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Lewis Middle School

Mr. Chris Silvestri

Room 211

(619) 583-3233 ext. 4211

Email:   csilvestri1@sandi.net      

Web Page:   http://www.lewis.edu/csilvestri/  

Course Content

Curriculum is based on the English Language Arts Content Standards for California Public Schools.   This course will provide standards based assignments in reading, writing, listening and speaking, The class will utilize the workshop format for delivery of instruction, guided practice, and independent practice of the course content.

 

READING
1.0 - Word Analysis, Fluency, and Systematic Vocabulary Development
Students use their knowledge of word origins and word relationships, as well as historical and literary context clues, to determine the meaning of specialized vocabulary and to understand the precise meaning of grade-level-appropriate words.

2.0 - Reading Comprehension (Focus on Informational Materials)
Students read and understand grade-level-appropriate material. They describe and connect essential ideas, arguments, and perspectives of text by using their knowledge of text structure, organization, and purpose. Selections in Recommended Readings in Literature (K-8) illustrate the quality and complexity of the materials to be read by students.

3.0 - Literary Response and Analysis
Students read and respond to historically or culturally significant works of literature that reflect and enhance their studies of history and social science. Selections in Recommended Readings in Literature (K-8) illustrate the quality and complexity of the materials to be read by student.

WRITING
1.0 - WRITING STRATEGIES
Students write clear, coherent and focused essays. Students' work exhibits their awareness of audience and purpose. Essays contain formal introduction, supporting evidence, and conclusions.

2.0 - Writing Applications (Genres and Their Characteristics)
Students write narrative, expository, persuasive and descriptive essays of at least 500 to 700 words. Students' writings demonstrates a command of he standard American English and the research, organizational, and drafting strategies outlined in Writing standard 1.0 standard language, and the writing process.

WRITTEN AND ORAL ENGLISH LANGUAGE CONVENTIONS
1.0 - Written and Oral Language
Students write and speak with a command of standard English conventions appropriate to this grade level.

LISTENING AND SPEAKING
1.0 - Listening and Speaking Strategies
Students deliver focused, coherent presentations that convey ideas clearly and relate to the background and interests of the audience. They evaluate the content of oral communication.

2.0 - Speaking Applications (Genres and Their Characteristics)
Students deliver well-organized formal presentations employing traditional rhetorical strategies(e.g., narration, exposition, persuasion, description). Student speaking demonstrates a command of standard American English and the organizational and delivery strategies outlined in Listening and Speaking Standard 1.0.

Homework

Homework is given as a means to support the learning and practice of lessons given in the classroom.   The amount of homework will vary depending on the unit of study as well as each student's ability to utilize class time efficiently.   Daily reading for 30 minutes or more and vocabulary/word study work which should be completed   each school night.   Students will record homework   assignments in their school planner on a daily basis.   Parents are encouraged to check their child's planner as well as my teacher webpage to ensure that homework is being completed.

Grading Policy

Grades are based on total points earned in the class.   Total points are added together from homework assignments, individual and collaborative projects, journal entries, tests, quizzes, and class participation.   Academic grades are based on the following percentages: 

A= 90-100%, B= 80-89%, C= 70-79%, D= 60-69%, F= 59-0%.   Current grades can be viewed online via the link on my webpage.

 

Make-up and Late Work

Homework: Homework is considered late if not turned in at the beginning of the class.   Five points will be deducted from the citizenship grade and 10% from the academic grade for each day that the work is not completed and turned in.   In the event of an absence, students will be given the same amount of time to complete the work as was given to the class.   It is the student's responsibility to check the absence folder to find out what work was missed during their absence.

 

Citizenship Grades

This class upholds the school rules as well as our own class rules.   Each student begins the grading period with one hundred citizenship points.   Ten points will be deducted for each unexcused tardy.   Five points will deducted for each violation of a class or school rule.   Students will have the opportunity to earn back up to 50% of deducted points each grading period by meeting with me after school to create a community service plan and then make arrangements to execute it.   Students may earn five points for each hour of community service performed after school in the classroom or on campus.   Citizenship grades are based on the following points: E=90-100, G= 80-89, S= 70-79, N= 60-69, U= 59-0.

 

Class Rules

1.   Be in your seat and ready to work when the bell rings.

2.   Follow directions.

3.   Be respectful.

4.   Come to school prepared.

5.   No gum, candy, food, or drinks in the classroom.

 

Supplies and Materials

Students will need to have the following items for class each day:

•  Two pencils, two pens (blue or black ink only).

•  Sheets of looseleaf notebook paper.

•  A “hardcover” composition book to be used as a writer's journal.

•  A three ring binder

•  Lewis Middle School Planner

•  A spiral notebook for note taking and vocabulary work.

•  An independent reading book.

•  A pad of “stickie notes”.