Vicki Mayfield

English Language Arts 8

2009/2010

 

Contact Information 

e-mail:                      mayfieldv@gwd50.org

School Phone              941-5780

Room No.           409

 

My goal this semester is for each student to reach their full potential as readers and writers while developing a lifelong love of learning and literature. We will spend the majority of our time reading and writing. I will also focus. If you come to class regularly and attempt every assignment, you should not have any problem passing. I am more interested in mastery of the material than a grade.  

Materials Needed Everyday

 

¨          One yellow highlighter [to be left in the room]

¨           A three ring notebook [1 or 1 ½ inches] with notebook paper

¨         Three divider tabs

¨         A purple, a green and a red pen

¨         4 X 6 Index cards

¨         I highly recommend but do not require a jump drive for saving written work

Grading

 Every four to five weeks a Progress Report will be sent home. This will be done by e-mail if I have an email address and I will print a copy for those that do not have an e-mail account.

 

Mayfield Grading Policy

• Grades are based on points earned so the amount of points possible is divided into the amount of points earned for a percentage grade.
• I use the Gradekeeper online gradebook so every time a grade is given the percentage grade is calculated.
• Homework is worth 50 points.
• Most grades are based on 100 points; however, some projects and assignment take more time and they are weighed more.
• Categories for grades are:

1. Participation
2. Class work
3. Homework
4. Quizzes
5. Tests
6. Writing
7. Vocabulary
8. Research

• All categories may not be used every nine weeks.
• Rubrics are given for each major assignment. Students recceive the rubric the day the assignement is introduced. Additionally, these rubrics are also posted under homework several times. Rubrics clarify what is expected and lead to student sucess.  They are always very specific. We cover every aspect of the rubric together and I model examples.

Expectations 

Students are expected to show respect for themselves coming prepared with all materials, participating in class discussions, attempting all assignments to the best of their ability and asking for additional help when needed.

Students are expected to show respect for others by cooperating with me and following class procedures, not talking when others are talking, respecting each other’s ideas and being open to learning from each other as well as me.

Students are expected to show respect for our environment by taking care of classroom materials and furniture, cleaning up after themselves, and returning all materials to their proper place after use.

Students are expected to adhere to all school rules and procedures.

  

Late Assignments and Make-up Work

Homework assignments are due when class begins. No late homework will be accepted, unless you are absent the day it is due. Then, it will be due the day you return.

Major Projects and Essays are expected on the due date. If you are absent, it is due the day you return. Ten points will be deducted for each day an assignment is late.

If you are absent, it is your responsibility to ask me for makeup work and to get any missed notes from another student. Please do this before/after class or at lunch, NOT during class. You will have 5 days from the date you return to make up any missed work. If you have an extended, excused absence we will work together to plan a reasonable schedule for completing missed assignments.

Missed tests may be made up during a pre approved related arts class or after school by appointment only. Tests must be made up within 5 days of returning to school unless you have had an extended, excused absence. If you do not come at the time you have scheduled to retake a test, you will not be allowed to make it up, unless you have notified me of the change in advance!