Mrs. Amy Young’s class 2015-2016
7Th Grade ELA
MNMS – Room A102
youngam@mustangps.org MNMS Phone: 405-324-2236
Email is the quickest way to contact me. Please don’t hesitate to do so if you
have questions.
Brief Overview of the Year:
First 9 weeks: Narrative writing, Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, The Ransom of Red
Chief, Seventh Grade, Amigo Brothers, Holocaust personal narratives,
identify and analyze literary elements. Students will write various essays
including fiction and nonfiction text. Grammar will include vocabulary,
word choice, sentence structure and weekly spelling test.
Second 9 weeks: Informational/Research paper, Children of the
Holocaust, Christmas Carol, short texts- a mix of literary and nonfiction.
Identify Latin roots, develop universal theme of stories, and identify
symbolism. Grammar: pronouns/antecedent; subject/verb agreement;
phrases and clauses; conjunctions
Third 9 weeks: Argumentative writing, Copper Sun, NightJohn, The
Monsters are Due on Maple Street, Little Rock Nine and related articles,
Library of Congress Slave Narratives, use primary source material,
claim/counterclaim. Grammar: adverbs and adjectives
Fourth 9 weeks: Creative writing, The Outsiders, Exploring the Titanic,
Poetry Unit, figurative language, sound devices.
Independent Reading Requirements: I understand life is busy, and
when you leave my classroom there are a multitude of things you are
involved in. With that being said, I will do my very best to allow you to
read every day in my class Monday-Friday 10-15 minutes at the end of
the hour and Friday approximately 30 minutes. I’m requiring 50 pages a
week. You will have a reading log in your folder to keep track of what
you’ve read and periodically I will ask for a parent signature. You must
have a book to read during class every day.
Block ELA:

This course work will enable students to be fluent, effective
communicators and lifelong learners who have an
understanding of language and its importance in their lives.
We will emphasize literacy skills in preparation for state
testing. Listening, speaking, reading, writing and visual
literacy skills will all be addressed.
Helpful Site for Our
Class:
Remind101
To receive text messages from Mrs.
Young about your child’s ELA class,
text To: 81010 and send the message
@45b1e8
To receive messages via email, send
an email to
45b1e8@mail.remind.com
BYOD
Students will be able to use their
devices (smartphones, IPads,
computers) in my class this year.
We will use these devices at my
discretion. Anyone that abuses
the privilege or does not follow
the rules will not be allowed to
participate. Students without a
device will not be at a
disadvantage. I am very excited
about students being able to take
advantage of all of the learning
that comes along with using
technology in the classroom


In our class, we will use numerous resources.
o These resources include: Silent Reading Reports,
Research papers, Multimedia presentations, Book
Reviews/Book Talks, and group projects.
Grades: students will receive credit based on participation,
writing exercises and essays, vocabulary and grammar
assignments, weekly spelling test, quizzes, class work,
unit/quarter/semester exams.
o All grades will be weighted the same, however assignments
will be worth different point values. Students will always be
informed of the potential point value of every assignment .
Key Information for Students:
Plagiarism: is the "wrongful appropriation" and "stealing and
publication" of another author's "language, thoughts, ideas, or
expressions" and the representation of them as one's own original
work. If you are caught plagiarizing you will not receive credit
for the work you submitted.
How to excel in this class:
It’s not what simply you “get” in this class, it is how deep you will go
with your effort, responsibility, and critical thinking. There are four
levels of this class:
How to excel in this class:
D/F:
Drowning
Student
puts forth
little to no
effort in
submitting
work, does
not
participate
, and lacks
basics of
class
objectives.
C:
Wading
Student turns
is most work,
does “bare
minimum” of
expectations
in regards to
assignments
and
participation.
Student has
grasp of basics
of this course.
B:
Snorkeling
Student has
a grasp of
the basics of
this class
and thinks
critically.
Student is
responsible
with
coursework
and fully
participates
in class.
A:
Scuba Diving
Student is
responsible,
and thinks
critically during
class
objectives.
Student puts
forth the
highest amount
of effort in all
work they do,
and consistently
participates in
class at a
higher level.
It’s not what simply you “get” in this class, it is how deep you
will go with your effort, responsibility, and critical thinking.
Classroom
Expectations:
Work Hard:
Always do your best in my
class. Effort and responsibility
go a long way!
Be Nice:
Be respectful and courteous.
Raise your hand before
speaking and/or getting out
of your seat.
Be Prepared:
Always have your pencil,
notebook, and be on time.
Tardy/Class Dismissal:
The school policy is 3 tardies
= detention. A tardy is
defined as not in the room
when the bell rings.
If the previous expectations
are not met, these
consequences will occur:
1.
3 written/verbal
warnings= 2 hour
detention
2. Parent and/or office
notified.
I am looking forward to a great year! It is a privilege for me to have your child in my class
this year. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Please sign and return to class by Monday, August 24. The signed syllabus will be the student’s first
homework grade! So make sure and bring it back for easy points.
Student Name: ________________________________________________________
Attendance:
Parent Signature: ___________________________________________
Parent Email Address: ________________________________________
You must be present to
pass this class. However,
should you miss; it is your
responsibility to collect any
“make up work” from the
teacher.
Parent & Teacher Communication! Remind101 is a texting
program from teacher to parents/guardians. I will forward
periodically text, regarding upcoming assignments, test,
and quizzes. Text @45b1e8
Number# 405-384-7309
Rewards!
I enjoy providing incentives to students for excellent behavior, effort,
and academics.
1)
Marshmallows
2)
Candy (M & M’s, Skittles, and Sour Patch Kids)
3)
Pencils/Stickers
4)
Free Choice Assignments
5)
Bonus Work will be assigned throughout the school year.
Discipline:
If the previous expectations are not met, theses consequences will occur.
Late Work:
Absent work follows the 7th
grade policy. You will be
given 1 WEEK for when the
assignment or project was
due to turn it in. After that
work will not be accepted.
You will not receive a grade
higher than a 70%.
Make-Up Work:
However many days you
are absent will be the
amount of days you will
have to make up your work.
 You can find any
worksheet or writing
assignment in the
orange folder on the
teacher table.
 All other assignments
will be written on the
board.
1)
I will redirect/warning the student and/or meet with them privately.
2)
I will give the student a pink slip and notify a parent.
3)
3 pink slips= 2 hour detention
4)
Any fighting, foul language, bullying, cheating and/or serious offenses will be an automatic office referral.