Dr.

Darnell Carter
James Solomon Russell Middle School Principal

19400 Christanna Highway

Lawrenceville, VA 23868 Dr. Patricia Coleman
(434) 848-2132 FAX (434) 848-6201 Assistant Principal

English 7
Virtual Learning/Face-to-Face

2020-2021

Ms. L. Gillus, Ms. T. Taliaferro, and Mrs. A. Wyche

Russell Middle School

Course Description
The seventh-grade student will continue to develop oral communication skills and become more
knowledgeable of the effects of verbal and nonverbal behaviors in oral communications. The
student will continue to read a wide variety of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry while becoming
more independent and analytical. The student will continue to refine written composition skills,
with special attention to diction, organization, style and grammar. Written explanations will utilize
informational writing skills, and persuasive writing skills will be introduced. The students will
continue vocabulary development and expansion through word study, study of figurative
language, and continuing study of roots and affixes. Knowledge of the impact of media on public
opinion will be introduced. The student will increase proficiency in the use of print and electronic
information resources and learn ways to give credit to references sources. The student will also
demonstrate correct use of language, spelling, and mechanics by applying grammatical
conventions in writing and speaking. Students are required to maintain writing journals.

Course Structure

The English 7 course will implement Virginia Standards of Learning that will further broaden the
minds of students. Specific standards to be taught this school year are:

7.1 The student will participate in and contribute to conversations, group discussions, and
oral presentations.

7.2 The student will identify and demonstrate the relationship between a speaker’s verbal
and nonverbal messages.

7.3 The student will understand the elements of media literacy.

7.4 The student will read to determine the meanings and pronunciations of unfamiliar
words and phrases within authentic texts.

7.5 The student will read and demonstrate comprehension of a variety of fictional texts,
narrative nonfiction, and poetry.

7.6 The student will read and demonstrate comprehension of a variety of nonfiction texts.

7.7 The student will write in a variety of forms with an emphasis on exposition, narration, and
persuasion.
 Dr. Darnell Carter
James Solomon Russell Middle School Principal

19400 Christanna Highway

Lawrenceville, VA 23868 Dr. Patricia Coleman
(434) 848-2132 FAX (434) 848-6201 Assistant Principal

7.8 The student will edit writing for correct grammar, capitalization, punctuation, spelling,
sentence structure, and paragraphing.

7.9 The student will apply knowledge of appropriate reference materials to produce a research
product.

Course Textbook
Into Literature Level 7
Teacher and student selected novels

Course Platform
Google Classroom

School Supply List

 Paper
 pencils
 highlighter
 notebook/journal

Grading Procedure
Tests, Projects, Presentations of Learning, Research Products, Major Assessments 25%
Class work, Daily Assignments, Quizzes 75%

Student Expectations for Virtual Learning

Students will continue to be held accountable to the BCPS Code of Conduct during
this time of online learning, as they would if they were attending face-to-face
instruction. However, it is important to identify specific circumstances that should be
highlighted when working in a digital environment.

 Attend all meetings on time and attend to your daily schedule.

 Complete and submit all assignments on time.
 Participate daily in all activities.
 Work to the best of your ability.
 Communicate with your parents and teachers for additional support.
 Remain respectful. Use proper language at all times, dress like you are
coming to school, and practice good hygiene.
 Choose an appropriate place for virtual learning that is free of distraction.
 Ensure that all devices are taken care of, charged, and ready for virtual
learning.
 Keep all passwords and login information easily accessible and secure.
 Dr. Darnell Carter
James Solomon Russell Middle School Principal

19400 Christanna Highway

Lawrenceville, VA 23868 Dr. Patricia Coleman
(434) 848-2132 FAX (434) 848-6201 Assistant Principal

 Student is expected to log-in to virtual session within 10 minutes of class

starting
 Student’s video will remain on at all times during live virtual sessions.
 Speak clearly, concisely and slowly
 No eating or drinking during the session
 Do not use cell phone (unless it’s being used for the virtual session)
 Keep the mute button accessible
 Photos, videos, and/or screenshots of class sessions are not allowed

Parent Expectations
 Choose an appropriate place for virtual learning that is free of distraction.
 Ensure that all devices are taken care of, charged, and ready for virtual
learning.
 Check assignments and due dates daily to ensure participation and that all
activities have been completed.
 Offer assistance as needed and requested during active virtual sessions.
 Keep all passwords and login information easily accessible and secure.
 Reach out to faculty and staff for assistance with virtual learning
difficulties, concerns, and/or questions.
 Ensure that students adhere to daily schedules and complete all
assignments and activities on time.
 Sign off on all assignments and activities.
 Parents are expected to supervise and monitor their student’s progress
throughout the duration of the course, just as you would in a regular
learning setting. This can be accomplished by accessing the parental
account periodically to monitor student progress.
 Parents should support Academic Integrity. Academic Integrity is one of
our core values and one of the most important areas of focus as a learning
organization. Students with Academic Integrity make decisions based on
ethics and values that will prepare them to be productive and ethical
citizens.
 You may contact your child’s teacher directly via email and/or Google
voice to answer questions about the course that you may have. When a
parent/guardian has a concern about the child's performance or behavior,
the parent/guardian should set up a conference with the child's teacher.
 Dr. Darnell Carter
James Solomon Russell Middle School Principal

19400 Christanna Highway

Lawrenceville, VA 23868 Dr. Patricia Coleman
(434) 848-2132 FAX (434) 848-6201 Assistant Principal

Course Codes

Google Remind Join Code Zoom

Classroom Join
Code
Class: English 7
Teacher: L. Gillus-Stith

HR(A) Middle School Homeroom 6l3io5u @67ae2hb

Personal ID: 667 501 5607

Password: 673653

72 (A) Advance English 7 6l3io5u @67ae2hb Personal ID: 667 501 5607
Password: 673653

74 (A) English 7 dyb2jax @76afe89 Personal ID: 667 501 5607

Password: 673653

75 (A) English 7 u2uzef7 @66efb72 Personal ID: 667 501 5607

Password: 673653
 Dr. Darnell Carter
James Solomon Russell Middle School Principal

19400 Christanna Highway

Lawrenceville, VA 23868 Dr. Patricia Coleman
(434) 848-2132 FAX (434) 848-6201 Assistant Principal

RE(A) Local Elec-Enrichment 613io5u @67ae2hb Personal ID: 667 501 5607
Password: 673653

Contact Information:

School Phone: 434-848-2132

Email: gillusstithl@brunswickcps.org

Sincerely,

Ms. Gillus

Syllabus Signature Page

To be filled out by the parent or guardian and the student.

Student Portion:

I have read and understand the expectations of this class

______________________________________________
Student’s name (please print)

______________________________________________
Student’s Signature
 Dr. Darnell Carter
James Solomon Russell Middle School Principal

19400 Christanna Highway

Lawrenceville, VA 23868 Dr. Patricia Coleman
(434) 848-2132 FAX (434) 848-6201 Assistant Principal

Parent / Guardian Portion:

I have reviewed the expectations of this class with my child.

______________________________________________
Parent or Guardian signature

______________________________________________
Date

______________________________________________
Parent Phone Number

______________________________________________
Parent Email

Please let me know if I can help explain anything about the course or class
expectations. If you need me to contact you, simply circle below.

Please contact me; I have questions about the course expectations.

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