Stiles, Mrs. Laurie - 8th Lang. Arts

Dear student and/or parent,

I became a language arts teacher because I have always enjoyed  and appreciated the POWER of words. 

Language Arts was always my FAVORITE CLASS when I was a student. 

 In fact, I, too, experienced the privilege of learning in this very school!! 

I believe that I am a very fortunate person; I have been taught by wonderful people to LOVE WORDS and I now get to pass on that respect to another generation. 

Please, OPEN YOUR MIND TO THE POWER, and HARNESS THAT POWER TO MAKE THIS SCHOOL AND THIS WORLD A BETTER PLACE!

I look forward to learning with you...

• Vocabulary Skills/Word Practice

We will use the dictionary and various reference materials to learn new words and practice using them.

• Grammar Skills/Sentence Practice

We will use varied reference materials to learn the parts of a sentence, the types of sentences, and to practice improving our sentence-writing skills.

• Writing Skills/Paragraph and Essay Practice

We will use varied reference materials to learn to write strong paragraphs and well-supported essays.  We will use the PA Writing Rubric in order to prepare for the PSSA Writing Test.

• Verbal Skills/Speech Practice

We will use the Spring Cove Middle School Speech Rubric in order to prepare for a current issues speech, which  every student will present in the spring.  We will practice varied speech and drama exercises.  Students will prepare and deliver many individual and group presentations.

Mrs. Laurie Stiles

School Phone 224-2106

lstiles@scsd.k12pen.com

1.   Bring all materials to class.
2.   Follow directions.
3.   Show respect for the teachers, students, school, property, and yourself.
4.   Leave the room only after permission is given.

IF YOU CHOOSE TO BREAK ONE OF THE ABOVE RULES, you will be given a "check" on the 8th-grade teachers' spreadsheet. 

An accumulation of at least 5 CHECKS will result in an OFFICIAL DETENTION.

• All "routine" homework assignments are due THE NEXT DAY.
• If the assignment is not turned in the day it is due, the assignment will be docked 1 point, and the student will receive a homework check.  (However, if the student comes to my room during 5th period and/or activity period to work on the assignment, the homework check will be forgiven.)
• If the assignment is not turned in on the second day, the assignment will be docked 1 more point, and the student will receive an additional homework check.  (Again, the check will be forgiven if the student comes to my room during 5th period and/or activity period.)

• If the assignment is not turned in on the third day, the assignment will be given a 0.
• "Non-routine" homework will be assigned  a due date at my discretion.  Any late "non-routine" assignments will be awarded the same consequences, BUT will be docked 2 points per day.

• I use both teacher-made and standardized rubrics to grade student work. Those rubrics will be shown and explained to the students as part of the assignment process.
• "Routine" homework assignments will be awarded a score based upon level of completion and the following of directions. 

• No assignment turned in on time will be awarded a grade below 50%.
• No assignment will be awarded a grade above 100%.