Ms.

Simmons English Language Arts

Course Focus
Welcome to 6th, 7th & 8th Grade ELA! I am Waiinine Simmons and Ill be your teacher for
the 2015-2016 school year. The Focus of study for English Language Arts class is
based on the Common Core Standards. Students begin the year reviewing the five
steps of the writing process, 6 Traits of Writing, basic rules of grammar, capitalization,
punctuation and story elements. Students will engage themselves in several short
stories to identify theme, plot and characterization. These practices will help in meeting
our goal of preparing the students to perform successfully on the MSTEP tests in the
spring.
Writing
Several major pieces of writing will be completed this year following the steps of the
writing process. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
personal narrative

argumentative essay

research paper

science fiction

mystery/ horror

persuasive essay with research

poetry

biographies

compare/contrast

numerous journal entries

Spelling
During first semester, students will receive bi-weekly spelling lessons and assignments
designed to reinforce word study, word recognition, word fluency and vocabulary.
Selected word list are comprised of root words, base words, prefixes and suffixes, and
many are taken from the 8th grade National Spelling Bee list and other additional

Ms. Simmons English Language Arts

resources. Other selected words may include frequently misspelled or high-frequency
words.
Reading
Classes will be reading pieces of literature from various genres. Numerous short stories,
informational text as well as several major novels are studied throughout the year.
Along with the assigned readings, the students may visit the Media Center to choose
novels for independent reading. There will be several projects based on these novels.

Text Title: Strategies For Writers, Glencoe Writers Choice Grammar and Composition
and other supplementary materials.
Required Materials
pencils

sharpener

blue or black pen

single subject spiral notebook

paper two pocket three prong folder

personal dictionary

box of tissue

hand sanitizer

Expectations
I have high expectations for ALL my students. Disruption to the classroom environment
affects my ability to teach and the learning ability of every student in the classroom. I will
work to create a safe environment for everyone. I know that each of you will strive to
meet my expectations and will accept the consequences of your actions when not
meeting them.
1.
Verbal Warning
2.
Call Home
3.
Parent Conference Required
Grading/Homework
Assessments are worth 40%, classwork is 40% of your grade, daily homework assignments are
worth 10% of your grade and participation 10%. Assessments can include writing projects,
journals, tests, quizzes, etc. Late homework WILL NOT be accepted! The following grade
scale is used:
94-100 A
90-93 A-

Ms. Simmons English Language Arts

87-89
80-83
74-76
67-69
60-63

B+
BC
D+
D-

84-86
77-79
70-73
64-66
0-59

B
C+
CD
F

This is quite a bit of information, I know. Hold on to this sheet and refer to it when
necessary. Be mature with your decisions and this will be a wonderful year! I
look forward to working with and teaching each and every one of you, in addition
to learning from you as the year progresses. Have fun and learn as you are
Respectful, Responsible, and Ready!

Please sign and return the slip below that you have read and understand the
requirements of this class.
I have read and understand the requirements for English Language Arts as outlined by
Ms. Simmons 2015-2016 course syllabus.
Student
Signature:__________________________________________Date:_______________
Parent/Guardian Signature: ___________________________________Date: _______
Email address or other contact
information:____________________________________________________________
Allergies and or personal
comments_____________________________________________________________

Ms. Simmons English Language Arts

Ms. Simmons English Language Arts

Please sign and return the slip below that you have read and understand the
requirements of this class.
I have read and understand the requirements for English Language Arts as outlined by
Ms. Simmons 2015-2016 course syllabus.
Student
Signature:__________________________________________Date:_______________
Parent/Guardian Signature: ___________________________________Date: _______
Email address or other contact
information:____________________________________________________________
Allergies and or personal
comments_____________________________________________________________