Eighth Grade Language Arts, 2019-2020

Mrs. Kelsey Walter

Email: kelsey_hoover@uwharriecharter.org
Class Website: www.kelseywalter.weebly.com
While exploring an assortment of themed units, each student in eighth-grade will have an opportunity to learn and
refine various skills needed to advance onto higher learning. Throughout the year, a focus will be heavily placed on
grammar and sentence structure, reading comprehension and analysis, as well as the writing process. Students will be
asked to work individually and collaboratively to establish and maintain a steady flow of communication and shared
knowledge amongst peers.
Listed below is an overview of the expectations I have set for every student. I would like for you to keep these items
in mind so that you and I can work as a team to ensure that your child finds success in my classroom.
1. Come to each class session prepared. Please be sure to bring these items each day: Notebook, planner,
pencil, red ink pen, glue sticks, scissors, and a book to read.
2. Hand in all assignments when they are due. Late assignments will not be accepted. If a student is
absent, he/she will need to check the “What You Missed” folder for his/her particular class.
3. Always bring your best self to class. Not only will I assist your child’s educational development, but I
will also strive to help each child become a better version of themselves.

Required Materials:

 1 – Five Star Wirebound Notebook,  Highlighters

College Rule, 5 Subject, 200 Sheets  Red ink pens
 2019-2020 Planner  Glue sticks
 Pencils  Scissors

Grading Policy:

Projects 40%
Tests (stems, content knowledge, 25%
mastery checks, etc.)
Participation (class work, homework, etc.) 35%

Late Work:
Late work will not be accepted. However, at the end of each grading term, the lowest test grade will be dropped. In
the case of an absence, the student will have up to five days to complete and hand in the missed assignment(s).
Assignments turned in past the five-day allowance will not be accepted.

Attendance:

It is the responsibility of the student to get notes or class work that was missed during an absence. If a student
is absent the day before an assignment is scheduled or due, he/she will be expected to complete or turn in the
assignment with the rest of the class. If a student is absent on the day of a test, he/she should plan to take the test
when he/she returns to school.

Any work that was assigned before an absence is due on the day the student returns to school. Any work that was not
assigned before an absence will be due within 5 days of the return.
Tentative Curriculum Map: English Language Arts, 2019-2020

Awareness:
Informational Writing
August through
mid-September - Mastery Checks
- Notebook Checks
- Article of the Week
assignments

Relationships:
Persuasive Writing

Mid-September through - Mastery Checks

Mid-October - Notebook Checks
- Final Project

Mid-October through early
December
Coming of Age:
The Outsiders
- Mastery Checks
- Notebook Checks
- Final Project

The Power of Love:

The Gift of the Magi

December - Mastery Checks

- Notebook Checks
- Final Project

Choice and Consequence:

Chasing Lincoln’s Killer

January through March - Mastery Checks

- Notebook Checks
- Final Project
- Benchmark #2

Desire to Inspire:
Poetry
April through Mid-May - Mastery Checks
- Notebook Checks
- Writing opportunities
- Final Project
- Benchmark #3

Mid-May End-of-Grade Test Review

Please sign and return the following agreement:

By signing below, I indicate that I understand and respect the information presented in this syllabus.
Parent/Guardian Signature: ______________________________________________________
Student Signature: ______________________________________________________
Date: ______________________________________________________

Please sign and return the following agreement:

By signing below, I indicate that I understand and respect the information presented in this syllabus.
Parent/Guardian Signature: ______________________________________________________
Student Signature: ______________________________________________________
Date: ______________________________________________________

Please sign and return the following agreement:

By signing below, I indicate that I understand and respect the information presented in this syllabus.
Parent/Guardian Signature: ______________________________________________________
Student Signature: ______________________________________________________
Date: ______________________________________________________

Please sign and return the following agreement:

By signing below, I indicate that I understand and respect the information presented in this syllabus.
Parent/Guardian Signature: ______________________________________________________
Student Signature: ______________________________________________________
Date: ______________________________________________________

Please sign and return the following agreement:

By signing below, I indicate that I understand and respect the information presented in this syllabus.
Parent/Guardian Signature: ______________________________________________________
Student Signature: ______________________________________________________
Date: ______________________________________________________

Please sign and return the following agreement:

By signing below, I indicate that I understand and respect the information presented in this syllabus.
Parent/Guardian Signature: ______________________________________________________
Student Signature: ______________________________________________________
Date: ______________________________________________________=