Mrs. Peters' 7th Grade GATE Core Syllabus
Language Arts and World History
Sutter Middle School - Room 208
Phone: (916) 395-5370
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.jenipeters.weebly.com
Welcome to Mrs. Peters’ 7th grade GATE CORE Language Arts and World History class! This syllabus is an outline of important information, guidelines, and expectations for class – so don’t lose it! Please keep this syllabus in your binder all year long, that way if a question comes up, you can look here for the answer first.
Keeping each other in the Loop - Communication
Student/Teacher/Parent/Guardian communication is essential to your success as a student. One of my greatest responsibilities as your teacher is to provide you and your parent/guardian(s) with on-going input and feedback on your work. In return, I ask that you keep me in the loop, especially if you have special needs or something big going on in your life.
Contacting Mrs. Peters
The best way to contact me is by e-mail at [email protected]. I check my e-mail each day after school and will get back to you as soon as possible. You may also contact me by leaving a message on my voice mail at (916) 395-5370. If you are having difficulties, or if you need more challenge-I am here to help.
Communicating With Students and Parents
Technology has made it easy for us to stay in contact and up-to-date on what’s going on in class.
Infinite Campus Makes it Easy
Infinite Campus is our on-line, real-time grading system which makes it easy for both students and parents to stay informed on your grades. I update grades in Infinite Campus approximately once per week and recommend both students and parents check Infinite Campus once per week too. Keep in mind the grades posted are continually being updated, so what you see today changes when a new assignment is entered. Also, bigger projects and make up work may take longer to grade, so they will not be posted on Infinite Campus immediately.
Regular Daily Schedule for Room 208:
1st Period: PREP
2nd Period: World History
3rd Period: Language Arts
4th Period: World History
LUNCH
5th Period: Language Arts
6th Period: World History
What is 7th Grade CORE?
« Language Arts - As indicated in the national Common Core Standards:
« World History - As indicated in the national Common Core Standards:
Here’s How it Works in Mrs. Peters’ Class:
You Make the Grade!
All students start with an A at the beginning of each quarter! All assignments will be given a point value and points will be accumulated throughout the quarter. All you have to do is just hold on to that A! (O.K. it is tougher than it sounds). Points will be categorized and graded as follows:
Class Supplies
In order to succeed, you need the right tools! Remember to bring your class supplies with you to class every day. You will also need to restock certain supplies periodically throughout the year. Click the "Class Supplies" tab for a complete list of required class supplies!
Language Arts
Class work & Homework 30%
Tests and Quizzes 30%
Projects/Presentations 30%
Class Participation 10%
World History
Class work & Homework 30%
Tests and Quizzes 30%
Projects/Presentations 30%
Class Participation 10%
Grades are based on the following total point percentages:
As Bs Cs Ds Fs
100%+ = A+ 87-89% = B+ 77-79% = C+ 67-69% = D+ 0-59%
94-99% = A 84-86% = B 74-76% = C 64-66% = D
90-93% = A- 80-83% = B- 70-73% = C- 60-63% = D-
It’s Your Grade-Double Check it!
Parents and students should check the Infinite Campus grading system once per week. It is important that students follow up with Mrs. Peters on any assignments or tests they have missed immediately. Throughout the quarter Mrs. Peters will pass back all of your work and give you grade sheets. This way you and your parents can see all of the hard work you have been doing and you can make sure you are getting proper credit for it. Your job is to check that all of your scores have been entered accurately, have your parents sign your grade sheet, return your grade sheet to Mrs. Peters. If you are anxious to see how you did on an assignment, you don’t have to wait for Mrs. Peters to pass out your work, you can always check your class file in the front of the room.
Don’t throw you’re your graded work away until you get your report card at the end of each quarter. Mistakes in grade entering can happen. If you see a mistake, don’t freak out; just let Mrs. Peters know as soon as possible so it can be fixed. At the end of the quarter, you can throw away the graded work in your binders, but remember to keep your class notes, resources, and history binder work.
Missing Work = 0
Missing assignments mean zero points and will drastically lower your grade. If you see any zeroes next to an assignment on Infinite Campus, address it with Mrs. Peters immediately.
Late Work = Bummer
Short-term weekly assignments will not be accepted late. Long-term projects over 20 points will be lowered by one grade for each day late. It is better late than never on big projects. Projects over five days late will not be accepted unless you discuss a plan to make up the assignment with Mrs. Peters.
Write your Name if You Want the Points
You will not receive credit for homework submitted without your name on it. If a test, quiz, or project is submitted without a name, you must provide a handwriting sample to prove that the work is yours to get credit for it. If you have a zero for an assignment that you know you did, check the “No Name” tray first.
Class Participation
Each week you can earn 5 class participation points. The points are earned by participating positively in class discussions and activities; coming to class prepared, on-time, and ready to work; and using class time effectively to get work done. Class participation points are deducted for preventing other students from learning, not bringing the required class supplies, not participating, being tardy, unprepared, or disruptive. You can also earn extra class participation points by going above and beyond and helping in the classroom.
On Time Means Before the Bell
Everyone is expected to be in class on time. This means sitting in your seat and preparing for class by the time the bell rings. It is no fun trying to catch up.
You Are Not Alone - Study Buddies
Sometimes we need a little help from our friends. Maybe you missed class, wrote down the wrong page number for an assignment, or you need help figuring out a problem – call your study buddy. Pick one or two people in your class to be your study buddy and exchange phone numbers with them. That way you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Need Some Extra Help? Come to Tutoring
Mrs. Peters’ offers homework help, tutoring, and test make-ups on Mondays and Wednesdays at lunch in Room 208. You can also make a special appointment with Mrs. Peters if you need another time. You will need to get a tutoring pass from Mrs. Peters ahead of time to enter the building during lunchtime. (see next page)
UGH! – When you Are Absent
Being absent is a bummer. No one likes to miss out. Yes, the world does go on and a lot happens when you are absent. You are responsible for getting the materials and making-up the assignments you missed while absent. The good thing is you will have one extra day for each day you were absent to turn in your work. Make up tests will be scheduled during Mrs. Peters’ tutoring hours within one week. Long-term projects must be turned-in on time.
What to Do When You Are Absent:
The #1 Tool You Will Need – The Planner
There is a reason why the school gives you a planner for free – it is the best tool to help you in school AND life. No matter how smart you are, it is too hard to remember everything you have to do. Here’s how to make it work for you:
Organize It!
There is just no way around it – organization is a must! As 7th graders, you have the new challenge of learning the classroom management for several different teachers! You will have a lot of work and fun to juggle. The secret to being organized is: 1) Use the student planner, 2) Come up with an organization system that works for YOU, and 3) Spend a little time getting organized each day. Are you organizationally challenged? Just ask Ms. Peters or a buddy for help.
Language Arts and World History
Sutter Middle School - Room 208
Phone: (916) 395-5370
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.jenipeters.weebly.com
Welcome to Mrs. Peters’ 7th grade GATE CORE Language Arts and World History class! This syllabus is an outline of important information, guidelines, and expectations for class – so don’t lose it! Please keep this syllabus in your binder all year long, that way if a question comes up, you can look here for the answer first.
Keeping each other in the Loop - Communication
Student/Teacher/Parent/Guardian communication is essential to your success as a student. One of my greatest responsibilities as your teacher is to provide you and your parent/guardian(s) with on-going input and feedback on your work. In return, I ask that you keep me in the loop, especially if you have special needs or something big going on in your life.
Contacting Mrs. Peters
The best way to contact me is by e-mail at [email protected]. I check my e-mail each day after school and will get back to you as soon as possible. You may also contact me by leaving a message on my voice mail at (916) 395-5370. If you are having difficulties, or if you need more challenge-I am here to help.
Communicating With Students and Parents
Technology has made it easy for us to stay in contact and up-to-date on what’s going on in class.
- Class Web Site: The first place to look for information about Core class is right here on my class web site at www.jenipeters.weebly.com On this site you will find our daily agenda, class work, and homework assignments, important due dates, assignment sheets, field trip information, photos, and more. Forget a due date? Lose a project assignment sheet? Were you absent? Check the class web site first!
- E-mail: I will send periodic e-mails with the latest news and reminders of what’s happening in Core class. I ask that both students and parents sign up for my e-mail list. Click the "Join Now" tab for instructions on how to sign up for my class email list!
- Class Reminder Cell Phone Texts: Yes, that’s right – I can text you now too! Subscribe to my class text number so you can get the latest reminders by text. Click the "Join Now" tab for instructions on how to sign up for class Remind texts!
Infinite Campus Makes it Easy
Infinite Campus is our on-line, real-time grading system which makes it easy for both students and parents to stay informed on your grades. I update grades in Infinite Campus approximately once per week and recommend both students and parents check Infinite Campus once per week too. Keep in mind the grades posted are continually being updated, so what you see today changes when a new assignment is entered. Also, bigger projects and make up work may take longer to grade, so they will not be posted on Infinite Campus immediately.
Regular Daily Schedule for Room 208:
1st Period: PREP
2nd Period: World History
3rd Period: Language Arts
4th Period: World History
LUNCH
5th Period: Language Arts
6th Period: World History
What is 7th Grade CORE?
« Language Arts - As indicated in the national Common Core Standards:
- Reading, analyzing and responding to a variety of genres of literature in the form of short stories, novels, prose, texts and other informational materials
- Writing a personal narrative, argumentative essay, research report, informative essay, literature and poetry analysis, poetry
- Giving group and individual presentations
- Honing grammar, vocabulary and spelling skills
« World History - As indicated in the national Common Core Standards:
- Europe from the Middle Ages through the Renaissance and Reformation; and the civilizations of Rome, Africa, Arabian Peninsula, China, Japan, Maya, Aztec, and Inca
- World Religions: Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism
- World Geography
Here’s How it Works in Mrs. Peters’ Class:
You Make the Grade!
All students start with an A at the beginning of each quarter! All assignments will be given a point value and points will be accumulated throughout the quarter. All you have to do is just hold on to that A! (O.K. it is tougher than it sounds). Points will be categorized and graded as follows:
Class Supplies
In order to succeed, you need the right tools! Remember to bring your class supplies with you to class every day. You will also need to restock certain supplies periodically throughout the year. Click the "Class Supplies" tab for a complete list of required class supplies!
Language Arts
Class work & Homework 30%
Tests and Quizzes 30%
Projects/Presentations 30%
Class Participation 10%
World History
Class work & Homework 30%
Tests and Quizzes 30%
Projects/Presentations 30%
Class Participation 10%
Grades are based on the following total point percentages:
As Bs Cs Ds Fs
100%+ = A+ 87-89% = B+ 77-79% = C+ 67-69% = D+ 0-59%
94-99% = A 84-86% = B 74-76% = C 64-66% = D
90-93% = A- 80-83% = B- 70-73% = C- 60-63% = D-
It’s Your Grade-Double Check it!
Parents and students should check the Infinite Campus grading system once per week. It is important that students follow up with Mrs. Peters on any assignments or tests they have missed immediately. Throughout the quarter Mrs. Peters will pass back all of your work and give you grade sheets. This way you and your parents can see all of the hard work you have been doing and you can make sure you are getting proper credit for it. Your job is to check that all of your scores have been entered accurately, have your parents sign your grade sheet, return your grade sheet to Mrs. Peters. If you are anxious to see how you did on an assignment, you don’t have to wait for Mrs. Peters to pass out your work, you can always check your class file in the front of the room.
Don’t throw you’re your graded work away until you get your report card at the end of each quarter. Mistakes in grade entering can happen. If you see a mistake, don’t freak out; just let Mrs. Peters know as soon as possible so it can be fixed. At the end of the quarter, you can throw away the graded work in your binders, but remember to keep your class notes, resources, and history binder work.
Missing Work = 0
Missing assignments mean zero points and will drastically lower your grade. If you see any zeroes next to an assignment on Infinite Campus, address it with Mrs. Peters immediately.
Late Work = Bummer
Short-term weekly assignments will not be accepted late. Long-term projects over 20 points will be lowered by one grade for each day late. It is better late than never on big projects. Projects over five days late will not be accepted unless you discuss a plan to make up the assignment with Mrs. Peters.
Write your Name if You Want the Points
You will not receive credit for homework submitted without your name on it. If a test, quiz, or project is submitted without a name, you must provide a handwriting sample to prove that the work is yours to get credit for it. If you have a zero for an assignment that you know you did, check the “No Name” tray first.
Class Participation
Each week you can earn 5 class participation points. The points are earned by participating positively in class discussions and activities; coming to class prepared, on-time, and ready to work; and using class time effectively to get work done. Class participation points are deducted for preventing other students from learning, not bringing the required class supplies, not participating, being tardy, unprepared, or disruptive. You can also earn extra class participation points by going above and beyond and helping in the classroom.
On Time Means Before the Bell
Everyone is expected to be in class on time. This means sitting in your seat and preparing for class by the time the bell rings. It is no fun trying to catch up.
You Are Not Alone - Study Buddies
Sometimes we need a little help from our friends. Maybe you missed class, wrote down the wrong page number for an assignment, or you need help figuring out a problem – call your study buddy. Pick one or two people in your class to be your study buddy and exchange phone numbers with them. That way you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Need Some Extra Help? Come to Tutoring
Mrs. Peters’ offers homework help, tutoring, and test make-ups on Mondays and Wednesdays at lunch in Room 208. You can also make a special appointment with Mrs. Peters if you need another time. You will need to get a tutoring pass from Mrs. Peters ahead of time to enter the building during lunchtime. (see next page)
UGH! – When you Are Absent
Being absent is a bummer. No one likes to miss out. Yes, the world does go on and a lot happens when you are absent. You are responsible for getting the materials and making-up the assignments you missed while absent. The good thing is you will have one extra day for each day you were absent to turn in your work. Make up tests will be scheduled during Mrs. Peters’ tutoring hours within one week. Long-term projects must be turned-in on time.
What to Do When You Are Absent:
- Write down or print these instructions and follow them!
- Check the Daily Assignments page of this website.
- Write down the daily activities, classwork, and homework you missed in your planner.
- When you return to school, pick up your “We Missed You” folder which will contain the handouts that were passed out while you were gone.
- If we took notes while you were gone, copy the notes from a study buddy or get them from Mrs. Peters during lunch time tutoring hours.
- If we took a test while you were gone, go to Mrs. Peters lunch time tutoring to make up the test you missed. Tests should be made up within one week of your absence.
- Complete make-up work as soon as possible.
- Write your full heading on all assignments.
- Put make up work in the “Make Up Work” tray for your class period on Mrs. Peters’ desk.
The #1 Tool You Will Need – The Planner
There is a reason why the school gives you a planner for free – it is the best tool to help you in school AND life. No matter how smart you are, it is too hard to remember everything you have to do. Here’s how to make it work for you:
- Bring your planner to every class every day.
- Write down your homework in your planner before you leave class every day.
- After school, check your planner to make sure you bring everything you need to do your work at home.
- Check your planner at home to remind you what homework you have to do.
- Check off your assignments in your planner as you complete them.
- For long-term assignments, write reminders to yourself each week in your planner so you remember how much time you have left before the big due date.
- Write down other life reminders like birthdays, dress-up days, dances, sports, parties, etc. That way you can plan your work so you won’t have to miss out on the fun!
Organize It!
There is just no way around it – organization is a must! As 7th graders, you have the new challenge of learning the classroom management for several different teachers! You will have a lot of work and fun to juggle. The secret to being organized is: 1) Use the student planner, 2) Come up with an organization system that works for YOU, and 3) Spend a little time getting organized each day. Are you organizationally challenged? Just ask Ms. Peters or a buddy for help.