Cambridge Grade 6 Language Arts - Syllabus
Mrs. A. Palacios Room 205 - 1 305 995 3800
W. R. Thomas Middle School 2011-2012
arepalacios@dadeschools.net
PHILOSOPHY
The students and the teacher will pursue a deeper understanding of language and literature by actively and rigorously implementing the reading and writing process. We will use knowledge gained in all previous coursework, such as mathematics, science, social studies, etc, to develop critical thinking skills and the ability to communicate effectively. The course will be facilitated by the instructor but it will be driven by student inquiry, discussion and hands on activities. Students will be exposed to topics from the breadth and depth of current knowledge. Parents are encouraged to engage students in discussion and to recognize the importance of objective and subjective understanding of the arts.
TEXT MATERIAL
Literature – Florida McDougal Littell Textbook
Checkpoint English 1
Wordly Wise 3000 Book 6
Novels: Students will read a novel during each nine-week grading period. Two novels will be provided by the teacher, and the other two will be purchased by the student. You will be notified accordingly.
SUNSHINE STATE STANDARDS
Instruction will be focused on the development of these strands: Reading Process, Literature Analysis, Writing
Process, Communication, and Information and Media Literacy.
CHECKPOINT ENGLISH
Checkpoint English 1, endorsed by the University of Cambridge International Examinations, is composed of a rigorous and challenging curriculum that addresses Reading, Writing, Usage, and Speaking and Listening objectives.
The goal of the program is to create a high standard of excellence in these areas and to promote a love for literature that will last a lifetime.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Students and parents are encouraged to read the Code of Student Conduct and become familiar with its content.
Related School Board Rules may be found on the Miami-Dade Public Schools Website at http://www2.dadeschools.net/schoolboard/rules/ .
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Students have the responsibility for taking advantage of their educational opportunity by attending all classes daily and on time, unless circumstances beyond their control prevent them from doing so.
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Students have the responsibility for requesting the makeup assignments from their teachers upon their return to school and for completing this work within a reasonable length of time.
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Students have the responsibility for preparing, completing, and turning in by the due date all home learning, classroom assignments, projects, book reports, Accelerated Reader tests, Midterm exam, and Final exam.
READING-MEDIA CENTER
Students are required to read 30 minutes at home each night. Books are available through the school library, classroom library, and public library. Students are required to read books from the Accelerated Reader (AR)
Program in order to attain individual goals each nine week period.
READING PLUS
Students are required to complete three sessions of Reading Plus per week. The program is online and can be accessed through the Student Portal.

GRADES
A 4.0 90%
B 3.0 80%
C 2.0 70%
CATEGORIES
Unsatisfactory:
D
F
1.0
0.0
60%
0%
Other:
Z
X
No Assignment Turned In
Student excused from assignment
Tests 25%
Home Learning 10%
Classwork/Quizzes 20% Essays 15%
AR 10% Reading Plus 10%
Projects 10%
HOME LEARNING
Home Learning is assigned on a daily basis. Homework assignments, class projects, and a calendar of events can be found by visiting the Teacher Collaboration site on the Student Portal.
SUPPLIES – Required Everyday
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Pencils
Red pen
Highlighter
Eraser
Two Journals or Composition Notebooks
One 1 1/2" Three Ring Binder
One duo tang three prongs folder
***Please donate a ream of copy paper, a box of tissues, and/or a box of disinfectant wipes.
CLASSROOM RULES
1.
Bring required materials everyday.
2.
Follow the Code of Student Conduct.
3.
Come to class on time.
4.
Begin the start up activity within 1 minute after the tardy bell.
5.
Attend to personal needs before coming to class.
6.
Use polite speech and body language.
7.
Do not cheat.
8.
Follow the teacher's directions immediately.
CONSEQUENCES
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Warning, Detention, Teacher-Student conference, Parent phone call, Parent conference, Referral
COMMUNICATION
 Communication is one of the cornerstones of education, and is expected of all participants.
 Students are encouraged to voice questions or concerns about any aspect of the class in appropriate ways.
Student opinions will always be considered but final decisions and resolutions will be made by the instructor.
 Parents are the greatest influence on a student’s education and are encouraged to get involved. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact me at 305-995-3800 between the hours of 8:30 AM-
3:50 PM or via e-mail at arepalacios@dadeschools.net.
Mrs. A. Palacios