Course Syllabus

Department: English Telephone: (831) 796-7300

Course Title: ELA 8
Instructors: Mrs. Caparusso, Ms. Hudgens, Ms. Powers, Ms. Sigala
ginger.caparusso@salinasuhsd.org maryam.powers@salinasuhsd.org
kathleen.hudgens@salinasuhsd.org graciela.sigala@salinasuhsd.org

Course Description:
This course is designed to help students become active readers and writers who think critically. A variety of
literature is studied, including short stories, novels, nonfiction, drama, poetry, and folktales. By studying
literature concepts related to plot, character, setting, and theme, students can better understand the structure and
elements of literature. Additionally, instruction will help students analyze and evaluate the structures of a variety
of informational texts. Students will learn to work as a group to build an academic, formal language that is
required to succeed in both academic and business settings. Use of creativity on each assignment is required.
This course is designed to successfully implement the Common Core State Standards.

Materials (required every day):

1. Notebook and Agenda
2. Pen, Pencil, Highlighters, Scissors, Glue Stick, Pencil Sharpener
3. AR Reading Book
4. Chromebooks

Classwork: Students will be required to work in the consumable textbook, complete several projects, and write at
least two essays each quarter. Classwork includes participation in class activities, including: volunteering a
response to a question, reading out loud in class, or being helpful and respectful to others.

Homework: Homework will be given on a daily basis.

1. Students MUST read 30 MINUTES every night.
2. Independent novel reading, with one book report due quarterly.
3. Vocabulary worksheets will be given out on Wednesday and are due on the following Wednesday.
4. Any work not completed during class time may be assigned as homework.

Late Work:
Late work may result in partial / no credit. (teacher will provide scale)

Absent Work:
All absent work is the responsibility of the student. Students can retrieve previous assignments at the absent
workstation. Students must return all absent work in the same amount of days the student was absent. For
instance, if absent for three consecutive days, the student will have three days to submit his/her absent work.
After that, work will be considered late. For extended, planned absences, students must request

Attendance, Tardies and Citizenship:

On-time attendance is defined as in your seat and working by the time the tardy bell has finished ringing. All
tardies will be marked as such for the attendance office. Five or more tardies may result in a U in citizenship.
The citizenship grade is determined by the students support of the learning environment.

Plagiarism & Cheating:

Cheating will not be tolerated. All writing MUST be your own work or words. Students who either provide or
accept answers from fellow students or an adult will be subject to the following consequence: Parent contact and
student receives a 0% on assignment. Plagiarism is defined as the false presentation of anothers work as ones
own. Students who turn in written work borrowed or improperly cited are subject to the above consequence.
Expectations: Students are expected to:
1. Arrive prepared to class each day, bringing all materials and homework.
2. Be on time for class, in the assigned seat, and working when the bell rings.
3. Follow directions the first time they are given.
4. Treat each person in the room with respect and dignity.
5. Follow all procedures and policies as outlined in the SUHSD Handbook.
6. Turn off and store all personal electronic devices (cell phones, mp3 players, etc.) unless directed by
teacher.
7. A positive learning environment depends upon active participation, mutual respect, and a consistent best
effort.

Expectations Violation:
If these above expectations are violated or not fulfilled, students will receive:
1. A verbal warning
2. Classroom documentation-Behavior Intervention Form and /or Lunch Study Hall
3. Parental Contact and Lunch Study Hall
4. Disciplinary Referral and Parent-Teacher Conference

Grading Policy:
CATEGORY 1-6 DETAIL GRADE
PERCENTAGE

6 Near perfect demonstration of understanding / skill; High confidence; Mastery of 95%, 97%, 100%
learning standard.

Expert 5 Strong demonstration of understanding / skill; High confidence; Slight error 86%, 90%, 94%
involved.

4 Good demonstration of understanding / skill; Confidence evident; A few errors. 73%, 80%, 85%

Apprentice 3 Satisfactory demonstration of understanding / basic skills; Key concepts are 60%, 66%, 72%
lacking; Errors common.

2 Minimal understanding of key concepts and rudimentary demonstration of basic 50%, 55%, 59%
skills; Many errors.

Novice 1 Inadequate understanding of key concepts and little to no demonstration of basic 30%, 40%, 45%
skills; Errors throughout.

Film & Multimedia: Periodically, students may have opportunities to watch movies during the school day to aid
in understanding of a specific lesson. In our exploration of English Language Arts, we may show films,
documentaries, or other multimedia. The media will help the student gain a better understanding of our content.
Some of the films or documentaries that we will be showing may have a PG (EX: An Inconvenient Truth, Food Inc.)
PG-13 (EX: Blackfish, The Cove, Chasing Ice) or R Rating (EX: Schindlers List). All of the movies shown will be of
appropriate nature. By signing this syllabus, you are giving your child permission to view films at the teachers
discretion. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact you childs teacher at any time.

Parents, please sign below to acknowledge that you and your child have read, discussed, and will adhere to the course syllabus.
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Parent/ Guardian Name (Printed) Date Student Name (Printed) Class Period

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Parent/ Guardian Signature Student Signature
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Parent email address