Paragraph.GRADE 8 ENGLISH TEAM E 

Mrs. Murphy
English is taught using the Prentice Hall Literature book as the primary text.  Vocabulary, grammar, writing, and reading skills are based on the stories in the book. This enables the student to see more clearly the connection between grammar, reading and writing.  Supplementary Prentice Hall materials will be used as well as trade books and the student’s personal independent reading choices.

SUPPLIES NEEDED
Each student should bring the following items to class each day:

AGENDA
BLUE OR BLACK INK PEN
RED OR GREEN INK PEN
COMPOSITION NOTEBOOK (NOT SPIRAL)
3 RING BINDER OR SECTION OF BINDER WITH LOOSE LEAF PAPER
INDEPENDENT READING 


 HOMEWORK POLICY
Homework is due the next day unless otherwise stated. Homework must be with the student in class in order to earn full credit. Students will not be allowed to leave class to go to their locker to get homework. Work must be done neatly. Some assignments may have other requirements. Independent reading is always homework and it is often the only homework.

ABSENCES
It is the student’s responsibility to check the class log and class agenda and to also ask me about work missed due to an absence.  Missed work should be completed and handed in within a week of returning to school after an absence.  If more time is needed to complete the assignment the student should speak with me.  If a student is absent for more than two days you may request through the office to pick up your student’s assignments.  If the student is absent for only a day or two then the student should check with a friend for details regarding assignments.

GRADES
A student’s grade is composed of tests, quizzes, homework and writing assignments,  notebook checks, and independent readings.  Work not completed after an absence will be calculated as a zero.

 INDEPENDENT READING
Students are required to read independently.   Each student is required to read up to four independent reading books during the course of each trimester.  To earn credit for books read students must fill out and pass in a completed Reader Assessment sheet. A record of all books started (whether completed or not) will be kept in the binder. Complete directions for Independent Reading are located on the Independent Reading page. A student may pick up a hard copy of the directions in the classroom.
EXTRA HELP
I encourage all students to seek extra help when needed.  I am available most days after school. Students may sign up for an appointment with as little as one day’s notice.

AGENDA/EMAIL/WEB PAGE
Students are required to write down all assignments in the agenda. The agenda is also used as a hall pass and students may not leave a class without a signed agenda. The agenda is also used as a communication between the classroom and home.  Please check your student’s agenda often and please feel free to write to me through the agenda. You may also contact me through email at:  pmurphy@scit.org Homework assignments and many handouts are available on my website which can be accessed through the Gates School site (staff/teacher page)on the district homepage:
http:// www.scituate.k12.ma.us  or http//pmurphy.weebly.com





 




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