Benjamin Stoddert Middle School

Course Requirements for Language Arts

Ms. Cantwell, Trailer 1
dcantwell@ccboe.com, 301-753-1788 extension 138148
Reading, writing, and oral communication are the backbone of the English/Language Arts
curriculum. The state of Maryland identifies six areas of focus in the Language Arts
classroom: Reading, Literature, Writing, Language, Listening, and Speaking. This course
will incorporate a variety of texts including poetry, biographies, novels, short stories,
non-fiction, internet sources, and other reading materials. Students will also complete
many different writing activities this year.
The Gifted Program requires students to be able to read and work independently at
home as well as cooperatively at school. Reading assignments and projects will require
students to organize and manage their workloads with close attention paid to due
dates.

Materials Needed:
A BOOK-a grade level appropriate literary or informational text that
will be used during silent reading.
A blank notebook- Will be used as an interactive notebook for warmups and daily activities
Pen/Pencil
Folder
Binder with Language Arts section
Springboard- Springboard has a variety of texts that students will use
to supplement the eighth grade curriculum.
Agenda book is to be brought to all classes!
**All items except their binder and Agenda will be kept in the
classroom.
Procedures/Conduct:
Enter the room quietly and be seated (start warm-up immediately)
Be prepared for class (binder, pen, paper, a mind to learn, etc.)
Raise hand and wait to be called upon when there is a question or
comment
RESPECT others and yourself at ALL times
Wait for the teacher to dismiss you-NOT the bell

Types of Assignments:
Daily assignments will vary and include the following: completing daily
warm-ups, reading minute responses, reading and writing activities, and
grammar activities. Situations will arise in which students will be expected
to participate in independent reading and writing. Also, they will be
analyzing and studying various forms of literature, taking class notes,
participating in class discussions and activities, defining vocabulary words
and taking quizzes.
Major assignments include any work in which students are given an
extended amount of time to prepare. In addition, they will write for a
variety of purposes in order to achieve their understanding of the literature
presented. Major assignments include tests, projects, reading assigned
novels, formal writing assignments, and essays.
Grading Policy (First, Second, Fourth Marking Period):
Class work: 40%
Major Assignments (Tests, Quizzes, Projects, Essays): 50%
Homework: 10%
3rd Quarter:
Students will take a pre-test during the 1st quarter that will not be factored
into the student grade. During the 3rd quarter, students will take a post-test
that will count as 10% of the 3rd quarter grade. The breakdown for 3rd
quarter will be Classroom: 40%, Major Assignments: 45%, Homework: 5,
CCPS POST TEST (CCPS): 10%.
Make-up Work:
Make-up Assignments (absences): It is his/her responsibility to request
the work from the teacher.
Announced Tests/ Projects: If a student is absent on the day of an
announced test, or the due date of a project, the student must complete the
test or turn in the project on the first day he/she returns to school.
**If there are extenuating circumstances, please contact me.
Contact Information:
I am always open to suggestions and ways to help improve your childs
experience in my class. If there are any questions, problems or concerns,
please contact me.
I am looking forward to working with each of you this school year!
Ms. Cantwell
School number: 301-753-1788

E-mail: dcantwell@ccboe.com
I am authorizing that I have reviewed the classroom policies and
expectations with my parents.
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Parent Name (Printed)
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Parent Signature

Student Name (Printed)

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Student Initials