Elmont Memorial High School
“A Nationally Recognized School of Excellence”
English 7
Grading Criteria & Expectations
Mr. McAllister
rmcallister@sewanhaka.k12.ny.us
“Mastery for All”
A. Materials (Required in class EVERY day)
1. Green ELA Binder (from your orientation pack) filled with paper and divided into 3 tabbed sections:
a. Class Notes (to be arranged chronologically from September-June)
b. Homework
c. Assessments & Projects
2. Two sharpened pencils (small personal pencil sharpener recommended)
3. Two blue OR black ink pens
4. A supply of POST-IT notes
5. A highlighter
6. Agenda book (from your orientation pack)
B. Coursework
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Novels: The Cay, A Christmas Carol, Nightjohn, Myths & Folktales, The Skin I’m In
Poetry: Selections from Giovanni, Frost, Hughes, and Silverstein
Short Stories: Selections from our Language of Literature Anthology
Vocabulary: Weekly Homework & Quizzes
Grammar: Parts of Speech, Usage, and Mechanics
Writing Workshops: Persuasion, Information, Entertainment
ELA Prep: Reading Comprehension, Literary Elements, Listening Skills & Writing Essays
Research Paper: Students will write a 3-4 page MLA research paper using 2-3 print or electronic
sources
C. Homework (20% of quarterly grade)
1.
2.
3.
Vocabulary (Every MONDAY, students will receive a NEW vocabulary list with 10 words)
a. Monday Night- create a full sentence for each word
b. Tuesday Night- identify a synonym for each word
c. Wednesday Night- spell each word five times each
d. Thursday Night- study the spelling & definition of each word
e. Friday- HW collected + Quiz (in class- bring PENCILS)
Additional Reading & Writing Assignments will be given as needed
Students will also receive homework on CASTLE LEARNING (computer-based homework). Students
who do NOT have computers or internet at home may utilize school computers during TEAM CENTER
(see below)
D. Quizzes (20% of quarterly grades)
1. Weekly Vocabulary Quizzes (every FRIDAY)
2. Quarterly Notebook Quizzes (students may use THEIR OWN organized binders to answer questions)
3. Pop-quizzes can occur at random- ALWAYS COME PREPARED
E. Tests & Projects (40% of quarterly grades)
1. There will be a test (usually on FRIDAYS) or a project due after every unit of study
2. Outside Reading Projects (Quarterly)
a. Each quarter, students must select ONE outside reading book to read on their own
at home during the quarter (a grade-level recommended book list can be provided if
needed)
b. Students are to maintain a handwritten notebook journal of what they read on a
daily basis (at least 5 days per week). The daily journal must be dated with the page
numbers read each day and should include summaries as well as reactions to what
was read (approximately one page per entry)
c. Journals will be collected for TWO TEST GRADES at the end of each quarter
(November, January, March, and June)
3. A comprehensive QUARTERLY exam will be given at the end of each quarter
* Students are responsible for bringing their own pen/pencil for tests and quizzes. Also, students have
ONE WEEK from the original test/quiz date to make it up after school otherwise it will become a 0 in the
gradebook*
F. Participation, Attendance, Behavior (20% of quarterly grades)
* PLEASE ALSO SEE THE FAQ PACKET PROVIDED BY MR. MCALLISTER*
Students legally may not miss more than 24 classes in order to be considered for a passing final grade
1. Come to class on time and prepared with all materials
2. Be in your seat at the bell and remain seated for 43 minutes
3. Work silently on the DO NOW for the first 7 minutes daily
4. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself
5. Use appropriate language at all times
6. Respect yourself, your teacher, and your peers ALWAYS
7. Listen to directions the first time and RAISE YOUR HAND
8. Use the bathroom BEFORE arriving to class.
9. No food, drink, phones, games, toys, hats, headphones or electronics in class
10. BE POSITIVE and READY TO LEARN!
Final Grades are calculated using the following formula:
Q1 + Q2 + Q3 + Q4 + Final Examination
-------------------------------------------------- = Final Course Grade
5
G. Extra Help
1. Extra-help is available in TEAM CENTER (Consult the TEAM CENTER schedule for ELA extra-help)
2. Students may also make-up exams or complete homework in TEAM CENTER
3. Students can also set up an individual appointment with the teacher if needed (See me ahead of
time)
“DO THE RIGHT THING AT THE RIGHT TIME
BECAUSE IT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO, AND
NOT BECAUSE SOMEBODY ELSE IS WATCHING…”
Please detach this page and keep the first for your records.
This signature page (worth a homework grade) is due to Mr. McAllister no later than FRIDAY,
SEPTEMBER 7
********************************************************************************************
By signing below, we fully understand and accept the terms outlined in the “English 7 Grading Criteria and
Expectations” document provided by Mr. McAllister as well as the “FAQ Packet” of Expected Behaviors.
STUDENT NAME (please print): __________________________________________________________________
Student Signature:
X______________________________________________________________________________________________
Parent Signature:
X______________________________________________________________________________________________
Primary Parental Contact #’s
___________________________________________________________________________ (Home/Work)
___________________________________________________________________________ (Cell)
___________________________________________________________________________ (E-mail)
Emergency Contact #’s
__________________________________________________________________________ (Home/Work)
__________________________________________________________________________ (Cell)