Author: JEREMY_DEMINK

Hawaii Department of Education

Language Arts

Mrs. DeMink-Carthew
Ohohia-7
2009-2010

Class Philosophy

The focus in my class is simple: We are all here to become better readers, writers, speakers, and listeners. Think about it. Every day you use all of these skills in some way. Whether you're texting a friend, reading an email, watching the news, listening to your auntie's best story, or trying to explain exactly why it is that you did not take out the trash yesterday, you are practicing these skills. In many ways, you are already experts. In every job you can envision for yourself, however, you will need to take the specific skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening to a more advanced level. You will need to know how to read more challenging non-fiction texts, write letters and reports of all sorts, speak articulately to all kinds of people, and listen carefully to the messages of those around you.
Whether you think you know what you want to do when you graduate or not, my job is to fill up your "toolbox" with a variety of skills that you can pull out whenever the opportunity arises, no matter what path in life you choose. An incomplete toolbox is kind of like showing up to work without your shoes on or only knowing how to turn right on your bike. With an incomplete toolbox, you will be limited. So if my job is to give you the tools, your job is to make sure that your toolbox is full. How do you do this?
Complete and turn in ALL work.
Make sure that all of your work is completed at a quality level.
Take opportunities to revise and retake when you don't get it right the first time.
Be an active participant in your own learning---participate in class and ask questions.

your shoes on or only knowing how to turn right on your bike. With an incomplete toolbox, you will be limited. So if my job is to give you the tools, your job is to make sure that your toolbox is full. How do you do this?
Complete and turn in ALL work.
Make sure that all of your work is completed at a quality level.
Take opportunities to revise and retake when you don't get it right the first time.
Be an active participant in your own learning---participate in class and ask questions.

The Bottom Line

Each skill you will learn in my class is like a ______________.
To be prepared for whatever life path you choose, you need a complete __________________.
Go back to the reading and highlight your responsibilities.

Page #

#1 Class Rule

The #1 rule is: Everyone does all of their work! Let me repeat that again. Everyone does all of their work! There's no choosing to get a zero on an assignment. There's no being the kid who never does anything. In my class, in order to pass, you must complete ALL projects/tests at a quality that either meets or exceeds the standard. Think about it. If you make a D on a project and I say "Okay, I guess that's good enough." then what I'm really doing is saying that it's okay for you to put a broken hammer in your toolbox. And guess what? Some day very soon you may find that you need that hammer. . .and it will be broken. I'm not okay with that and you shouldn't be either.

To pass Language Arts, students must complete all tests and projects and meet all standards.

F

The Scoop on Grading
Grading Scale:
A= Student meets all standards and exceeds in the majority
B= Student meets all standards and exceeds in some areas
C= Student meets all standards
I= (Incomplete) Student has incomplete work or needs to revise
***Note that no student will pass 7th grade with an I or anything below a C***

Help!
I got an “I”!

Follow these steps to turn that “I” into an “A” :
Immediately set a new deadline on the class clipboard and calendar.
Make an appointment to meet with Mrs. DC to get extra help.
Take home an extra copy of the assignment to revise (or download from the team web site).
Use the feedback you received on your rubric to improve the quality of your work.
Turn in your revised work by the new deadline.

Hmmm. . .did I get all of that?
What is the #1 class rule?
________________________________________________________
2) What must you complete in order to pass Language Arts class?
________________________________________________________
3) Which standards must you meet to pass 7th grade Language Arts?
________________________________________________________
4) Can you pass 7th grade with an “I” grade? _____
5) Highlight what to do when you get an “I”.

Language Arts

Page #

Missing Assignment Slips?

You will receive a Missing Assignment slip in your planner each Monday.
How to Use Your Slip:
Check to see what you are missing or need to revise.
Take an extra copy home (or print from the team website).
Share your missing assignment slip with your family.
Have your parent sign your slip.
Show to your advisory teacher on Tuesday.
***Eeek! Students who do not have slips signed by Tuesday will need to call home from advisory class.

Dare to be the best that you can be—-you may just surprise yourself!

Resources to Help You Be Successful

Missing Assignment Slips!!!
Stop by our team’s after-school tutoring program (2:30-3:30) to ask a question, revise, or get caught up on “I” work:
Tuesday: Mr. DeMink
Wednesday: Mrs. DC
Thursday: Mr. G
Friday: Ms. Kerr
Use our team website to keep updated on classroom activities &
print extra copies of assignments: www.ohohia37.weebly.com

Recipe for Success

Student Responsibilities:
Take opportunities to revise ALL summative work that is below the standard.
Take an active role in the process by using your weekly grade slips as a tool to keep track of your progress.
Honor due dates and keep appointments with your teachers to get extra help or revise.
Teacher Responsibilities:
Staple weekly missing assignment slips in student planners every Monday.
Provide many opportunities for students to revise work and all copies will be available in the classroom and on our team website.
Schedule an alternate due date and appointment for extra help with students who have “I” grades
Offer tutoring every Wednesday after school.
Family Responsibilities:
Sign missing assignment (M.A.) slips every Monday
Remind students to work on incomplete work or revise necessary assignments
When possible, arrange for student to attend Wednesday tutoring if they have an “I” grade
Use the team web site as a resource to stay in the loop.

_______________________________ _________________________________ __________________________________
Student Signature Teacher Signature Family Signature

Hawaii Department of Education

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