8th Grade Language Arts and Social Studies Course Syllabus
Alison Abney
Skyridge Middle School
2018-2019

Contact Information:
E-mail: alison.abney@camas.wednet.edu
Web page: mrsabney.weebly.com
Plan time: 11:15-12:30 Room: 224
​Phone:833-5800 ext. 77168

Course Overview:
The integrated Language Arts / Social Studies block is a broad survey of American history which provides an authentic context for students to review, learn, practice, and hone crucial language arts skills. Students should expect challenging reading, writing, thinking, and speaking activities over the school year. The LA/SS block is taught as one integrated class with emphasis on US history content and language arts skills. We seek opportunities to enjoy literature that has historical connections. The curriculum allows students to explore areas of interest and gain both breadth and depth in their studies.   Please see the Curriculum Guide for more specific information on major units of study, projects, and Grade Level Assessments.

Communication:
As students progress through middle school, parents often feel that they are out of touch with the happenings in their child’s academic lives. Communication requires partnership.  

I will commit to:

• Classroom updates via email
• Updates on the Skyward grading system biweekly
• Useful information and resources posted on my webpage
• Return phone calls and email messages as promptly as possible
• Conference with parents as needed

I ask parents who desire more communication to do the following:

• Contact me if you are concerned or would like information about your student
• Feel free to email me
• Let me know if there is a problem- we can work together to solve it
• Check in with me “for no reason”- I value parent contact

Grading:
A student’s grade is a reflection of his or her progress in learning. Letter grades will be awarded using the standard grading scale outlined in the Skyridge Student Handbook. Grades are posted on the Skyward grading system. Parents are encouraged to check grades regularly.

Homework:
Homework is assigned to reinforce skills learned in the classroom, to prepare for the next lesson, to complete projects, and to study for quizzes and tests. Most of the time, homework is a continuation of what we started in class and on average it should take students no more than 20 minutes to complete. I give students a “progress check” grade (a stamp on the page) for completing the assigned classwork/homework on the due date. If you see a zero in Skyward for a homework assignment (HW will be in the assignment title), it means your child didn’t do part or all of the homework. Due to the need for the students to be prepared to discuss and or build on the assigned homework task, I will not be accepting late work for this type of “progress check” assignment. The exception to this rule is when students are absent, but it is the student’s responsibility to show me their completed homework the next day in order for them to receive credit for the absent work.   

Unexcused late work is not accepted. Students will be allowed to submit one assignment late every grading period to recognize that at times exceptional circumstances prevent timeliness. Outside of this opportunity, no credit will be given for work received after the due date.

Link to Camas SD Student Handbook here.
Please fill out the student agreement here.