Writing:
We will write, write, write!  The purpose of studying English is to better your communication skills.  Writing only one major composition per grading period is not enough to rigorously extend your command of our language.  The Seventh Grade Challenges Curriculum includes three writing pieces per unit. This plus daily writing practice will lead you toward improvement.

Writing Focus:
*Writing To Persuade *Writing to Inform *Writing for Personal Expression

Reading:
In order to improve your reading (and writing) skills, research suggests that you read at least twenty-five books a year.   We will read novels in class, however the curriculum alone will not provide enough reading for you to meet the twenty-five book suggestion.  This will be a requirement in Mrs. Kochan’s English class.  Therefore, in addition to our in-class reading, you will be required to read independently. To that end, I will help you choose appropriately challenging books.  You will have an outside reading project every quarter that will culminate in a Seminar Sharing of the reading you have completed.
More information will be posted and handed out in the coming weeks.

Novels that may be read in class
(In other words, DON'T PICK THESE TO READ AT HOME, please)
 

· * Denotes novels that may be assigned as outside reading for students who are highly motivated and / or have advanced reading skills.
· ** Student Choices for Heroes in class reading
· ****If you would like to use your own copy in class, feel free to purchase any of the listed books.  I will provide Scholastic Book Club information where you can also find many of these titles (much cheaper than at any store).
 

Speaking:
Don’t expect to hide at your desk forever!  You will have opportunities to speak in class weekly (read aloud, discussion, journal sharing).  Only through practice in front of an audience can you increase your fluency.  (Besides:  I am also certified to teach Public Speaking-and I love drama!)  Speaking comfortably and well has the possibility of helping you in other classes AND in the job place (interviews, reports to supervisor).

Listening:
“Listening is an active, purposeful part of the communications process that goes well beyond hearing. “  Maryland State Performance Standards.
You will improve your listening skills in the following areas: receiving, attending to, assigning meaning for, responding and remembering heard messages.

Technology:
Technology is a major part of our society.  As a classroom should mirror the world around it, I will be integrating computer applications into our class routines.  The computer skills that you learn in class (through twelfth grade) will help to prepare you for an increasingly technology dependent working environment.  You can expect to participate in web quests, communicate with students from another city (or country!), publish your work on the internet, communicate with me (and the team) via email, create your own multi-media presentations, and of course view lessons, homework, announcements, and even lecture notes electronically (web or multi-media).   The focus of this class is not, however, technology.  You will only use computers to enhance your reading and writing skills.
 

Homework / Late-work:
In addition to your reading requirement, you will occasionally be assigned homework in order to practice, enhance, enrich, and complete in class lessons.  Assignments are like pieces of a puzzle.  If they are not completed in a timely manner, there is a hole in the puzzle.     Turning in work late is not a responsible act.

· Work is due in the designated class period on a particular day.
· If it is turned in after that class, a penalty of 10% will be assessed.
(Drop a letter grade)
· The assignment may be turned in anytime through the next class meeting.
· It will not be accepted after the next class meeting.

Major Projects/Essays/Tests
· Will not be accepted after five calendar days.
 

Make-up Work:
It is your responsibility to obtain notes, class-work and homework missed due to an excused absence.  Call a “Home-Work Buddy”, email Mrs. Kochan, check the web page (if it is complete), ask during connect time or before/after class the day you return.  There will be a Make-Up Work binder in our classroom that will also have handouts and notes for each day of class.

You will have the same amount of time as the class to complete your missed work.

Tardiness:
6 Class begins promptly.
6 You are expected to be seated and working on your journal or warm-up at the time class begins.
6 If you are late:

· Sign the “Tardy Sign In Sheet” on the clip board
· Place any loose passes under the clasp.
· Go to your seat quietly.  You may not disrupt class.
· If your pass is in your planner, place your opened planner (showing teacher signature) on your desk.  I will check it during journal.
· Three unexcused tardies will result in a detention assignment.

Class Rules
Be Respectful
Participate Constructively
Come to class on time and with all materials.
Keep English and other class-work in an organized manner.
Keep and open and inquisitive.

Consequences:
Negative:      Positive:
Phone calls home      Phone calls home
Change of seating       Certificates/class recognition
Loss of privileges      Positive referrals
Detention (lunch/after school)    Team recognition
Office referral

Detention:
If class or school policies are breached, you may be assigned detention.

•  Detention will be held at teacher’s discretion (after school or during lunch).
•  After School Detention will extend from 2:45 – 4:15 (activity bus schedule)
•  You will bring assignments to work on during the time.
•  I will provide work if you don’t have any.
• You will complete a behavior contract appropriate to whatever your transgression was.
• A missed detention will result in the assignment of two detentions.
• A Student who misses three assigned detentions will be referred to the office.

• Find a book.
• Write the date, your name, and your connect time teacher’s name on the index card inside the book.
• Place the card in the gray card file.
• Cards are arranged alphabetically by author’s last name.  PLEASE make sure the card is placed alphabetically.
• You may borrow my book for two weeks.  (Talk to me if you need it longer.)
• Return the book by collecting the index card, and then return the book to its proper alphabetized spot.
• Repeat the process!
• Books that are lost or damaged must be replaced.  There is a charge of cover price of book + 50 cents.