Periods 2, 4, and 5 WBMS-8th Grade Pre-AP Reading/Literature Study 2012-2013

Dear Students and Parents/Guardians, Hello, my name is Ms. Cheryl Brown and it is with pleasure that I welcome you to 8th grade Reading and Literature Study. I look forward to getting to know everyone as we focus on close reading and the critical analysis of various forms of nonfiction and fiction literature. We will also focus on the skills necessary to become even better readers as we prepare to take the STAAR exam. Open House Parents, I hope that you are able to attend Open House Wednesday, September 19, 2012 so that we may discuss the goals and objectives for pre-AP reading. I would also like to answer any questions that you may have about the class. First Six Weeks Lesson Plans After establishing classroom routines and procedures, we will focus on reading and analyzing short stories and poetry. Lesson plans are posted weekly on the school website. www.westbriar.org (click on academics) Silent Reading A critical component of challenging gifted readers is the independent reading of self-selected novels. Therefore, it is imperative that every student has a book to read every day at home and school beginning Friday, September 7, 2012. We are scheduled to go to the school library for book check-out Wednesday, September 5, 2012. In addition, I have a classroom library that the students may use to check-out books. Homework/Tests/Projects Weekly at-home reading begins the week of September 10, 2012. The students must read for 90 minutes per week. The first homework reading log is due

Periods 2, 4, and 5

Tuesday, September 18, 2012. Vocabulary quizzes are bimonthly. Testing occurs at the end of each unit. Tutorials/Absence Make-up work Tutorials are available Wednesday, 4:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. or any day except Friday by appointment.

Supplies
Students are expected to bring the following supplies to class every day: A binder filled with notebook paper and 2 pocket dividers A novel (fiction or nonfiction) Blue and black ink pens The following supplies will remain in class*: One composition book *Parents are welcome to review the composition book at any time by having the student to check it out of class.

Classroom Discipline
In order to keep the learning environment safe and productive while we focus on academic success, I expect the following:
Be Prompt. Be in class, seated, and ready to work when the tardy bell rings. Be Prepared. Bring all necessary supplies and materials to class each day. Be Polite. Treat everyone and everything with respect. Consequences for failure to follow classroom/school rules are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. verbal warning student/teacher conference and name written on discipline log parent notification detention/parent conference referral to deans office

Rewards 1. verbal praise 2. note/phone call home

Periods 2, 4, and 5 3. class rewards to be determined by the class

I look forward to a wonderful year. If you any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
cbrown4@houstonisd.org 281-368-2140 ext. 407 (3rd period planning) See class website for online lesson plans @ www.westbriar.org (click on academics)

Parent/Guardian Contact Information

Please fill out and return

1.Student Name: ______________________________________________ Period________________ 2. Parent(s)/Guardian Name(s) and Telephone Numbers: __________________________________________________________________ ______________________ __________________________________________________________________ ________________________ 3. Preferred contact method email ______ telephone_______ 4. Parent/Guardian E-Mail Addresses: If available, please provide an email address so that I can create a class distribution list. My goal is to provide general up-to-date information. However, this form of communication is secondary and does not replace the lesson plans on the website or information sent home via letters. __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ 5. Please help me by telling me anything that I might help me to know in order to help your child have a successful year.
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Periods 2, 4, and 5

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Thank you for your support! Ms. Cheryl Brown