S.S. Seward Institute
Welcome to 7th Grade English
2012-2013
Contact Information
Teacher:
Ms. Bugasch
Phone:
(845) 651-3095 (S.S. Seward Institute)
Email:
dbugasch@floridaufsd.org
School Website :
www.floridaufsd.org/
Course Description and Overview
Seventh grade ELA is designed to provide students with the skills needed to become independent
readers, writers, listeners, and speakers while building upon the skills the students already possess.
Students will improve study skills, organization skills, and time management skills while becoming more
responsible and experienced in using varied resources. Reading skills will be maintained and
strengthened. Literature includes reading selections from the text, along with the study of short stories,
poetry, fiction/non-fiction, and novels. Through the study of literature, the identification and use of
specific literary elements will be explored and examined. Spelling and vocabulary will be regularly
studied from lists of words appropriate to the class and in conjunction with written work and literature
covered. Grammar skills will be maintained and strengthened through the study of capitalization,
punctuation, and the structure of the sentence. Writing and composition study will aim toward the
development of the paragraph and the three paragraph essay. A research paper is required. To achieve
development of reading and writing, students will complete quarterly independent readings during the
course of the year accompanied with a project/essay. During class, students will complete a genre
based curriculum while practicing skills geared towards the New York State seventh grade English exam
and achieving the goals of the NYS Common Core English Language Arts Standards.
Grammar:
Parts of speech, sentence structure, punctuation, capitalization,
sentence types, subject verb agreement, misused words
Writing Assignments:
Brief research paper in MLA format, including supported thesis
statement; practice with forming an organized paragraph and 3
paragraph essay (intro, body, conclusions); essays related to
literature; weekly journal writing
Novels:
My Brother Sam is Dead, Night Journeys , Bridge to Terabithia,
Hatchet, Trouble with Lemons
Short Stories/Folktales:
Varied from text; plot diagram, conflict, characterization,
setting, themes, various literary elements
Poetry:
Various poets; various aspects and elements of poetry
Vocabulary/Spelling:
Taken from text and literature and weekly lists; defined,
reviewed, and tested (see handout)
Grading Policy:
Tests and Quizzes
40%
Projects and Writing Assignments
40%
Homework, Participation, Effort
20%
**Note: all missed tests and quizzes will be placed in period folders; late project and
assignments will lose 10 points a day from the earned grade.**
Homework Policy:
Homework will be given and checked regularly. Homework will be assigned at the end of
each class period and will be checked at the start of each period. Assignments that are checked
off as being fully complete on the due date are given full credit. Late homework must be
completed. If a homework assignment is missed, the student must come see me either
during lunch or after school to complete the assignment.
In case of absences, students will be given extra time to receive and complete homework
assignments. Please take advantage of the class website to check your homework and use your
planner to record assignments and due dates.
Materials/Supplies:
Pens (blue or black ink only); #2 pencils
Loose leaf paper
Daily assignment pad
Colored pencils
Erasers
Marble notebook
Index cards
Required text or any other reading materials
Binder with divided sections and folders, exclusively for English (no spiral notebook paper)
Extra Help:
Please feel free to ask for extra help whenever it is needed. I am available after school
every week. On Mondays, I will post what days I will be staying after for the week.
Common Core Standards:
Key Ideas and Details
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RL.7.1. Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says
explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
RL.7.2. Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over
the course of the text; provide an objective summary of the text.
RL.7.3. Analyze how particular elements of a story or drama interact (e.g., how setting
shapes the characters or plot).
Craft and Structure
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RL.7.4. Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text,
including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of rhymes and other
repetitions of sounds (e.g., alliteration) on a specific verse or stanza of a poem or
section of a story or drama.
RL.7.5.. Analyze how a drama’s or poem’s form or structure (e.g., soliloquy, sonnet)
contributes to its meaning.
RL.7.6. Analyze how an author develops and contrasts the points of view of different
characters or narrators in a text.
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas
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RL.7.7. Compare and contrast a written story, drama, or poem to its audio, filmed,
staged, or multimedia version, analyzing the effects of techniques unique to each
medium (e.g., lighting, sound, color, or camera focus and angles in a film).
RL.7.8. (Not applicable to literature)
RL.7.9. Compare and contrast a fictional portrayal of a time, place, or character and a
historical account of the same period as a means of understanding how authors of
fiction use or alter history.
Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity

RL.7.10. By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature, including stories,
dramas, and poems, in the grades 6–8 text complexity band proficiently, with
scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range.
Classroom Rules:
1. Come to class on time. Do not line up at the door. You are in your seat from beginning to
end. Repeated lateness will result in detention, referrals, and a phone call home. If you are late
for class, you MUST have a pass.
2. Begin the start up activity (bell ringer) immediately.
3. Attend to personal needs before coming to class:
- Bathroom passes are located next to the classroom door.
- No bathroom passes will be issued during the first and last ten minutes of class.
- Only one person will be allowed out at a time. You must sign in and out.
4. If you are having difficulties, please ask me for help.
5. There is no eating in class.
6. Be prepared for class. Bring required materials every day unless you are otherwise directed.
7. Talk only when permitted. Please raise your hand and wait to be called on if there is
something you would like to ask or contribute.
8. Respect your classmates. Use polite speech and body language. Unkind teasing and impolite
behavior is unacceptable. There will be absolutely NO foul, obscene, or abusive language in this
classroom (applies to writing, as well).
9. Do not cheat. Students caught cheating will receive a zero and a phone call home. Both the
student who shares his work for an independent assignment AND the person who copies it will
suffer the same consequences. I expect you to do your own work and to be sure no one can
copy it.
10. Hats or other head coverings are not to be worn in the classroom.
11. All electronic devices must be turned off and be out of sight or be left in your locker.
12. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to find out what work was missed.
Expectations:
Each and every student will have the opportunity to succeed in this class. Your success will
depend upon your participation and mastery of the skills studied throughout the course of the
year. I want all of my students to do well in English; therefore, you are always expected to do
your best. Please feel free to ask questions for help, whenever it is needed.
Courtesy, cooperation, honesty, respect, and preparedness are five very important
characteristics for your success not only in this class, but in life. It is my gold to be courteous,
cooperative, honest, prepared, and respectful when it comes to all of you.
Contract:
I have read the Class Syllabus/Contract with a parent/guardian and agree to comply with all
expectations, rules, and procedures of Ms. Bugasch’s ELA class, to always do my best, and to
seek extra help if I need it.
Student Name: _____________________________________________
Student Signature: __________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name: _____________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature: __________________________________
Home Phone Number: ______________________________________
Cell or Work Number: _______________________________________
Email Address: _____________________________________________