Core 8 Syllabus
Foothills Middle School
Instructor: Tiffany Viall Room 213
Prep Period: 7th (1:30-2:15) School Phone: 664-8961
e-mail: viall.t@mail.wsd.wednet.edu
Course Description and Prerequisites: Core 8 is a year long course which is integrated with units from ÒThe RevolutionÓ through the ÒCivil War.Ó In ÒLanguage ArtsÓ students will read from selected novels and from anthology sources for each of the five units defined for the year. Spelling, writing projects (that follow the writing process and use six traits of writing), grammar, literary terms, poetry, research projects, book reports, writing mechanics, and editing skills will be emphasized. During ÒHistoryÓ students will study the following units: Colonies, Revolution, Freedom Documents, A Nation Grows (Reform through Westward Expansion), and the Civil War. Students will work individually and in groups to complete units that will emphasize these areas: Schema (activating of prior knowledge and exploration of themes and issues), Content, and Assessment. Group presentations and group/individual assessments will conclude each unit.
Parent Involvement: The following suggestions to parents will help students be successful and have a positive experience in Core 8.
¥Read and keep (for referral) parent letters and unit outlines.
¥ Check student grades on line. They will be updated at least every two weeks.
¥ Monitor progress during units by checking your studentÕs planners.
¥ Encourage and support homework and all unit assignments.
¥ Talk with your student on a regular basis about what he/she is learning.
¥ Create an atmosphere at home where your student has a designated study space and
study time.
¥ Be open to core groups working together at homes in the evenings and/or weekends.
¥ When students are assigned to get your opinions and insights be enthusiastic and
help them complete the tasks.
¥ Offer help with homework or make sure your student asks for help before or after
school.
Core Text/Materials: Creating America, McDougal Littell Inc.,2002; Write Source 2000, and two anthologies: Adventures for Reader, HBJ, Inc; Literature and Language McDougal and Littell, Inc;
Supplemental Materials: Daily Oral Language; Day Books, Novels: The Light in the Forest; The Witch of Blackbird Pond ; My Brother Sam is Dead ; Streams to the River, River to the Sea; Slave Dancer; and Across Five Aprils.
Classroom Supplies: Students will need the following: pencils, lined paper, two peechees (one for language arts and one for history), colored pencils, two black flair pens, two red and blue pens, and a box of kleenex.
Attendance: Attendance is required in accordance with Foothill Middle School's Policy (See FMS handbook). Attendance will not be a part of a student's grade; however the student will not be successful without having regular attendance.
Classroom Management: Make Your Day is a citizenship program that encourages students to "Do what is expected" and to "Do their best" each period of the day. Students may earn points that will enable them to have "Made Their Day" each school day.
Assessment/Evaluation: Grades will be given at the end of each quarter. Mid-term reports will be given to all students and will need to be signed by parents and returned for points. Two grades will be given each quarter. One for ÒHistory,Ó and the other for ÒLanguage Arts.Ó
The Grading Scale for Core 8 will be:
A 100 - 95 C 75 Ð 73
A- 94 - 90 C- 72 - 70
B+ 89 - 86 D+ 69 - 66
B 85 - 83 D 65 - 60
B- 82 - 80 F 59 - 0
C+ 79 Ð 76
O-outstanding S-satisfactory U-unsatisfactory
Parent Monitoring: Please check your studentÕs peechees during a unit to see how they are progressing. Mid-term grades should not be a surprise to the student or the parent. Monitoring and expecting homework every evening will keep you informed and help your student to know that he/she is expected to be a fully engaged learner.