Dear 8th Grade Parents and Students,
Welcome back to another year at Saint Norbert School. It is my hope that
this year will be a wonderful year for all of you and that we will continue
the process of preparing your children for high school.
I have included all important information about my classroom expectations and
policies regarding homework and grading. Although I have already reviewed
this in class with the students, I ask that you review this with your child
to clear up any questions or concerns that you or your child might have. It
is important to note that all grades are weighted and will have an impact on
the overall grade at the end of each trimester.
As part of the curriculum, I have selected three novels that will deal with
the themes of “Growing Up” and “Facing Challenges.” I find that these two
themes are very applicable to eighth grade students as they are adjusting to
becoming young men and women. In addition, we will be reading Night to
complement our trip to the Museum of Tolerance and the Holocaust Museum. I
hope that these novels will provide the students with an exposure to
different styles of literature, as well as continue with the literature
program. I will be ordering them through Barnes and Noble, and will collect
money for the novels at the beginning of each trimester.
Because we are a part of a triangle of success for the students, I ask that
you contact me as issues arise throughout the school year. My job is to
provide an environment where your child can be successful, and I can only do
that when we remain in constant communication. I encourage you to contact
me with any concerns you have. Working together, your child can have the
best year ever!
I pray that we have a wonderfully successful year!
In Christ,
Deanna O’Keefe
dokeefe@stnorbertchurch.org
cell 813-3164
home 281-7212
Mrs. O’Keefe – 8th Grade
Classroom Policies and Procedures
Saint Norbert School
2010-2011
Classroom Expectations
• Be respectful to yourself and to others
• Be prepared and on time
• Ask questions in order to learn
• No gum in the classroom
Grading Policy
In accordance with the grading policy at Saint Norbert School, the grade
scale for 7th and 8th graders is as follows:
A 95-100 C+ 77-79
A- 90-94 C 73-76
B+ 87-89 C- 70-72
B 83-86 D 60-69
B- 80-82 F 59 and below
Homework
Homework is an extension of material that has been covered in class during
lecture and/or individual reading. I expect all homework assignments to be
completed and turned in on time. Homework should be done to the best of the
student’s ability. Questions about assignments or specific problems on
homework should be addressed before the assignment is to be turned in.Late
homework will be accepted if it is turned in before the test on the
material. Late homework will only receive half credit.
English Grammar
The language arts curriculum for the eighth grade students is largely focused
on teaching and reinforcing basic grammar skills, mechanics, and structure.
At all grade levels, grammar skills are taught and assessed based upon each
individual level. The eight parts of speech are the primary focus of the
first trimester in order to provide a solid foundation for the rest of the
year. Following the eight parts of speech, basic sentence structure and parts
of the sentence are taught.
Literature
Literature will consist of reading grade-level literary selections both in
and out of the classroom. We will focus largely on the four main elements of
literature – character, conflict, plot, and setting. In addition to the
reading selections from the textbook, we will also be reading one novel per
trimester. Key literary/poetry terms and concepts will be covered as well.
In addition, students will be expected to read 180 minutes (3 hours) on a
weekly basis. Generally, the students will be given 30 minutes of silent
reading in class each week, but they will be responsible to complete the rest
of the reading outside of school. All students are also expected to complete
their Accelerated Reader points before the end of each trimester as they,
coupled with the weekly reading logs, comprise 30% of the literature grade.
Vocabulary
Since vocabulary has been incorporated into the curriculum to expand student
vocabulary knowledge and usage, we will generally cover one chapter in the
vocabulary book each week (Mondays and Fridays). We will begin by studying
word parts, prefixes, suffixes and root words. The denotation and
connotation of words will be discussed and studied. Most chapters will be
divided into a two week block of study. Week one will consist only of basic
vocabulary words, spelling, and part of speech. Building upon week one,
during week two of study students will be expected to know the definition of
the words and be able to use them correctly in a sentence. Spending time
studying and drilling both inside and outside of class should allow students
sufficient time to become familiar with the vocabulary words. The students
are expected to make an effort to recognize the words in the written/oral
context and should try to incorporate the words into their personal
vocabulary.
History
History will consist of class lectures, collaborative learning assignments,
and research. We will study the events from colonization through the Civil
War and Reconstruction, with special emphasis on the Constitution of the
United States. Focus will be placed on the challenges that faced the new
nation, as well as the causes, course and consequences of the Civil War.
Students will travel to Washington D.C., Boston, and New York City to
reinforce what has been discussed and taught in the classroom.
Discipline
Strike/ Calendar Behavior System
A “Strike System” is used in the seventh and eighth grades by all faculty and
staff. Students are given strikes for reasons listed but not limited to
those cited in the St. Norbert Parish School Handbook pages 22 and 23. The
faculty will monitor student strikes given each week; students whose choices
and behavior have warranted three or more strikes in a given week will be
issued an after school detention.
Students must carry their student planners with them at all times, and
strikes will be tracked in the calendar section of their planners.
Behavior grades will be calculated in the following way:
No strikes in a day…………………………..4 Points
1 Strike in a day……………………………..2 Points
2+ Strikes in a given day…………………….0 Points
Consequences:
3 strikes/ teacher signatures in a week….students will receive a 45 minute
after school detention.
3 detentions in a trimester…. a conference will be scheduled with the
student, teachers, Principal, and parents,
and a
contract will be written.
4 detentions within a trimester…student will receive an in school suspension
for one day.
5 detentions in a trimester…. Student will receive an out of school
suspension for one day.
6 Detentions in a trimester….Student will be asked to leave Saint Norbert
Parish School.
***The school wide discipline plan is strictly enforced throughout the junior
high program. (P.23-24 Saint Norbert Parish School Handbook.)
