7th Grade Writing Syllabus

Clayton

7th Grade Writing Syllabus

Brown Middle School
Mrs. Clayton
2016-2017
Curriculum:
The seventh grade writing curriculum is based on the curriculum standards
designed by the Texas Education Agency. In this class, students will focus on
learning the English/Language Arts/Writing TEKS. Every effort will be made to
provide hands-on opportunities, integrate technology, differentiate instruction,
and present lessons in a variety of formats to suit all learning styles. Students will
be tested in the spring on the 7th Grade STAAR Writing Exam.
Textbooks:
We will be using three textbooks in class from the TBD series.
TBD
Students may sign out a book to take home on an as-needed basis.
Students have been issued their own Chromebook, which will be used on a daily
basis for class and homework.
Course Needs:
Students are required to bring the following supplies to class every day:
Chromebook
Pens, highlighters, notebook paper
Composition notebook
Homework should be submitted before the class begins!

Absentee Policy:
When a student is absent, an Absent Buddy will complete a While You Were
Out form that details the missed work. The Buddy will also staple any worksheets
or handouts to the back. The packet will then be placed in a designated area. It is
the students responsibility, not the teachers, to collect this work and see that it
is handed in. It is also recommended that the student check in with the teacher to
ask any questions about the missed work and make sure that there are no other
missing assignments. Students have one day for every day that they were out plus

Clayton

7th Grade Writing Syllabus

one extra day to make up the work. Missed tests and quizzes must be made up
within five school days.
Homework Policy:
Homework is an integral part of the curriculum and essential to reinforcing
material that was taught in class. Homework is posted on the board every day and
on the class website. Students should copy it into their agenda at the beginning of
class. Students will not receive credit for late homework. Homework is considered
late if it is incomplete and/or not in the teachers hands at the start of class
Extra Help:
Students may get extra help before and/or after school on Wednesdays. If
additional help is needed, students may stay after school by appointment only and
with a signed note or e-mail from a parent indicating their permission. Students
will need to arrange for their own transportation home.
Grading Policy:
Several factors make up the quarterly grade in Writing. In addition to daily
classwork, students will have regular homework assignments, tests, reports, and
presentations to complete. Effort and participation are very important. Students
are expected to be on time to class and to come prepared.
Each quarter, students will earn a Preparation and Participation grade. Every
student automatically starts with (and hopefully stays at) 100 points. For every
day that a student comes to class unprepared, or does not participate
appropriately, they will lose a maximum of two points. This will count as one quiz
grade.
Retake Policy:
If a student has concerns about their grade, they should discuss with the teacher
the reason(s) behind their current average and the necessary steps to take. At
teacher discretion, tests, reports, and/or presentations may be redone to indicate
improved mastery of the attempted assignment. Only the higher grade will be
recorded. So, if you fail a test or quiz you can retake it for a better grade!!! Note:
Its much easier to do well on a test, report, or presentation the first time around
because in addition to preparing for a redo, you still need to keep up and do the
current work in all of your other classes!

7th Grade Writing Syllabus

Clayton

Extra Credit Policy:

There are a myriad of opportunities for students to do well and improve their
averages through homework completion, tests, quizzes, reports/presentations, and
class participation. Therefore, there will be no special extra credit assignments.
However, students do have the opportunity to achieve extra points towards their
final grade through weekly spelling quizzes.
Classroom Rules and Discipline Policy:
1. Prompt
2. Prepared
3. Positive
4. Productive
5. Polite
Students are expected to behave properly at all times. Failure to do so may result
in a verbal warning, earning a Classroom Infraction Notice, parent phone call and
or conference, detention, or referral to the office.
Journaling:
A good portion of the writing curriculum involves daily journaling.
ANY
inappropriate material will NOT be tolerated out of concern of everyone in the
room. Students are and will be encouraged to journal about topics important to
them. These topics may be personal, sensitive, and thought provoking. It is
important for students in my class to understand that it is encouraged to write
from their hearts by using their brain.*
*Our class will abide to state laws regarding mandatory reporting according to the Department
of Family and Protective Services, TX Family Code, Chapter 261.

Class Web Site:

Students and parents are encouraged to visit this site regularly for
announcements, daily homework assignments, Calendar of events, helpful
documents, and other important information. Bookmark (or add to Favorites) the
page below the first time you go to it:

www.mrscbms.weebly.com

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7th Grade Writing Syllabus

In addition to the class website, I also like to contact parents on a regular basis
about student progress and classroom participation. Please fill out the information
neatly on the next page so that I may contact you as easily as possible.
Contact Information:
Mrs. Traci Clayton
Brown Middle School
Room 218
972.564.3967
traci.clayton@edu.forneyisd.net
www.mrscbms.weebly.com
Twitter: @mrscbms

* E-mail is the best way to reach me. I will do my best to return all e-mails
within 24 hrs. *

Additional Polices That You May Find Helpful:

Chromebook Policy:
Being able to use Chromebooks in class is an exciting and wonderful educational
opportunity. That being said, students are expected to use them responsibly and
appropriately at all times. Chromebooks must be brought to school each day fully
charged. Improper use of Chromebooks (accessing inappropriate material, playing
games in class, etc) will result in disciplinary action.

Skyward Policy:
Parents are encouraged to signup for Skyward and use it on a regular basis to
check on your childs progress. Should you have a question about a grade, I would
respectfully ask that you adhere to the following protocol in the order listed.
Speak to your child first. They know the most about their assignments and
why they received a certain grade.
Have your child speak to me for clarification if necessary.
If there are still concerns, please send me one e-mail and I will get back to
you in a timely fashion.
Although I do update grades regularly, some assignments take longer than others
to grade. I very much appreciate your patience.