English Contract
Students received a copy of the eighth grade English contract, which you signed. This
outlines class supplies, the proper heading, homework, grading, and expectations.
Technology
We incorporate various audio/visual selections into the curriculum. This aids in listening
and note taking skills, as well as critical thinking skills.
Homework
Homework is very important. To receive credit, an assignment must be complete and on
time. Late work will not be accepted for credit. Each week, students receive “This
Week at a Glance in Eighth Grade English”. This weekly calendar our class work,
homework, and long term assignments. The calendar can also be accessed through our
school web pages on the district website.
When written homework is not given, students are expected to read.
New York State English Language Arts Exam
The ELA exam is given in April. It is a three day exam. The test will contain questions
with a variety of formats, including multiple choice reading comprehension, short
response, extended response, and graphic organizers. Writing mechanics is also scored.
You can help your child improve his/her reading comprehension skills by reading
newspaper and magazine articles together, and then discussing them. What is the article
about? What is the main idea? Why did the author write the article? Look for
vocabulary in context.
Progress Reports
When possible, students will receive two progress reports each marking period in
addition to the school issued progress report. These reports must be signed by you and
returned as confirmation that you are aware of your child’s quarterly progress. This
counts as homework for your child.
Parent Portal
The Parent Portal is open, giving you the opportunity to see how your child is doing in
each class. Grades are posted as quickly as possible, but please understand that some
assignments take longer to grade than others.
Books
The eighth grade literature book is Prentice Hall: Silver Edition. We have an in-class set
of books, which means that students are to keep the book they are issued at home.
The eighth grade vocabulary book is Vocabulary Workshop, Level C. This is used for
both spelling and vocabulary. There are two excellent websites to help with spelling and
vocabulary:
www.vocabtest.com
www.vocabularyworkshop.com
All eighth grade students read The Cage by Ruth Minsky Sender, a Holocaust survivor.
She usually visits us in March. Students also read A Christmas Carol by Charles
Dickens, as well as various stories by Edgar Allen Poe.
Plagiarism
As stated in the English Contract, each student is responsible for doing his/her own work
to the best of his/her ability. Students caught plagiarizing any work will receive a zero
NO CHANCE to re-do the assignment. This includes the copying of homework, as well
as allowing someone to copy homework.
This information is also in the Student Code of Conduct.