Ms. Tricia Kemp
Reading
EXPECTATIONS
it’s All on you!
• It is you, the student’s responsibility to
come to class prepared, with both
supplies and assignments.
• Your grade is earned, never given.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Welcome to Reading!
This Reading elective is an intensive reading
course designed to meet the needs of students who are
reading below grade level. This class directly addresses
individual needs through adaptive instruction software,
and constant reading of fiction and nonfiction text.
What we do will improve reading comprehension,
reading speed, and reading endurance. We also place a
huge emphasis on word parts to build vocabulary,
grammar as well as figurative language and literary
elements. We will also write expository and persuasive
essays; reading and writing go hand in hand.
Student will acquire strategies (SKILLS) to analyze what they
have read, such as…
note taking by summarizing, listing, and/or marking and
highlighting
predicting/clarifying
visualizing
questioning
reacting/connecting
using graphic organizers
Students will learn vocabulary through…
Greek and Latin roots, prefixes, and suffixes study
context clues
Students will write…
complete sentences with complete thoughts
short answer responses using textual evidence
essays
Reading Comprehension and Skills
We will...
*Read fiction novels: independent reading, close reading, literature
circles, and whole class reading (Next semester)
*Identify and understand fiction text structure: plot pyramid
*Identify characters and understand characterization especially
connected to Archetypes
*Read nonfiction: articles to mimic STAAR at or above reading level
*Follow directions
*Ask/answer questions about the text
*Identify and understand main idea, author’s purpose, theme, fact and
opinion, genre and subgenre, as well as figurative language
identification and usage
*Identify and understand non-fiction text structure: chronological
order, sequence, cause and effect, problem and solution, compare
and contrast, and spatial
**Be able to draw conclusions, make inferences, analyze argument,
and understand reasoning
*Understand and produce short answers and essays utilizing
REQUIRED MATERIALS
Pens and/or pencils! I am not the provider of these; have an ample supply in your bag and at home.
Paper: college ruled! not wide-ruled! I’m serious. It helps you learn to write small .
A critical skill for the EOC
1 – one subject spiral: bring 25 cents. I have them for you.
YOU WILL NUMBER PAGES AND STAPLE ALL
SAVED WORK ON DESIGNATED PAGES! You
Will have notebook quizzes over items. All you do
Is identify items you have in the notebook. Easy
100 if you have kept the items you were suppose to.
Index cards- I am not the provider of these … 3x5, lined or not lined, it’s your choice.
YOU SHOULD HAVE THESE WITH YOU FOR EVERY CLASS PERIOD.
1 box of tissue OR 1 hand sanitizer OR 1 Clorox sanitizing wipes
SUGGESTED
Sticky notes- little sticky notes, both types!!! NOT BIG ONES.
Daily Planner: To be used for all 8 classes (a notebook or composition can
serve this purpose as well- you will need to learn to get organized! )
YOU HAVE A WEEK/WEEKEND!
ALL SUPPLIES MUST BE BROUGHT
TO CLASS FOR A GRADE BY
MONDAY!
pens/pencil’s you should always have
paper- college ruled! get some
index cards- keep them in your bag we will
use them Monday!
Spiral (25 cents) - IT STAYS HERE
One time: hand sanitizer or tissue or Clorox
wipes
Parent letter!!!!
Technology
You will be given a DISTRICT owned laptop.
You will keep this laptop with you at all times.
You will keep your laptop next to your desk.
*More than likely, you will take your laptop
with you during fire drills as well, this is TBD.
In this classroom, we will utilize the desktops
along the walls. The only reason that you will
be allowed to use your laptop is if I tell you
that you will need it to look up definitions of
vocabulary words since your electronic device
will be in your purse, bag, or backpack.
DESKTOP COMPUTERS
• You will be assigned a computer.
• You will not move chairs around, mess with
settings, move keys, TOUCH your peers
computers, or listen to music… if you do I have
book work for you.
• All headphones are to be plugged-in and
placed back on the monitors.
• All chairs are to be PUSHED IN when you leave
this area.
Desk Assignments
• You will be assigned a desk.
• This seat has a card associated with it.
• This is your “group” as well as your book
association (the blue hanging shoe holder).
• You will not pick at the tape or cards.
• You will not write on the desks.
• If you do… you will sit on the floor and figure
it out.
GRADING POLICY
100% - 90%
89% - 80%
79% - 70%
69% - 60%
59% - Below
A
B
C
D
F
Each of the nine weeks (there are four (4) per year) will be based on the
following percentage system:
Nine weeks test 10 %
Class work and Bookwork (CW/BW) 40 %
Projects 20%
Participation 10%
Quizzes/Tests 20%
2 Semesters = 1 credit
•
•
•
•
1st 9 weeks grade x 45%
2nd 9 weeks grade x 45%
Semester final
x 10%
Total equals 1st semester grade
– must be 70 % or greater for ½ credit
•
•
•
•
3rd 9 weeks grade x 45%
4th 9 weeks grade x 45%
Semester final
x 10%
Total equals 2nd semester grade
– must be 70 % or greater for ½ credit
Quizzes
• In about 2 weeks you will have 1 to 2 quizzes
per week
• Thursday’s will cover text structure or
outlining
• Friday’s are word part quizzes
• You will know Friday’s which new #’s to study
for the following week.
Studying for Quizzes
• When the bell rings I will set the timer for 10
minutes about every other day to study word
parts and other notes in class.
• If you mess around and don’t use those 10
minutes to your advantage that’s your
problem. Come in and if I tell you to study,
study!
• The rest of “study time” is on your time. In
the morning, in other classes, at lunch, at
home, in the bathroom, at practice… STUDY!
YOU CAN DO IT!
• You will learn, memorize, and know 187 word
parts by the end of the year.
• You will learn, memorize and know 48 prefixes
by the end of the year.
• You will learn, memorize, and know 43 suffixes
by the end of the year.
• You will learn, memorize, and know 53 literary
devices by the end of the year and understand
text structure
CHEATING
This has passed through the CIT.
"At Coronado High School we take academic
integrity seriously. Therefore, any student caught
cheating will receive a zero."
Teachers, if you find any student cheating, please use
the "CH" code in your grade book. The "CH" must
be equal to a zero.
Literary Devices
• We will be making flashcards!
• You need a package of 100 index cards- you
have 3 days to buy these.
Word Parts
• You will use my Web page tinyurl.com/readingmsb
to study for word parts
– It is also a mobile site, you can study all-day and all night anywhere you have
internet service. You can even take screen shots if you don’t have internet
service at home to study.
• You will study about 15-20 NEW parts per week
• Your quizzes will include the NEW words as well as RANDOM previous
words, so you must study ALL new and previously learned word parts
because you don’t know which previously learned word parts I’ll pick.
• Your 1st quiz for word parts will be September 18th. We will go over
word parts more in depth next week.
Locate Grade In-Class
Students will be given an official progress report to take home every three (3)
weeks from Coronado High School. I will give a progress report every three
weeks as well on Monday.
Locate Grade Outside of Class- Parent Portal
The parent portal provides parents with on-line access to information on their
student’s academic progress. In an effort to keep teacher-parent-student
relationships active, the parent portal informs viewers about the academic
activities of their child/children, and thus enables all to be more involved as a
result. The portal facilitates better communication between parent and teachers,
and could well change the frequency and dynamics of a student’s overall
academic experience. Parents are able to view their child's attendance,
classroom assignments, and grades. It is highly recommended that parents
and students view this information on a regular basis.
REMEMBER: Teachers are human and make mistakes….it is your
responsibility to let me know if you find an error. Be polite and bring
evidence; I will gladly change it.
KEEP IN MIND: I WANT YOU TO SUCCEED.
This is the ONE warning!
• BACKPACKS, PURSES, CELL PHONES, IPODS,
IPADS, and DISTRACTING OBJECTS IN
GENERAL…
• All personal items will be stored in the
students’ bag, backpack, or purse AT THE
FRONT OF THE CLASSROOM- NO
EXCEPTIONS.
District and school policy states: NO CELL PHONES. If a cell phone is
confiscated it may be picked up after 4:00 p.m., BY A PARENT/GUARDIAN,
in the business office. A $15.00 charge is required for all returned electronic
devices.
Dress Code
The district dress code will be strictly enforced, and there is to be no
inappropriate language or gestures within the classroom at anytime.
Tardy Policy
BE ON TIME, PERIOD!
Being tardy is defined as entering the classroom after the bell rings.
If students tardiness becomes an issue, I will lock the door when the bell
rings. You can wait until I am ready to let you in, and it is then your
responsibility to figure out what we are doing.
Again, BE ON TIME, it is that simple!
Daily Procedures
Entering the room?
1. Come prepared for class and ready to work.
2. Enter the classroom before the bell, leave items at
front, sit in the assigned seat, then READ THE
PROJECTED ASSIGNMENT AND GET TO WORK!!!!
Leaving class at the end of the period?
1. If EVERYONE is not seated in his or her assigned
seat, no one leaves. You are not puppies…do not wait
like one at the back door.
The bell does NOT dismiss you, the teacher does!
DO NOT THINK THAT THIS POLICY IS A JOKE.
Eating and drinking in class?
1. Food is not allowed in the classroom, unless it is
lunch time. (Even during lunch, only at desks not
computers)
2. Because there are computers in this classroom, all
drinks must have a lid and are to be kept on your desk
and AWAY from the computers.
This is a privilege! If the privilege is abused, it will be
taken away.
Using the restroom?
1. Do not ask to use the restroom. If the pass is there
you may go, if it is not then you will wait. If you ask, you
do not go, period. If you take forever or fail to take the
pass… you will never go!
If you go during instructions; I will not repeat what you
Throwing “things” away?
1. We do not throw anything across the classroom. There will be
consequences if this happens!!!
2. Please wait until the class period is over to throw away paper,
tissue, etc.
Asking questions?
1. Students are encouraged to ask for help AT ANY TIME!
2. Please raise your hand and WAIT to be called on.
3. IF you are working in groups or pairs, please ask each other before
asking me, the teacher; try to help one another.
SUPPLIES for class and turning-in work?
1. Sharpen all pencils before the bell rings…
2. Students do not have to ask to get up to sharpen a pencil;
HOWEVER, if the teacher or other students are speaking to the class,
please wait until they have finished.
3. Get paper before the bell rings.
4. Turn-in work to the appropriate class folder at front of room.
Guests in the classroom?
1. Please respect all guests in the classroom.
2. Treat all guests as you would want to be treated.
3. If someone walks in the room, just smile and keep working.
Unfinished Class Work (Tests)?
1. Students need to make time at lunch or after school to
complete work. I will be in my room until 4:30 almost every day.
ABSENCES:
 If you are absent and it is unexcused, you will receive a zero for the
assignment for the day. (THIS IS DISTRICT POLICY, SO BE SURE YOUR
PARENT CALLS IN YOUR ABSENCES.)
 If it is an excused absence, you have one day for every day you were
absent to make it up. (No zeros – come to tutoring and get it done!!)
 Fall semester – students can only miss 8 period/class without loosing
credit
 Spring Semester – students can only miss 10 periods/class without losing
credit
 Once a student has accumulated 3 or more unexcused absences, the
Notice of Attendance Letter (NOA) – also called a court warning, will be
sent. The NOA states that the parent must meet with the Assistant
Principal. At that meeting both student and parent will sign attendance
contract.
 If the student continues missing school due to unexcused absences, a
court filing will be processed. Both the parent and student must monitor
the attendance. Teachers and students only have 1 week to correct any
errors in attendance.
MAKE UP POLICY: it’s on you…
It is the responsibility of the student to
approach the teacher after a class has
been missed to see what work may be
made-up and/or the student needs to
visit the teacher’s web site for copies of
notes, PowerPoints, and or assignments.
“I FORGOT” OR “JUST DID
NOT WANT TO DO WORK”
• All grades will be based off of a
maximum grade of a 100 (or more if you
do extra credit) If the assignment is not
turned-in on time it is 5 pts. off everyday
it is late! Unless you have an excused
absence. (1 extra day for every day you
are absent.)
• You will also loose points if you forget to
put your name on your paper….ALWAYS
keep an eye on the Wall of Shame.
• The longer you wait, the worse your
grade will be.
Consequences for classroom violations or
misbehavior
1st Verbal warning
2nd Change in seating assignment
The student will sit in the corner facing the
wall or the student will be sat outside to work
without disrupting and distracting other
students.
And then… I’m done, and we will have a talk! It is
the perfect opportunity for us to call home. And I
will allow you to update your parent on your day.
(Teacher Web site)- it’s on the wall!
Tinyurl.com/Kempreading
Coronado Library - great site for research or STAAR
practice testing
Corolib.com Go to Databases
(Parent Portal)
http://www.episd.org/_parents/
(Office365)
https://portal.office.com/
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Tutoring Hours, Conference Hours, & Contact Information
Tutoring: 4:00-4:30
Contact email: pmkemp@episd.org
Website: tinyurl.com/Kempreading
• Sincerely,
• Ms. Tricia Kemp