3 Post-It Notes
7. Notebook paper
8. Highlighters (3 different colors)
9. Pens (blue or black only)
10. Correcting pen (a bright, contrasting
color to pencil/blue/black)
11. Pencils (with erasers)
12. Colored pencils
13. Markers
14. Glue Stick
15. Mini stapler with staple supply
16. AR book (bring daily)
A SPECIAL NOTE: All of the above supplies shall be used for all classes. However, because
of the creative nature of our curriculum, we would like to encourage you to provide a labeled
(name/period) gallon-sized Ziploc bag that contains:
*Markers and Colored Pencils
*Glue Stick
*3 Highlighters
This bag shall be safely left in the humanities classroom for the duration of the year.
The other listed supplies are to be kept in your backpack (including coloring supplies, glue, etc.)
for all your other classes.
Reminder: As requested by the school, please bring in:
 1 box of tissues
 1 roll of paper towels

2 reams of copy paper (1
color and 1 white)
Weekly Schedule: A schedule is given to the students each week. The schedule is very detailed,
covering class work, homework, tests, and standards being taught. This schedule is required to be
brought to class daily so that students can record any modifications and/or adjustments made due
to the flexible nature of teaching. Obtaining a classmate’s phone number/email address is helpful
in case there is a question.
*The weekly schedule can also be found online.
*In order to conserve resources, many worksheets will be posted on the teacher’s web
page. When required, you will print out sheets at home to bring to class.
Video/DVD Policy: In both language arts and social studies, videos are occasionally shown to
reinforce the material that is being taught. Often, a video may be shown to show something in a
different light. As an example, we will show The Last Samurai and A Midsummer Night’s
Dream. By signing the attached sheet, you are giving permission to view all videos in our
classrooms.
Humanities in the 21st Century
Welcome to my digital classroom! Because of the technology available in my classroom, I plan
on integrating it within our curriculum. To make this program successful, I need cooperation and
understanding of the following:
*AR: AR tests will be taken in your humanities classroom on the computer.
*Response Activities: In both language arts and social studies, you will be creating products that
support the California standards. From digital portfolios, iMovies, podcasts, blogs, to Notebook
slides, much will be produced digitally!
*Social Studies Online Textbook: Our book is online and there are lots of review activities,
current events…Go to http://www.classzone.com/eservices.Type in this activation code
CLASS1610085 and hit submit. Create an account. If you did this last year and remember
your user name and password, you may continue to use it.
*Google: We will be using Google beyond searching, also known as “googling.” We will work
much with, for example, GoogleDocs, a method that allows you to create a word-processing
document online and save it that way. Peers can collaborate with you on that piece, and all work
is saved on Google. This avoids “lost” work.
*I am asking all students to create a Google account if you don’t already have one. Be
sure you remember the user name/password!
*Notebook: Notebook is valuable software used daily in our classroom. Interactive assignments
will be posted online. Many of you will wish to create pieces using this program.
*Therefore, I am requesting you to download this (free of charge) on your computers.
Directions are on my website under “Our 21st Century Classroom/Notebook.”
*Blogs: Occasionally, a blog will be used. In order to access the blog, you must sign in as you
do Zangle. Parents are asked to REGISTER on the school webpage as many blogs and surveys
will not be able to be accessed by parents until you register.
*Flashdrive: Having a flashdrive in my classroom is critical. Not only is it a backup plan, it also
serves as the connecting device to allow you to work both at home and in the classroom. Bring it
to class daily.
*iPods: When appropriate, the use of iPods will be permitted in my classroom. iPods serve
many instructional purposes, and I look forward to exploring these options this year.
*Assessments: Multiple-choice style tests will be taken using SmartResponse, a remote control
method that gives instant feedback to you. Essays will be word processed as well.
*SchoolWires website: Please visit my page regularly, as it is continuously updated. Aside
from curriculum materials posted, you will also find classroom pictures and video clips to
illustrate what’s happening in humanities. Again, parents, please REGISTER at this time.
*RESPECT: Most of all, in order to utilize the resources available to you, you must act
maturely and respectfully at all times. When we have the laptop computers, for example, you
must treat them with TLC. All of the classroom equipment must be handled with much care and
concern. Don’t lose the privilege!
Wish List: Each year, there are some “extras” that we like to use in the classroom, above and
beyond our regular department supply order. All contributions are greatly appreciated and much
needed. Each of the following is worth a pass: for a maximum of three.
***In addition, throughout the year, students will have the opportunity to earn passes as rewards
for character/academics.
Wish List Due on or before Wednesday, September 8
*AR Book that is new or gently used (6th10th grade reading level): Anything to
connect to our studies (Medieval Africa,
China, Japan, Medieval Europe,
Renaissance, Middle East) would be terrific!
*Glade Plug-Ins Scented Oil Refill (vanilla
is a favorite)
*Container of disinfectant wipes (nonbleach Clorox, Lysol, etc.)
*Wet Ones (or something similar) to wipe
hands and/or face
*FUN Band-Aids for your child’s boo boos!
*Set of Post-It Notes
*Fun stamp (self-inking preferred) with ink
pad if not self inking
*Set of White-out pens
*Package of Highlighters
*Washable Paint Set
Parent Homework: Due Wednesday, 9/8
To better know your son/daughter, please take the time to share some insights. Please focus on
his/her unique personality, strengths, and any hobbies and interests he or she has. Specific
directions are located on each of our web pages (Class Resources/General Class
Information/Parent HW). Please complete the questions, and email the responses to your child’s
teacher. Having your email address on file will increase communication between school and
home.
Thank you.
Parent/Student Signature Sheet
Dear Parent:
We have given both you and your child a lot of information.
Please read over all of the material together, initial each line that you have read/understood each
component (parent), check off the technology requirements, and sign this letter.
Please return on or before Wednesday, September 8, 2010.
We have read and understood the following:
1. AR
2. Portfolio
3. Grading Policy
4. Homework Policy
5. Supply List/Special Note
6. Weekly Schedule
7. Video/DVD Policy
8. Humanities in the 21st Century
9. Wish List
10. Parent Homework
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
Parent: Please check off that you have done the following:
___My child has created a Google account; we already have one.
____We do not want our child our child to have a Google account.
___We have installed Notebook at home.
____We have chosen not to install it at home because___________________
___My child set up his/her online social studies book account.
___I have registered on the school website and am awaiting my confirmation.
Parent Signature_______________________________________________
Parent Email for Teacher Communication (write legibly)
Student Signature______________________________________________
Comments/Questions:____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________