Somerset Academy Central Miramar Schools promote a culture that maximizes student achievement and fosters the development of responsible, respectful, self-directed life-long learners in a safe and enriching environment.
This class is structured around the curriculum of Somerset Academy Central Miramar and the
Florida Next Generation Sunshine State Standards (NGSSS) as well as the Common Core
Standards. Critical thinking provides students with the tools needed to enhance performance in almost any venture. In this course we will practice thinking strategies, learning test-taking strategies, building verbal competence, sharpen reasoning skills develop and acquire new learning strategies. We will also use past experiences and present knowledge to develop skills in problem solving, critical thinking, and test taking that lead to increased performance on state mandated assessments.
Course Objectives
With hard work and determination, by the end of the year you will be able to:
 Apply skills and strategies (e.g., scanning, paraphrasing, retelling, self-questioning) to gain information and enhance recall from print and non-print materials and oral presentations.
 Apply skills and strategies (e.g., outlining, evaluating credibility of sources, rehearsing, revising) to create effective oral and written communication.
 Demonstrate use of effective time management and organizational skills
 Demonstrate effective test-taking skills and strategies
 Read and write within the guidelines of the Florida NGSSS and Common Core
 Increase FCAT scores
 Expand vocabulary
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Course of Study
The class will be working from the following sources throughout the year.
 SpringBoard
 Measuring Up (Common Core)
 Literature – McDougal Little
 Reading Plus (online program)
We will be reading the following novels as a class.
 The Giver – Lois Lowry
 The Outsiders – S. E. Hinton
 The Book Thief – Markus Zusak
 A Wrinkle in Time – Madeline L’Engle
I will send notice, with ample time, if or when any novel should be purchased. We will also be reading and reflecting on additional literature selections with which we will practice our reading and critical thinking strategies.
In addition, each student will be required to read 4 novels INDEPENDENTLY. These are to be chosen from a pre-determined list. If you would like to read a different novel, it must be at a 7 th grade reading level and above, and approved. You will have to complete 2 assignments per novel.
Please note that if you do not have a library card, now is that time to get one.
REQUIRED SUPPLY LIST
 blue/black pens (no other colors)
 #2 pencils
 1 Flash Drive
 1 Pocket Dictionary/Thesaurus
 Professional, working e-mail account
 1 pack of sticky notes
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One 2” 3-Ring Binder
Pack of Tab Dividers
1 Composition Notebook one 3-prong paper folder with pockets
Lined paper (college ruled)
Please be aware that if a student is not prepared for class (does not have pen/pencil, paper, etc.), he/she will lose participation points.
WISH LIST
The following items will be used throughout the school year to maintain a productive, healthy classroom environment. Please bring items with receipt(s) if you wish to receive volunteer hours.
(Remember: $4 = 1 volunteer hour.)
Toner for "HP LaserJet
P1102w
Printer paper (all colors)
Dry Erase cleaner
Pens and Pencils
College Ruled Paper
Markers/Color Pencils
Scissors
Index Cards
Manilla/Green Hanging
Folders
Labels
Invisible Tape
Grade level novels
Construction Paper
Binder Clips
Staples
Easel/Chart Paper
Hand Sanitizer
Tissues/Paper
Towels
Cleaning Wipes
Paper clips
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COMPUTER AND INTERNET ACCESS
We will utilize many forms of technology in the classroom. It is important for each student to have a working knowledge of Microsoft Word (or comparable word processing program) and
PowerPoint. Major assignments will need to be typed and presentations will be made through
PowerPoint; therefore, students should have access to a computer, the Internet, and to a printer outside the classroom.
If technology access outside of the classroom is limited, please be aware of the following:
 Students have access to school computers from 3 pm – 4:30 pm, Monday - Thursday.
 Students have access to classroom computers during the above mentioned times.
 Students can make appointments with the teacher if additional time is required.
Please be aware that “lack of technology access” is not a valid excuse for incomplete work, homework, or projects. Plan your time wisely.
Students may not use personal technology (cell phones, mp3s, iPods, E-Readers, etc.) during class. As per Somerset's established rules, any student found using personal technology is subject to disciplinary action and will have their device confiscated and turned in to the office.
Students are encourage to follow the official class Instagram account: @reading_with_coronel, as well as the official class Twitter account: ___________________________________.
These will be used throughout the year to enhance learning and motivate students.
GRADES
Grades will stem from a variation of assignments including bell work, class work, Home learning, tests/quizzes, projects, notebook checks, and participation.
Please be advised of the following:
 Home learning assignments will be due at the beginning of the following class period unless otherwise specified.
Grading Scale:
Tests/Quizzes
Classwork
Projects
Home Learning/Participation
30%
35%
20%
15%
Parents and students are encouraged to subscribe to the teacher’s online class. This will automatically send alerts and reminders for home learning assignments, due dates, and other important information.
To view the assignments, please follow these directions:
1) Go to http://www.somersetcentral.org
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2) Click on STUDENT
3) Click on CLASSES/HOMEWORK
4) Click MIDDLE/HIGH READING/LA
5) Click on CRITICAL THINKING – Priscilla Coronel
6) Click ADD TO MY CLASS LIST (bottom left)
7) Follow instructions for account setup if you have not registered. Otherwise, log in.
Parents and students are also encouraged to keep track of student progress via Pinnacle online.
Parents can set-up an account with Pinnacle that will automatically send e-mail alerts containing any changes in grades, attendance information, etc.
To view student grades, please follow these directions:
1) Go to http://www.somersetcentral.org
2) Click on PARENT
3) Click on PINNACLE PIV
CLASSROOM RULES AND EXPECTATIONS
It is our goal to produce responsible, productive members of society. For this reason, I expect all students to come to class on time, maintain a positive attitude, and put forth their best effort
throughout the year. Additionally, I expect all students to practice organization, self-control, selfmotivation, and determination and be able to apply the following principles in and outside of the classroom.
1.
Treat your peers and authority with respect.
2.
Be honest and fair.
3.
Be responsible for your actions.
4.
Obey all school rules. (See the Student Code of Conduct.)
5.
Be on time and be prepared for every class.
6.
Complete all assigned work.
7.
Treat school and teacher property with respect.
8.
Adhere to school uniform policy.
9.
Turn off all electronic devices during school hours.
10.
Raise your hand to ask questions and/or contribute to a discussion.
INFRACTIONS AND CONSEQUENCES
If you choose to break a classroom/school rule, the following disciplinary action will be taken:
1st Offense: Verbal warning
2nd Offense: Written warning - student/teacher conference, parent contact
3rd Offense: Detention, parent contact, Administration contact
4 th /5 th Offense: Detention or Referral, parent/Administration conference
6 th/7th Offense: Referral, Saturday detention, parent/Administration conference
Please be advised that the teacher reserves the right to bypass the order of action contingent upon the severity of the student’s behavior.
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ATTENDANCE AND TARDIES
Your attendance is directly related to your grade in this class. Multiple absences or tardies will cause you to miss important instruction and information. It is in your best interest to be present and on time. Please note that “tardy” is defined as NOT INSIDE THE CLASSROOM
WHEN THE BELL RINGS. If a student is late, he/she must have a written pass from another teacher. If student does not present a pass, students will lose participation points and the following consequences will be enacted:
1st Tardy
2nd Tardy
3rd Tardy
4th Tardy
Verbal Warning
Written Warning sent home
Detention-Written Warning sent home
Detention-Written Warning sent home/Administration
5th Tardy
6th Tardy
Detention-Written Warning sent home/Administration
Referral
Please be advised that the teacher reserves the right to bypass the order of action contingent
upon the severity of the student’s tardiness.
MAKE-UP WORK
Students will have an additional 24 hours to turn in make-up work ONLY IF THERE IS A
LEGITIMATE ABSENCE. (1 day absent = 1 day to return work) A legitimate absence is defined as an excused absence, absent for an entire day, field trip, etc. Please note the following:
 It is the student’s responsibility to ask for and turn in make-up work.
 Make-up work is only allowed due to a legitimate absence. Skipping, being tardy, sleeping in class, and generally being off task during class time DOES NOT earn the student the privilege of make-up work.
LATE WORK
NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED. NO EXCEPTIONS.
RESTROOM PASSES
Each student will receive four (4) passes each quarter. You are encouraged to save your passes for emergencies. At the end of the quarter, you can turn in your unused passes for extra credit. Health issues will be an exception. (Please provide the teacher with a parent or doctor note.) No student is allowed to use the restroom during the first and final 10 minutes of class. If the student uses more than 4 passes per quarter, they will lose participation points.
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Assignment Requirements
Required Paper Heading (Written in the upper right-hand corner of paper):
First Name, Last Name
Period
Date
Name of Assignment
1.
** Please Note: Papers with no name will be discarded into the recycling bin on a daily basis. **
 All assignments must have the proper heading.
 All work must be submitted in dark blue or black ink only.
 All out of class writing assignments must be typed using the following format:
Size 12pt
Double Spaced, 1” Margin
Arial or Times New Roman
Printed in Black Ink on Clean White Paper
 Research papers will be written using the MLA format. [Hint: Citation Maker located under
“Tools” link on the left at http://myt4l.com/ (Recipe 4 Success) is a great resource for this.]
 NEATNESS COUNTS! If an assignment is turned in wrinkled, stained, illegible, or otherwise messy, you will be required to re-do the assignment and may lose points.
(You always have the option to type all your assignments.)
A Few Words about Misrepresentation
Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated or accepted in any way shape or form.
Plagiarism, dishonesty, and misrepresentation (all big words for CHEATING) are not acceptable.
Plagiarism is using someone else’s ideas or writing as your own. This includes not using proper documentation or citation when using another person’s writing, such as in an essay or report.
Plagiarism will result in a zero for the assignment. A second plagiarism offense will be referred to administration.
Cheating, in all its forms, will result in a zero for the assignment as well as a detention and an
unsatisfactory conduct grade for the semester.
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This form must be signed and returned. You will receive a grade. This form must be completed, signed by both the student and the parent/guardian, and returned no later than August 26, 2013.
I hereby acknowledge that I have read and fully understand the requirements of the course as outlined in this syllabus and Somerset Academy Central Miramar’s curriculum guide.
My child and I are fully aware of the following:
1) Students will read and complete assignments for 4 novels outside of class.
2) Students who are not prepared for class will lose participation points.
3) Students using electronic devices will have them confiscated and turned in to the office.
4) Students may use school computers after school for home learning and projects.
5) Assignments are posted on the teacher website and grades are available on Pinnacle.
6) Students must follow all classroom rules.
7) A tardy is defined as “not inside the classroom when the bell rings.”
8) Make-up work is the student’s responsibility.
9) No late work is accepted. No exceptions.
10) Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated.
Class Period ________
__________________________ ______________________________ __________________
Print Student Name Student’s Signature Date
______________________________ ________________________________ ___________________
Print Parent’s/Guardian’s Name Parent’s/Guardian’s Signature Date
Please fill in the contact information on the back of this sheet.
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PARENT/GUARDIAN CONTACT INFORMATION
Please print legibly
Parent/Guardian Name(s) _____________________________________________________________
Home Phone _____________________________________
Work Phone ______________________________________
Cell Phone ________________________________________
E-mail(s) ____________________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name(s) _____________________________________________________________
Home Phone _____________________________________
Work Phone ______________________________________
Cell Phone ________________________________________
E-mail(s) ____________________________________________________________________________
In case of emergency, please contact:
Name(s) ________________________________________ Relationship: ____________________
Home Phone _____________________________________
Work Phone _____________________________________
Cell Phone _______________________________________
E-mail(s) ____________________________________________________________________________
Student Name _____________________________________________________________
Professional E-mail __________________________________________________________________
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