Dear parents,
This is our non-extensive list of assignments: A grammar test every week based on the bell ringers we do in class (they are expected to keep up with the packet and bring it every day.); Daily Grammar homework; Reading and vocabulary tests at the end of each section of our unit (between 1-2 weeks); multiple writing assignments; progress monitoring tests after each unit; and daily handouts and assignments. Everything except for daily classwork will count as 100 point grades.
I will give daily homework to reinforce grammar skills, and students may occasionally be required to finish an in-class activity at home to turn in the next day if they were working hard in class, but weren’t able to finish. They will always be expected to study at home for tests.
This is a technology-free classroom, so we will rarely, if ever, use computers. Therefore, please ensure your student comes to school with something to write, erase, and highlight with and on for this class.
I will have a few extra-credit assignments available throughout the year for each nine weeks, but I do not offer last-minute grade-saver assignment points.
If a student misses a day, it is their responsibility to ask me about what they miss and when they can make it up. Until we have that conversation, they will have an “X” in the computer, which calculates as a zero until replaced. Same will be true for anything else that is not turned in for whatever reason--if it has an “X,” I do not have the assignment. I will take any late assignments up to a week before the nine weeks is over.
Exemptions for Midterms and Finals can be earned by making an “A” in class. There will be separate tests for ELA, which will be based on our grammar bell ringers, and Reading, which will be a cold-read activity.
The most common behavior problem is with students talking and playing during class and hindering others’ education along with their own. This behavior will result in a referral. So, please ensure that your student comes to class ready to learn, and is prepared to follow the classroom and school rules.
I have high expectations for my students because I believe they can meet them with hard work and discipline. I love teaching 8th grade because it is a trial year for high school, and I get to see my students begin learning how to take accountability for their grades, behaviors, and education. There are definitely growing pains for everyone, but it’s much more tolerable to struggle, misstep, and learn in 8th grade than in high school when everything matters!
I look forward to a great year,
Mandi McMillan