Syllabus:
Students will be required to write various pieces based on TAKS and TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills). Pieces will be written in class and maybe at home using the 6 Traits of Writing process where students will brainstorm, draft, edit/revise, and finalize their work. In Grammar, direct instruction and learning concepts will occur throughout the year through the use of Power Points, Smart Board, textbooks, mini lessons, and in writing. Students will be expected to memorize the parts of speech, prepositions, helping verbs, irregular verbs, transitions, and other concepts. We will be preparing for the 7th grade TAKS test. Students will also have a weekly Vocabulary Test. Vocabulary words will be given on Friday and test given on the following Thursday.

Grading Policy:
A student's grade will be determined by the following categories and percents.
Homework - 50%
Unit Test - 25%
Vocabulary Test/Projects - 15%
Six Weeks Notebook - 10%

Student's work must be turned in on time! An assignment not turned in when due will receive a deduction of ten (10) points. When absent, the student is responsible for completing missed work. Be sure to ask me for your missed assignments. Students owing late work will be required to attend Home Room in my classroom to finish.

A Six Weeks Notebook will be kept and turned in at the end of every six weeks for a grade. The notebook will include notes, returned papers, and tests. It is important for students to stay organized and keep all their work. The Notebooks will stay in the classroom except to be taken home to study for Unit Test or for parents to see papers.

Progress Reports:
I will send out Progress Reports at three weeks and at the end of the six weeks. I want the parents to be informed of the grades and any late work. If the student gets the Progress Report signed by a parent and returned the next day, I will give them a 100 in the grade book.

Classroom Rules:
1. Bring required materials to class daily.
2. Be seated and begin working on Bell Ringer when the tardy bell rings.
3. In order to show kindness, courtesy, and respect to others, DO NOT speak unless your hand has been raised and you have been called upon.
4. NO talking while the teacher is talking or you may miss something important.
5. There will be NO chewing gum, food, or drinks in class. Water only.
6. Between each class is four (4) minutes for a restroom break and get a drink. (Take advantage of it!)

Behavior Log:
A Behavior Log will be kept in class which will log a student's positive and negative behaviors. Each student will be responsible for logging their behavior in the log. Negative offenses include late work, tardy, disruptive talking, no supplies, etc. When the Behavior Log shows five (5) negative offenses by the student, action will be taken in the form of Lunch Detention for three days. If the negative behaviors continue, the next step is a referral to the office.

Homework Folder:
Students will have a Vocabulary/Homework Folder that will contain their vocabulary words and any homework. Homework assignments, test dates, etc., will be written in their Homework Folder. The students should have enough time to complete assignments in class. If not, the assignment will be for homework and due the next day. Due to the large enrollment and not enough text books, students will be issued a textbook upon request. Students' notes will be identical to the info in the text books. I have a classroom set that we will use. If textbooks are lost, they will cost $40.74 to replace. If you have any questions about homework, test, etc., don't hesitate to call me at school or home, or send an email.

Supplies needed:
2 inch 3-ring Binder (no 1 inch)
Wide ruled notebook paper
Pencils (can be mechanical)
Red pens
1 folder with brads and pockets