Welcome toMs. Azeff & Mrs.

Debessay’s Classroom!

Room A105Springton Lake Middle School

Language Arts

Our Philosophy of Teaching and

Learning: We believe that our role in your student’s education is one of coach

and mentor, fostering and modeling the core values of respect, responsibility, and caring.

We endeavor to create a safe space where we can share ideas, explore literature and great writings, and create through self-expression.

We are committed to your student’s academic progress; we hope to challenge your student everyday to be his/her very best.

In order to ensure your student’s success, we will need to develop a triangle of collaboration between the student, the parent, and the teacher(s)/team.

Every action we take as educators is with the end-goal in mind of helping your student to become more considerate, thoughtful, diligent, resourceful, and organized: someone who can set and achieve goals now and in the future.

Website

http://www.rtmsd.org/Domain/923

Throughout the year, Ms. Azeff will be updating her website to include useful links to classroom

content and copies of course materials distributed in class, as well as activities and assignments to

assist your students with various concepts addressed by our curriculum.

Course Expectations

Homework Assignments

Extra Copies

Major Units of Study

Memoir

Archetypes: Folktales, Fables, Legends, & Mythology

Anne Frank & the Holocaust

Historical Fiction

Poetry

Shakespeare

Grading Breakdown

Homework: 10%

Classwork: 10%

Quizzes 10%

Tests 20%

Projects 20%

Essays 20%

_____

100%

What do the letters in HAC represent?

Z = Collected or Checked assignment that is calculated as a zero, but CAN be made up

0 = Zero credit was earned for the assignment

X = Excused from the assignment

M = Excused for medical reasons

More than 100% = Bonus points were earned for this assignment

Communication

HAC is our online grading and communication system. It is a way to track work completion and student performance.

Upcoming assignments, assignment materials, and other classroom paperwork is available through my website.

Both HAC and Ms. Azeff’s website allow parents and students to stay informed on our activities.

Team 8-1 sends a monthly newsletter via email to keep parents aware of classroom activities and upcoming areas of study.

Email alerts will be sent out to parents about independent reading on a monthly basis.

Late Work Policy

All assignments are expected to be turned in on the due date.

Nightly homework will receive full credit on the due date. One day late = 50% credit; two or more days late = no credit.

Long-term assignments, if turned in late, will receive a 10% deduction for each day late. After 5 days, the maximum possible grade is 50% of the earned score. No credit after 10 school days.

Late work is better than no work!

Assignments

Graded homework can be expected 2-3 nights per week. Reading should be a nightly routine (approximately 20+ minutes).

Major projects will always allow for a weekend before the due date.

Assignments are updated regularly on my website.

Students should be reviewing the concepts discussed in class 10-15 minutes per night.

Most assignments will be started in class, then completed at home independently.

Journals for Active Reading

Activities to Look Forward to…

iRead - Banned Books Week

Competitions - Young Authors/Young Poets; Cricket Magazine; Boeing STEM Essay Contest

Active Reading with Post-its

Memoir Writing

Reading & Writing

Workshops

Acting Out Shakespeare!

Thank you so much for coming tonight!

We anticipate a great year!

Please feel free to contact us with any questions.