Language Arts is a place for the student to create and manage many different styles of writing. Individuality is key within the program, therefore students are monitored, motivated, and encouraged to sample many different styles of writing during the school year. This year we are proud to announce that every student in the seventh grade will receive 90 minutes of Language Arts daily. Two Language Arts teachers on each team will accomplish this in the seventh grade.  Reading and writing will be taught in both classes so every child will receive more instruction.  Since the Language Arts Department worked very hard this summer on creating an exciting curriculum, we are sure that this year will be a success.
    Every student is capable of rich, authentic pieces of writing. We expect every student to use the conventions they know as they compose- to punctuate, capitalize, spell, choose words, and paragraph as they go rather than go back into reams of “sloppy copy”.  The student will need a bright yellow folder, two marbled composition books, a bright red folder, and pens every day. Everyone will be asked on a daily basis what he/she is working on as a writer. Homework is checked daily and spelling is due weekly. Late work is not acceptable. Therefore, we expect the student to:

1. Find topics and purposes for your writing that matter to you, to your life, to who you are and who you want to become.

2. To keep a list of your territories as a writer: topics, purposes, audiences, genres, forms, and techniques.

3. Try new topics, purposes, audiences, genres, forms, and techniques.

4. Make your own decisions about what is working and needs more work in pieces of your own writing. Be the first responder to your writing.

5. Listen to, ask questions about, and comment on other’s writing in ways that help them move the writing forward.

6. Produce at least three to five pages of rough draft each week.

7. Bring at least two pieces of writing to completion every six weeks.

8. During the academic year, in addition to persuasive writing pieces, produce a finished piece of writing in each of the following genres:
· A short story
· Three to five poems or songs
·  An original research report, or an essay about an issue that matters to you
· A book review
· A memoir

9. Complete every homework assignment.

10. Turn in all assignments on time (points will be lost for EACH day an assignment is late).

    This year the Red Team Language Arts Teachers have established a Website to foster growth and support for the students. It is expected that every child check the Website daily to remain informed of homework, activities, and class news. The Website address is http://www.geocities.com/pgenuario/7redLA (please type the address exactly as it appears!). Please add this site to your book marked pages. By following these guidelines, every student will achieve success in Language Arts. We look forward to an exciting and academic school year!
Sincerely,

Mrs. Genuario and Mrs. Dawson
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please sign the form below and return this to Mrs. Genuario.
 

Student Name:_____________________________________________

I have read the opening letter by both Mrs. Dawson and Mrs. Genuario.

   Parent Signature: _______________________________________