English 8

Ms. Cindi Solomon

cindi.solomon@somersetnv.org
cindisolomon.weebly.com
(702) 478-8888 x 4205

Course Scope:
This course is designed for the development of higher-order critical thinking skills, precision in reading and writing,
accurate analysis and evaluation, problem solving skills, deeper conceptual understanding, expanded academic
vocabulary, and media literacy in preparation for college and beyond.

Course Goals:
Students will be able to write formal and informal essays, which develop an understanding of tailoring writing
to purpose and audience.
Students will complete activities that provide reading instruction that emphasizes multiple close-readings using
complex text, vocabulary development, collaborative analysis of visual text, response to analysis questions,
synthesis writing, presentation, or discussion prompts to demonstrate mastery of close-reading skills.
Students will speak and listen purposefully in meaningful discussions, during presentations, including speeches
and interpretive performances.
Students will be able to use essential rules while also considering how craft enhances choices about diction,
grammar, conventions, vocabulary, and style.
Students will acquire an integrated approach to vocabulary that includes in-context and academic vocabulary,
Greek and Latin roots, multiple-meaning words, and literary terms defined at point of use.
Students will understand and be able to identify author's purpose, use rhetorical appeals, write using textual
evidence, literary/stylistic devices.
Students will know how to analyze and synthesis information from a variety of texts to respond to an AP style
synthesis prompt.

Textbook:
CollegeBoard, SpringBoard English Language Arts Grade 8

Tardy Policy:
A student is considered tardy when the student is not in his classroom when the tardy bell rings. At the start of each
class period, teachers will take attendance. All tardies are considered unexcused unless the student has a written
pass from a school official.
Late students must sign the teachers tardy sheet.
Students late 30 minutes or more to class will be marked absent for that period.
Tardiness will result in a progressive disciplinary action including, but not limited to, teacher action, Associate
Principals detention, RPC, and suspension.
Progressive Discipline Policy:
Level One: Verbal warning. The teacher will remind the student of what behaviors are appropriate,
focusing on positive reinforcement, and/or move to a different seat.
Level Two: Student conference. Teacher will take student aside (away from class) and remind them of class
expectations. If behavior continues, citation will be issued and parent will be contacted by phone..
Everyone is a genius, but if you judge a fish by its ability to
climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid."
-Albert Einstein-
Sky Pointe
Eagles

We seek scholarship
We render service
We provide leadership
We develop character

Level Three: Citation/parent conference. Teacher will make parents aware of unwanted behavior and
expectations. Student will be issued a citation which will go into their student portfolio.
Level Four: Detention. Student will serve two lunch detentions and the parents will be contacted through a
phone call.
Level Five: 2nd citation and disciplinary referral. The student will be referred to the office.

Student Conduct:
All students are expected to be respectful to themselves and others, be responsible for their academic actions, and be
ready and prepared at all times.
Policies/Procedures:
Daily Materials: Students will have all required material with them daily.
Entering Class: Students will get their binder and complete their agenda and GIG.
Dismissal: The class will not leave until they have been dismissed by the teacher.
Food & Drink: No food, drink, or gum in the classroom. Water bottles must remain on the back cabinet to protect
all electronics in the classroom.
Electronics: Cell phones, iPods, laptops, and other electronic devices must remain off unless they are
being used in a lesson. If a device is taken away during class, you may collect it from the teacher
after school.
Dress & Attire: Standard Student Attire (See Student handbook in student agenda)
Volunteers: Send in a note stating your name, phone number, and your interest in volunteering.

Grading Policy:
Parents and students may access grades at any time using Infinite Campus. Grades will be uploaded weekly.





96.5 - 100 4.0 A+ Grade
percentages are
rounded to the
100
th
. For
example, a
grade will be
rounded up at .5
while .49 will
be rounded
down.
92.5 - 96.4 4.0 A
89.5 92.4 3.7 A-
86.5 89.4 3.3 B+
82.5 86.4 3.0 B
79.5 82.4 2.7 B-
76.5 79.4 2.3 C+
72.5 76.4 2.0 C
69.5 72.4 1.7 C-
66.5 69.4 1.3 D+
62.5 66.4 1.0 D
59.5 62.4 0.7 D-
59.4 and below 0.0 F
Extra Credit:
No extra credit will be awarded.

Missing or Late Work:
Missing or Late Work beyond the teachers deadline may be submitted and graded if done so within 3 weeks. The
grade earned on the late work may be reduced up to 40%. After 3 weeks, student will be referred to an
interventionist for completion of missing or late work. Earned grades completed with the interventionist will be
reduced by 50%. Every four weeks grades are posted and may be unchangeable.

Assignments missed or late due to an excused absence will be accepted without penalty provided that for each day
absent, the student has one day to submit the late work. Should a student miss two days of school, the work will be
Quarter Weights:
Tests: 40%
Quizzes/ Assessments/ Projects: 30%
In Class Work: 20%
Homework: 10%

Semester Weights:

Quarter 1 = 40% Quarter 3 = 40%
Quarter 2 = 40% Quarter 4 = 40%
Semester 1 Exams = 20% Semester 2 Exams = 20%

submitted within two days of the students return to school. However, any assignment that was due, or at least that
was scheduled on the day of an excused absence must be completed and submitted the first day the student returns to
school.

Supplies:







Please complete all three parts of this permission form, detach it from the syllabus, and return it
by Friday, August 29.






























Please detach, sign, and return this sheet by Friday, August 29.
Part I.
I have read and understood the preceding policies.
Date:_______________________________ Period:_____________________________

Student Name: _______________________________________________________________________________

Student Signature: ___________________________________________________________________________

Parent/ Guardian Names: ______________________________________________________________________

Relationship to the Student: ____________________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: _____________________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Email Address: _________________________________________________________________

Parent/ Guardian Phone: Home: ______________________________ Cell: _____________________________

Part II.
Does your child have daily access to a computer? yes or no _____
Does your child have daily access to the internet? yes or no _____
Will your child have a laptop/ tablet with them in class? yes or no ____
Type? ____________________________________
Part III.
We will be viewing and critiquing several video clips this year, as well as comparing the full length movie to the actual text
after we have read the novel. The movie ratings will be PG or less. Please sign below to give your child permission to view
these videos during school. If you would like a full list of the videos, please feel free to email me.
I _________________________________ (your name) give permission for my child, ____________________________________
(childs name) to view PG/G rated movies during school.

Parent Signature ____________________________________________________ Date: _________________________________

$10 for subscription to Scholastic Scope Magazine (due by Friday 9/12)
one 1 1/2" three-ring binder 5 pocket dividers (tabs will be labeled in class)
sticky notes (Post It notes) green or red marking pen
several pencils color pencils
college ruled loose leaf paper cube eraser (pink or white pearl type)
2 GB (or more) flash drive (this can be shared with your other classes)