Welcome to Eighth Grade English Language Arts!

caption: cartoon image of teacher celebrating

I am Miss Davis, one of the English teachers at FCMS. I am a graduate of Henry County Public Schools. After high school, I studied at Radford University. This is my ninth year in education! I am excited to begin this new school year and I look forward to meeting all of you. 

Ms. Davis' contact information:

jessica.davis@henry.k12.va.us

276 647 3841

Grade 8 Syllabus

Writers read and readers write! 

Overview: 

Students will continue to develop writing, grammar, reading and vocabulary skills through the study of the various genres of literature (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, drama).   Students will be required to write and conference on a regular basis participating in the Writer’s Workshop format, thus increasing their knowledge and understanding of the Process of Writing.  Students will also be required to read independently, as well as a whole group, and respond to the readings through reflective writing & conferencing, and other forms of assessment.

Focus:

• Writing - Writer’s Workshop and Grade 8 Writing SOL Preparation
• Reading - Individual “Book of Choice” & Class Texts and Gr. 8 Reading SOL Preparation
• Participation - meaningful engagement in your writing & reading
• Organization -  provided in-class Writer’s Notebook & Folder
• Reflection - purposeful personal academic understanding

Class Expectations:

All students are expected to make good choices & be a learner… ROAR!  

Respect

• Be polite, thoughtful, kind, & respect the people & environment of room 7 while in class and online!

Ownership

• Be willing & prepared to own your words, actions & education!  Use your time wisely!

Attitude

• Be ready to work for yourself and with others to do your best with a positive & productive attitude everyday!

Responsible

• Be HERE!  Be in class on time with appropriate materials & supplies, such as a charged iPad & a good book, demonstrating responsible behaviors!

*NOTE:  Students are expected to adhere to the HCPS & FCMS discipline policies

- Cell Phones are NOT permitted in class. 

 Class Goal:

Through the study of grade 8 Language Arts (or the ARTs of Language), my goal for you is to become a more critical, connected reader, a confident, effective writer, a better listener, a clear communicator, an organized responsible student (ie… taking appropriate care of your assigned iPad & being prepared with required materials), and a productive member of the class.  I am looking forward to working with you this year as you develop these skills by BEING RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR LEARNING… acting like a Writer and a Reader!

Individual Goal:

In spotlighting the FCMS Literacy Focus , Gr. 8 Language Arts Writer’s Workshop and Gr. 8 Writing SOL Preparation, you will become a better writer as you pay more attention to both the basics and creative side to the Writing Process.  My goal for you is to provide a comfortable environment to express yourself while guiding you through the writing process.

 Important Dates:   The Grade 8 Writing SOL Test-- March 2021

                               Grade 8 Reading SOL Test-- May 2021

 Grading Categories:

• Major Assessments (Tests, Projects, Final Writing Pieces, etc.) count twice
• Minor Assessments (Quizzes, Mini-Projects, etc.) count once
• Participation (Class/Group Work, etc.) count once
• Practice (Warm-Ups, Homework, Journaling, Comprehension Monitoring/Conferencing, etc.) count once

 Required Materials: 

       * Section in your binder for ELA material

       * Loose leaf paper to use when turning in material (Do not yank this out of your composition books)

       * IPAD charged daily

       * Pencil 

       * Two different color highlighters

       * one marble composition book (any color)

       * pack of notecards (4x6)

       **Optional:  earbuds, glue, colored pencils, markers, colored ink pens (for notes), scissors

Textbook: Online text 

                 Canvas:  use your email address and lunch number to sign in.  (Will be updated daily)

                 ZOOM meets

                 Google slides