Week 27: Explanatory Essay: It's a Wrap!

We have finished Trimester 2! On to Trimester 3 where our focus will be reading strategies, grammar practice, reading comprehension (to prep for RISE), argumentative essay and a final class novel. This is my favorite trimester and I'm so excited to see students grow.

I was pretty frustrated with grades this time. Some students consistently worked hard, had a good attitude, were respectful, handed in reading logs, classwork and did well. You should be applauded: I am so proud of you and grateful to have you as students. Unfortunately, many others students do not consistently attend class, don't hand in reading logs, are off-task and ended up with very poor grades. I've gave students my spill. Intermediate school is a great bridge to middle school, but middle school is when it gets real. Classes are more difficult, grades become very important (because they will determine your ability to graduate high school) and behavior becomes a big deal, because higher grades won't tolerate silly or rude behavior in class.

I expect awesome things from each of you. Just to reiterate: here are the top 5 things to remember about Language Arts to ensure your success.

1. Reading Logs: You must be reading and recording it on your reading log for 5 days a week, 30 minutes a day. Reading Logs are ALWAYS due for FULL POINTS on Mondays (Tuesdays if Monday is a holiday). For each day it's late, you do lose a point a day. If you have two weeks of missing reading logs, you'll start calling home and talking to a parent during class.
2. Discipline:  I'm shifting our schools "4 R's" program to what Mr. James and Mrs. Brereton are doing. You get one warning for off-task behavior (you all know what that looks like by now), then you'll be sent in the hall to do a "think sheet" that you'll need to take home and have signed. If you don't bring it back, you'll referred to office. We are all frustrated at the behavior of this group (overall) of 7th graders. It's unlike anything we've ever seen before.
3. Late Work: You all signed the late work policy on the disclosure in August. I'll accept late work, up to two weeks late, for reduced points--except reading logs. I will no longer take reading logs if it's not the week it's due. Get your work handed in on time, please!!! Extra credit will no longer be available because too many students are using it as a crutch instead of actually doing class work.
4. Rewards: I will be giving even more for Robins Rewards, Touch Gold Cards, candy, etc. for good behavior, on time reading logs and excellent student achievement. It's worth trying to do your best in my class.
5. Attendance: If you miss a day, you need to talk to me the next morning. Stakes are high: testing is coming. I will not magically give you missed work. You need to make an effort and I'm happy to help you. Generally, I'm available before and after school. Likewise, you can request to come in for work during advisory OR stay after school for our FREE tutoring program T-Th from 2-3pm...and you get a free snack.

Weekly Schedule

Welcome Trimester 3!!!

Tuesday, February 18th
Cactus II Read Aloud
Body Paragraphs
Modeling-Sample Essay
Write your own Body Paragraphs
**You might need to finish at home, or advisory, 
OR library time tomorrow.
Must be completed by Thursday before class for points
Week 26 Reading Log DUE
Take-Home Trimester Reflection

Wednesday, February 19th
Library Day
Pass off books

Thursday, February 20th
Pass-off BODY PARAGRAPHS
Cactus II Read Aloud
Conclusion: Modeling-Sample Essay
Write Your Conclusion
Peer Edit Checklist

Friday, February 21st
Essay in Utah Compose
Make Changes & Resubmit Essay
Print Essay--Hand in to Mrs. Robins

• Print Essay
• Complete Identification Form
• Staple with Blue Rubric on Top
• Utah Compose Score Written on Blue Rubric