Reading/ ELA

Pelham City Middle School

2017 - 18 Syllabus
Ms. Golden
Email: tgolden@pelham-city.k12.ga.us
Phone: 229-294-6063

Course Description:
Welcome to Reading/ ELA (English Language Arts). Students will be reading various
kinds of texts poetry, short stories, essays, informational texts, fiction, and nonfiction
text. Students will be reading independently, in pairs, in small groups, and as a whole
class. We will pursue the goal of independent reading of complex texts which means we
will be working on reading skills and vocabulary strategies. Students will be asked to
make inferences, analyze what they read, and support their claims with evidence from the
text. These skills will be demonstrated in short written responses to the texts that we read.
Additionally, they will continue to improve their writing skills and will produce a
minimum of four full essays (one each nine week period). These will include
argumentative and informative essays. Furthermore, students will be building their
language and grammar skills, working toward demonstrating command of the
conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing and speaking. The
many aspects of the ELA classroom will demand that we be busy, productive individuals
this year.

Warm Ups:
We begin each class by completing a warm-up. This is an essential part of the
Reading/ELA classroom. It allows students to practice key skills and prepare for the
days lesson. Warm-ups will be kept in the students notebook and collected weekly or
biweekly for grading purposes.

Homework & AR:

Students are expected to read from an AR book for 20 or more minutes each day at home.
The students AR goal and the percentage of AR points earned will be used to calculate
one quiz grade each nine week period. Students who have no AR points will receive a
zero. In addition to the AR reading, students should review vocabulary and notes daily.
Written homework will not be given daily but will be required occasionally.
Make-Up Assignment Policy:
Attendance is critical! We have a lot to learn this year, and we will move very quickly.
Every day that a student is absent is a missed learning opportunity. Students have one
week from the date of their return to make up missed work. It is the students
responsibility to ask for missed assignments, to complete, and return for grading.

Late Work Policy:

Students need to complete class work when it is assigned. We expect students to pay
attention and do their best on all class work. Students who are unable to complete class
work for any reason must notify me immediately. Students have one week to come after
school, get help, and complete the assignment. Points may be deducted for work turned
in late, and after a week, the student will receive a zero. This is non-negotiable.

Class Expectations:
Come to class on time, in school uniform, and prepared with supplies, a smile and a
good attitude.
Listen when others are talking. Raise your hand and wait to be called on before
speaking.
Follow directions the first time they are given. Raise your hand if you have a
question or problem.
Stay seated, work quietly, and do not disturb others.
Show respect for school property and the property of others.
DO NOT bring colognes, perfumes, body sprays or strongly scented lotions to
school. If these products are used in class, I will take them and will only return them
to a parent or guardian.

Consequences for Misbehavior:

1st Offense - Verbal Warning
2nd Offense Parent Contact
3rd Offense - Parent Contact with Silent Lunch
4th Offense - Parent Contact with After School Detention
5th Offense - Referral

Supplies Needed:
Binder (1 or 2 in)
Dividers
Paper
Pencils
Grading Policy
Participation/HW=10%
Tests=35%
Quizzes=30%
Classwork=25%

Letter Grade Numerical Average

A 90 - 100
B 80 - 89
C 70 - 79
F 69 and Below

Parent Involvement:
It is important that you are aware of your students progress toward mastering Reading/
ELA standards. We will be sending home a grade and AR progress report midway
through each nine weeks. You will be asked to sign and return this form. Additionally,
you can access your childs grades on parent portal anytime. Even though all standards
are taught in the same classroom, there will a grade for reading standards and a grade for
language and writing standards.

Additionally, there has been a REMIND 101 set up for this class. Remind 101 allows
parents to join a class using their cell phone and receive class updates and reminders.
Parents will receive text about upcoming quizzes, tests, projects, papers, book
requirements, etc. We request that all parents join if possible. The information needed to
join is attached. Please see me if you have any questions.

Please complete the contact information on the attached form. By signing this form, you
acknowledge that you and your child have read and understand the information on this
syllabus.

Return to T. Golden, Reading

Please complete, sign and return. You will keep the first three pages for your
reference. Our contact information is at the top. Please feel free to call or email if you
have a question or concern.

Childs name: ___________________________________________________

Parents or guardians information:

Name: ______________________________________________________

Relationship to child: ___________________________________________

Email address: ________________________________________________

Home phone: _________________________________________________

Cell phone: _______________________________________

My child and I have read and understand the syllabus for ELA.

_________________________________________________ __________
Parent or Guardian Signature Date

_________________________________________________ __________
Student Signature Date