1
8th Grade Cambridge Literacy and Learning
Imagine Prep
Ms. Burk
4th Period
Smart Lab 2
Official Course Description
Cambridge Literacy and Learning offers students a time within their Academic Workshop to
enhance their reading and comprehension skills. Students begin reading as a class, move to
reading in small groups, and become independent readers in their second semester. Students are
required to journal about their reading experience daily, and create book reviews describing and
evaluating elements of the books they are reading. Finally, students present on their favorite
book to the class.
Required Course Materials
Please bring the following supplies to class daily:
-
Blue or black ink pen
Pencil
A 3 subject notebook (due by Monday of the 2nd week) to be used only for this course
A folder or binder for handouts and assignments
Loose leaf paper
An independent reading book (after fall break)*
* Please note that students are allowed to bring their own books for independent reading, or they
may choose a book from the classroom library. If your student chooses to bring a book from
home, the bookstore, or the public library, please make sure that you comfortable with your
student reading that book.
Standards and Expectations
Grading Standards
Grading Scale:
90-100% = A
80-89.9% = B
70-79.9% = C
60-69.9% = D
0-59.9% = F
All grades will be updated online on a regular basis. It is the student's responsibility to check
online grades. Grades will not be posted in the classroom.
2
Attendance Standards
Daily attendance is required for this course. If absent, students should email or contact Ms. Burk
immediately (before absence if it is known ahead of time, or directly upon the students’ return)
in order to make up lost work.
Late Work
Students will be given 2 weeks from the due date of all assignments (except midterm and final
assignments as these are time-sensitive) to turn in late work for full credit. Late work will only
be collected on Wednesday’s office hours (2:00 – 2:30 in room 319).
Assignments
Journals: When reading as a class and reading independently, students are expected to journal
daily, in class (handwritten) in their 3 subject notebook. Entries must be at least half of a page
and include specific requirements as instructed. These journals will be collected every Friday.
Book Reviews: When students complete a book, they are expected to create a book review (1
page, double-spaced, typed, printed) where they evaluate the book they have most recently
completed. It is important for students to become accustomed to turning in typed assignments as
this is the norm in high school and college. These are due on Fridays. See the course calendar for
specific due dates. Students may use their home computer, a computer at a friend or a relative’s
home, the library, or at Imagine Prep before school. If students do not have access to a printer
or computer, students must bring in a note from their parent. Those students will be allowed
to handwrite their book reviews.
Classroom Expectations
Students are expected to be attentive and responsive in class. We will engage in many class
discussions. Therefore, a comfortable and safe atmosphere must be maintained at all times.
Students are expected to participate responsibly and respectfully. Class interruptions will not be
tolerated.
Students are expected to be in their seats once the bell rings, quietly reading.
Cell phones and music playing devices are not permitted in class. Visible headphones are not
permitted in class. I will give one verbal warning for students to remove objects. After a verbal
warning, I will confiscate the cell phone or the headphones. Students will be responsible for
claiming their phone or headphones at the end of the class period.
Students are allowed to use the restroom, as needed. One students is allowed out at a time, and
will sign out of class on a designated sheet. They will also take the pass with them. If a student
abuses the policy, he or she may lose the opportunity to use the restroom during class.
Contact Information
Email: chelsea.burk@sp.imagineprep.com
Office Hours: Room 319 - Wednesday 2-2:30, Tuesday and Thursday
3
Imagine Prep
Syllabus Acknowledgement
I have read and understand ALL of the policies and procedures for myself/my student and I
realize that I/my student will be held to these expectations.
Student Name (print) _________________________________________________
Student Signature ___________________________________________________
Parent Name (print) __________________________________________________
Parent Signature ____________________________________________________
Parent Phone Number ________________________________________________
Parent Email Address ________________________________________________
Student Email Address _______________________________________________