Doral Academy Preparatory School

1. Doral Academy Preparatory School Open House 2014-2015 Mrs. Kristina Fiorentino Room 119B kfiorentino@dadeschools.net 7th Grade Language Arts

2. Course Description & Grading Policy This course has been structured to teach students the fundamentals in literary work and formal writing (APA/SAT). In addition, vocabulary and grammar will be covered throughout the year. Topics of discussion will include: • Pursuit of Goals • Principles of a Just Society • Civil Rights • Getting Along – Challenges of Human Interactions Students grades will be based as follows: • A: 90-100, B: 80-89, C: 70-79, D: 60-69, F: 59 or below • Tests 40% (Novels/Unit Tests) • Homework/Classwork 10% (Daily Work) • Quizzes 20% (Reading Plus, Vocabulary, Grammar, etc.) • Projects/Essays 30%

3. Class Materials & Supplemental Materials REQUIRED MATERIALS: • 1.5” 3 Ring Hard Cover Binder • Dividers – 5 or 8 tabs • 2 blackorblue & 2 red pens – NO PENCILS • Loose Leaf Paper –College Rule • Highlighters – Various Colors • 1 Composition Notebook • Dictionary & Thesaurus • StudySyncand Reading Plus Username and Password REQUIRED NOVELS: • 1stQuarter – The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien • 2ndQuarter – The Giver by Lois Lowry • 3rdQuarter – Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroadby Ann Petry • 4thQuarter – The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton Students must come to class prepared by bringing all materials. It is a distraction to themselves and others if they do not have all the appropriate materials. Organization is critical and essential to do well in this class.

4. Student Expectations • BE PROMPT – Be on time to class, seated and ready to work when the bell rings. • BE ORDERLY – Enter and leave the room in an orderly manner. Sit in your assigned seats correctly. Raise your hand and wait to be recognized to speak or leave your seat. Do not speak while someone else is speaking. Do not throw any objects. No sleeping in class. • BE PREPARED – Bring materials/books to class daily. Homework will be out and ready to be turned in by the time the bell rings. Failure to turn in homework assignments will reflect on your grade, and NOlate work will be accepted. • BE NEAT – Put trash in receptacle as you leave. Keep work area clean. Do not write on the desks. Keep work and binder neat and organized. • BE RESPECTFUL – Show the same respect to others and their property that you would expect. Do not use foul language. All adults are to be shown the upmost respect. • FOLLOW SCHOOL RULES – My classroom follows all school wide rules. I WILL confiscate any and all electronic devices that are visible/used in my class. Parents will have to come in the next business day to pick up the device from the main office. No food/gum in class.Be in dress code at ALL TIMES.

5. Reading Plus / StudySync READING PLUS • Website: www.login.readingplus.com • Click "Student Login" to log in • Student username: mdcps(no spaces and the student ID # - example: mdcps1645238) • Student password: Student's ID # (example: 1645238) • Site code: doral • Reading Plus will be assigned weekly and must be completed BY SUNDAY at midnight. • Reports will be printed Monday morning and will count as a weekly QUIZ grade. Below you will see the details for grading: • A grade of an A is given for weekly assignments completed with an 80% comprehension score or higher.  • A grade of an F is given for weekly assignments completed but with a comprehension score below 80%. • A grade of a Z (zero) is given for no completed weekly assignments. • It is either an "A", an "F", or a "Z" grade. Nothing else. No exceptions. 

6. Reading Plus / StudySync STUDYSYNC StudySyncis our new course textbook. It is an electronic data base of literature, grammar, vocabulary, and skills. StudySync is used in class everyday and homework assignments are assigned from here as well. Redemption Code ZTRF-Q7H9-76LQ1. Go to www.connected.mcgraw-hill.com2. Select "Create a new account" button.3. Enter the Redemption Code shown above and click Register.4. Enter your First Name and Last Initial then click Finish.5. Write down your Username and Password.

7. Homework & Attendance HOMEWORK Homework will be assigned EVERYDAY. All homework will be posted online on our classroom website, as well as announced during class. There are times where additional tasks may be assigned verbally in class but not posted online. Homework is due the next class day unless otherwise stated on the class website. Failure to do so will result in the following: 1. “Pink Slip” - a zero for that assignment (if it becomes consistent, steps 2 and 3 will follow) 2. Parent contact 3. Parent conference ATTENDANCE Daily class attendance is important for student success. If the student is absent at any time it is his/her responsibility to request the classwork and homework that was missed and will receive 2 days to complete and return the work ONLY IF the absence is EXCUSED. If the student is absent on a day homework is due he/she are responsible for turning it in upon your return to school.

9. Contact Information If you need to get a hold of me to discuss any questions, comments, or concerns regarding my class, specific assignments, or your child's progress please feel free to email me at kfiorentino@dadeschools.net. You will receive a reply within 48 hours. If you would like a phone conference or a physical parent conference please set up the day and time with Mrs. Marta Pabon in the middle school office. I am available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 7:45am - 8:15am and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30pm - 4:00pm.

10. Thank You! CLASS WEBSITE: http://doralacademyprep.enschool.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=542584&type=u&termREC_ID=&pREC_ID=463418