Welcome to McCullough Junior High

1. Welcome to McCulloughJunior High Miss Megan Kelley7th Grade Language Arts

2. Literature Students will need a new or used copy of: Tunes For Bears To Dance To by Robert Cormier → needed by 9/10 Seedfolksby Paul Fleischman → novel provided Texby S.E. Hinton → needed for the second nine weeks

3. Literature – Spring Semester The Glory Field by Walter Dean Myers A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare (Barron's ed. rec.)

4. In conjunction with the novels… • Vocabulary and word parts Required Book: Sadlier-Oxford Vocabulary Workshop, Level B *The first SAT vocabulary quiz is the second week of school. This book will be used all year. A link to the vocabulary site is on my website. • Poetry, speeches, scripts, and various pieces of non-fiction • Writing Process- organizing, drafting, and proofing • Various Purposes and Styles • Mechanics-capitalization, punctuation, grammar, and usage

5. Outside Reading (SURF Reading) • 500 pages each quarter • Appropriate reading level • Outside reading project each nine weeks • Students must bring their Outside Reading Book (SURF Book) to class each day • Check my website for suggested reading lists.

6. Assessments • Classwork and homework will focus on developing critical thinking, reading and writing skills, and study skills that will help students succeed as they continue to move through their educational careers and into the real world. • State Testing STAAR Writing: April 1 and April 2 STAAR Reading: April 23

7. CRISS Strategies • Creating Independence Through Student-owned Strategies • We will practice and use strategies to help in studying, organizing, and presenting. These strategies can be used throughout their learning careers and in all subject areas. • In this class, students are expected to select a strategy to independently study assigned vocabulary words outside of class.

8. Extra Help • Advisory: Students may get a pass to see me for extra help • Tutoring: • Before school Monday-Thursday, no pass needed • During advisory with a pass

9. Electronics Policy All electronics Cell/smart phones, e-readers, ipods, etc... must be turned off by 8:50 or when the student enters the classroom, whichever is first. Possible class activities utilizing smartphones -Must have parent permission. -Students will be in small groups so all can participate. -If a student takes advantage, he/she will receive the standard consequence (referral, device sent to office)

10. Grading Policy & Make Up Work School policy is as follows... • Major grades 60% • Daily grades (and homework) 20% • Quizzes 20% Late Work • Major Grade Projects-10 points per day, includes days absent • Quiz grades-no credit • Daily grades – late work is not accepted, including homework • It's the student's responsibility to check the Absent Binder and ask for help to get caught up. • No locker passes for forgotten work! • Check your child’s planner for the most up-to-date information about homework. • No extra credit will be offered

11. Contacting Miss Kelley • Conference: • Please contact the Counseling Center if you wish to schedule a parent teacher conference. • -Red Days: 9:00 – 10:00 • -Green Days: 10:30 - 11:30 • Email: makelley@conroeisd.net • Website: http://mccullough.conroeisd.net/Teachers/makelley/ • Mobile Site: http://m.wix.com/makelle9/kelley

12. Parent Access Center 1. http://www.conroeisd.net 2. Under Parent/Student, click on account registration Stay Informed!! Grades Schedule Attendance Lunch Money STAAR scores Bus schedule And much more!

13. Student tips for a successful year • Get a good night's sleep • Eat breakfast • Listen in class • Follow directions • Ask questions • Write in planner • Study on a regular basis • Turn in homework/projects on time

14. Thanks for coming Parent-Teacher communication is very important for student success. I want to see your kids succeed!