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TRMS 2020-2021 ~ English Language Development (ELD) ~ Mrs. Sullivan

Class Overview
Here we are starting our year at a distance, which we would have never predicted one year ago. Despite
the disadvantages this presents, I am looking forward to having a successful year regardless of the format
in which we are presented. Our content standards remain the same, and students will continue to
participate in various reading, writing, vocabulary, grammar, listening, and speaking activities in order to
improve their essential critical thinking and communication skills.

English Language Development (ELD) helps support students in other content areas by providing
additional language practice, emphasizing oral language and academic vocabulary. Whether you are in a
full two period block of ELD, which also serves as your Language Arts class, or if you’re in a one period
elective class, the goal is to develop skills in order to eventually reclassify out of ELD and excel in your
content area courses.

Textbook
We will be using the ​English 3D ​textbooks. The ​E3D Portfolio i​ s your book to write in, and we will use this
text each class period. Most of the work will be done as a class, and you will write your individual
responses as we discuss the material. It is important that we work together and that you also complete
the speaking and listening portions as well. The ​E3D Issues ​book contains the reading material. You will
not write in this text; it is a useful reference.

Quick References
Email:​ csullivan@pylusd.org
Conference:​ 4th Period
Best Time for Writing and HW Help:​ Afternoon “Check for Understanding” Zoom Sessions
Class Website:​ ​https://sullivantrms.weebly.com/
​www.travisranchschool.org​ → staff list → Catherine Sullivan
Google Classroom:​ ​www.google.com/classroom

Grades & Aeries

Your grade will be determined by 3 categories, all equally weighted: ​reading ​(includes
vocabulary), ​writing​, and ​listening/speaking ​(includes class participation). Please check
grades on Aeries weekly. Students are encouraged to inquire about their own grades and
assignments.

Participation
Listening and speaking skills are just as important as reading and writing in ELD; therefore, a
portion of your grade will be based on participation during class. Please have your microphone
turned on when asked. If you are not able to do so, please do your best to participate in the
chat.
Absence & Late Work Policy
❖ Most homework assignments are unfinished class assignments. Long term projects may
occasionally include weekends.
❖ Assignments​ are posted weekly on Google Classroom.
❖ Absences: ​Students have one day for every day they are absent to make up work. It is
the student’s responsibility to obtain the work missed from absences by checking Google
Classroom and contacting Mrs. Sullivan if needed.
❖ If a student is present on the day the assignment was given, but absent on the due date,
the student must adhere to the originally set due date, or upon his/her​ ​first day back​ to
class.
❖ If absent on a test/quiz day, students have ​one week​ to make up test/quiz. It is the
student’s responsibility​ to arrange time with Mrs. Sullivan for the makeup.
❖ Field Trips:​ If a student misses class due to a school activity (ex. Choir, band, etc.),
assignments are still due on the due date, even if he/she is not in class. Prior
communication is key.
❖ Late work: ​If an assignment is turned in late, the MOST it can earn is ​75%​, if the
assignment is complete and thoughtful. All late work must be turned in by the end of the
unit to earn late credit.
❖ Technology is not always reliable. Remember to do your best to contact me if you are
having trouble so that we can find a solution before the due date.
❖ Special circumstances arise, such as family emergencies. Extra time may be given if I
am notified within a reasonable time period.

Student Expectations:
★ Respect​ is essential for our classroom. Students should always respect themselves,
each other, their classroom, and their teacher. Please respect the Zoom Norms
presented during the first week of school.
★ Students should complete ​all assignments thoughtfully and on time​. Consider all
assignments writing assignments: use ​complete sentences​ and proper writing
conventions​ ​unless otherwise advised.
★ Academic​ integrity​ and ​honesty ​are essential. Please refer to the school’s academic
honesty presentation and planner information in order to avoid plagiarism and cheating,
which could result in a zero on the assignment, parent contact, and possibly,
administrative contact as well.
★ Phones​: Cell phones and other electronic devices should be ​turned off and put away
until the teacher indicates students can use their devices during instruction for a
particular lesson. When using a device in class, it should be flat on the desk at all times.
★ Water is always permitted during class. Other drinks and snacks should be consumed
outside of the classroom​ to avoid distraction and classroom mess. No gum is allowed
anywhere on campus. Try to avoid eating, gum chewing, or other distractions while on
Zoom.
I am looking forward to a wonderful year! Thank you for your continued support of our
Travis Ranch Community. Please feel free to email me with any questions and/or
concerns about ELD.