Reiter Report Welcome to 7th grade language arts! I am confident that this will be an exciting year of learning! Together, we can work to promote a successful and fulfilling LA experience. Curriculum The 7th grade language arts curriculum is based on Ohio’s New Learning Standards – English Language Arts (also known as the Common Core State Standards). The standards combine reading, writing, speaking, and listening objectives. In language arts, we will work to meet these goals and become stronger readers, writers, speakers, and listeners! Class Novels In 7th grade, we will read three class novels. The first novel that we will read is Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson. Second, we will read The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. Last (but certainly not least!), we will read The Giver by Lois Lowry. All of the novels are of different genres – historical fiction, science fiction, and realistic fiction respectively. With the exception of absences, reading will be done during class (as a read-aloud). However, I strongly encourage students to obtain his/her own copies of our class novels for reading reinforcement at home, test prep, and homework completion. The condition of the copies does not have to be perfect! You can find inexpensive, used copies on Amazon.com or HalfPriced Books. Independent Reading In addition to the class novels, students will be expected to read independently. As a rule, students should be reading at least 20 minutes a night. While reading independently, students should practice concepts taught and modeled in class (slowing down, pausing to ask questions/make predictions, etc.). In addition, independent reading will be used for projects (3 per year) and a non-mandatory reading challenge. Vocabulary Each Monday students will receive a vocabulary packet and flashcards with ten new words. Each night students will complete a section of the packet as homework. Additionally, students will take a pre-test on Thursday and a final test on Friday. Homework Expect homework nightly. As an extension of class lessons, homework is typically graded for completion/effort. However, random homework assignments will be collected and graded for accuracy and comprehension. For most assignments, we will discuss and make corrections in class. As a result, homework needs to be completed by the start of class and no incomplete/late work will be accepted for credit (except in the case of an excused absence). Additionally, please review the Seventh Grade Homework Policy with your child as we will adopt it in language arts. Grading Grades are calculated by adding the total number of points earned divided by points possible. The following is a sample: 8-25 Fever 1793 Worksheet 17/20 8-27 Vocab Homework Week 1 (3 assignments @ 5 pts. each) 15/15 9-5 Elements of a Novel Quiz 26/30 9-7 Vocab Unit 1A Test 36/40 TOTAL: 94/105 89.52% B+ Additionally, grades will be posted on PowerSchool. Depending on the number of assignments, I will add grades/update PowerSchool 1-2 times a week. I suggest that you check PowerSchool at least 1-2 times a week. Communication The best way to get in contact with me is by email (reiterk@wcsoh.org). In addition, I will use my class website and Remind (formally Remind 101) to report important information and due dates. You can access my website through the Westerville City School District site. Go to the Genoa Middle School homepage, click Staff Websites (on the left), and you will find my name in the list. To access Remind updates, send a text to 614-629-8764 with the message @msreite OR send an email to: msreite@mail.remind.com. Supplies o o o o o o o 3-ring binder (1-inch, for LA) notebook pencils red or blue grading pens colored pencils scissors pencil pouch o o o o o 3x5 index cards flashdrive large box of tissues (last names A-H) Post-it notes (last names I-R) Clorox wipes OR roll of paper towels (last names S-Z) Additional donations of supplies are always gratefully accepted! Thank you in advance for your part in what I know will be a wonderful year! I have read and understand the information regarding Ms. Reiter’s language arts class. _____________________________________________ Student Printed Name _____________________________________________ Student Signature _____________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature IMPORTANT: Please keep this sheet in your binder. Thank you!