Welcome to the 2005-2006 School Year!!!
Welcome back, eighth graders! I hope you had a wonderful summer vacation. For those of you who are new to the school and/or new to being in my class, welcome! For those of you were part of my class last year, welcome back again.
Throughout the school year, this page will be used for posting information about major writing assignments, projects, Book Talk dates, and portfolio due dates. Daily assignments will be given in class, therefore it is important to bring your assignment book/agenda to class each day.
In the opening weeks of school, we'll be focusing on the summer reading, establishing the guidelines for class, and setting up portfolios.
If you should have any questions or concerns about class, please come in to talk with me right away. And more importantly, avoid waiting until the last minute to seek help or to ask questions about assigned work.
I look forward to a great year ahead for our class!
Teacher Profile:
Ms. D. Boswell
Morgan Park Academy (1997 - present)
Middle School English
DePaul University, B.A.
St. Xavier University, M.A.
Philosophy of Education:
"To begin always anew, to make, to reconstruct, and not to spoil, to refuse to bureaucratize the mind, to understand, and to live life as a process - live to become..." (P. Freire)
In preparing my students for the infinite possibilites that lie ahead of them, it is essential to encourage them to think, analyze, evaluate, critique, and collectively find ways to move beyond perceived boundaries and limitations.
In order to create a meaningful learning experience, each of us must enter the classroom each day prepared to engage in a powerful exchange of knowledge. The mission is for each of us to be active participants in and out of the classroom, fully engaged in the process of learning. Ultimately, this daily practice will result in an education that endures for a lifetime.
Schedule/Contact Information/E-mail Link
Monday - Friday 8a.m.-3:30p.m.
773-881-6700 ext.305
dboswell@morganparkacademy.org
Academic Goals
*To actively engage students in the writing process
*To use critical thinking skills to analyze literature
*To expose students to different genres in reading
*To develop note-taking and organizational skills
*To build vocabulary and oral language skills
Curriculum Overview
To reach the academic goals for the course, I have planned a full program of literature and language study with a range of writing activities. The literature text by Scott Foresman, "World Literature" will be utilized throughout the academic year. This year's literature selections will also include, but not be limited to, the following readings:
* The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
* The Lightin the Forest
* The Crucible
* To Kill a Mockingbird
* Julius Caesar
* Animal Farm
Students will also be asked to do independent reading. Based on their independent reading, they will work on oral presentations (Book Talks). An independent reading list is provided to each student in September.
Academic Expectations
1) Complete homework assignments on time - All assignments are indicated on an Assignment Sheet that is provided to each student in class. Homework on the Assignment Sheet indicate the assignment and the date the assignment is due.
2) Keep a working portfolio - (2" binder in which class notes, writing samples, class handouts, tests/quizzes are kept). Portfolios are evaluated each marking period and comprise 25% of the student's quarterly grade.
3) Keep up with the assigned reading for class, especially when we are reading novels and works beyond the text.
Homework Policy
Students are assigned homework on a regular basis. Students are expected to write their assignments down in their assignment book/Agenda.
Assignments are to be neatly and legibly completed and submitted on time. In some instances, certain assignments will need to be typed (this will be indicated on the assignment sheet). Failure to turn in assignments on time will have an adverse impact on your grade. Late assignments will be graded one (1) letter grade lower for each day the assignment is not turned in.
Please note that the current homework assignments for the class can also be viewed below under the "Calendar" section.
***Any assignment turned in more than three (3) days late, will be counted as 0% and averaged into your marking period grade.
A Final Reminder
My expectation is that students will develop an interest and independent in their language arts learning. To help them, I will provide frequent and regular activities that place students center stage in learning. Although the work may be challenging, I am confident that every student who puts forth the effort, will consider this class a rewarding and valuable experience.
(Written guidelines for English/Language Arts -8th Grade are provided to each student in September.)
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